How to apply for the Florida EBT card for SNAP or ACCESS Florida low-income benefits

The EBT card in Florida, also known as the Benefit Security Card is used for two programs: Food Stamps, as well as the temporary cash assistance program. Families that qualify under the income guidelines can apply for and receive these cards in either of these programs.  Note that the Food Stamp Program has changed it's name to the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) effective October 2008. The food stamp and other assistance programs are also known more generally as "ACCESS Florida"

To apply for and use the Florida EBT card, follow these steps:

To apply in person: Contact your local Florida department of Children and Families office to get an application for temporary cash assistance  and/or food stamp services.  You can also download the ACCESS Florida form online and fill it out before your visit.

To apply online: Start with this page and find the link labeled "Apply for Food Stamps, Temporary Cash Assistance, or Medicaid"

 Be sure to check the eligibility requirements first.

1. When you receive the card, sign it on the back. If you chose to receive your card via mail, you must call their Help Desk at 1-888-356-3281 to register the card. You can't use your card unless it is registered. The help desk will then allow you to choose your PIN (Personal Identification Number).
2. If you obtained the card for food stamp benefits, you can then use the Benefit Security card at participating stores to purchase food.
3. With the Tempoary Cash Assistance program, you can use your card to withdraw cash or make purchases at participating stores.

Useful phone numbers if you run into problems

EBT
Training Helpline
1-866-889-7330

EBT
Customer Service
1-888-356-3281

ACCESS
Customer Service
1-866-762-2237

TDD/TTY
Phone Number
1-800-955-8771

Important Things To Know About EBT Services

• Cash benefits are available by the 3rd day of each month.
• Food assistance benefits are available by the 15th day of each month. (SUNCAP food assistance benefits are available by the 3rd day of each month.)
• If you have a bank account, you may have cash benefits direct deposited into your bank account. (Call your local DCF office or ACCESS customer service for more information.)
• You cannot be charged a fee to use your food benefits.
• You cannot be required to make a minimum purchase to use your food benefits.
• You may request a 60-day transaction statement from EBT Customer Service.
• You may use your EBT card in other states. (Remember to call ACCESS customer service if you are planning to move.)
• Each of your benefits will remain in your account(s) for 12 months. If you do not use the benefit at all during the 12-month period, the benefit will be removed from your account(s).
• Once a benefit is removed from your account due to 12 months of non-use, the benefit can not be restored or replaced.

Aside from the Florida EBT card, there are many other programs, such as food pantries and the Angel Food Ministries program. You can contact a local church or community action agency to locate local food pantries. Angel Food Ministries are also available across Florida and nationwide. You can purchase boxes of food for a small charge of around $30 to help feed your family. There are no minimum income limits to meet. Angel Food Ministries'  website is located at angelfoodministries.com

Other helpful information:

• Our Debt Reduction and Credit Card areas.
• Low Income Assistance