Alabama EBT Card FAQs

We know readers have various questions regarding the Alabama EBT Card and the SNAP Benefits program in general. As a result, we have set up this Alabama EBT Card FAQs page to address the most common questions we get.

More questions will be added as and when we receive reader feedback.

See the most frequently asked questions about Alabama Food Stamps and Alabama EBT below.

What is the Alabama EBT Card?

An EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card is a plastic card that acts like a debit card that is used to distribute public assistance benefits.

The Alabama EBT card is used for the delivery of benefits such as Alabama Food Assistance (SNAP benefits) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).

Once you are approved for food stamps or cash assistance, you will receive your benefits each month on an Alabama EBT Card.

How much you receive in EBT benefits largely on your income and the number of people in your household.

Your EBT card can be used to purchase food at grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers’ markets, and co-op food programs.

Furthermore, you can use your EBT card to buy groceries online at select retailers for delivery, including Amazon and Walmart.

How do I apply for Alabama EBT?

There are three ways you can apply for food stamps EBT benefits in Alabama:

Option 1 – Apply online

You can apply online through the Alabama MyDHR account.

If you have an account, you can log in or create your MyDHR Account. Click here to be taken to the website.

Option 2 – Apply at DHR Office Near You

You can apply in person at the Alabama Department of Human Resources office near you. Click here to locate a DHR office.

Option 3 – Download Alabama Food Stamps Application

You can download an application, complete it, and mail it to your county DHR office or submit it in person.

Call your county DHR office if none of these methods will work for you. Click here to locate a DHR office.

What Can I buy with an Alabama SNAP EBT Card?

The USDA, which runs the food stamps program has a strict guide on what you can and cannot buy with SNAP benefits.

Here is the list of food items you are allowed to purchase with your SNAP Benefits card:

• fruits
• vegetables
• meats, fish, poultry
• deli meats and steak
• dairy products
• breads
• cereals
• seeds and plants that produce food for the household
• soft drinks
• candy
• cookies
• snack crackers
• ice cream
• energy drinks (must have a nutrition label)
• live seafood, such as lobster, fish, and shellfish
• pumpkins (as long as they are edible)
• birthday cakes (the non-edible piece of the cake cannot exceed 50 percent)
• bakery items

Here’s what you CANNOT buy with your SNAP benefits:

• Alcoholic beverages
• tobacco products
• hot food (prepared for immediate consumption)
• Nonfood items
• pet foods
• soaps
• paper products
• medicines and vitamins
• household supplies
• grooming items
• cosmetics

How do I Check Alabama EBT Card Balance?

Here are the options available to you to check the balance on your Alabama EBT Card:

Check Your Balance Online

Logging on to the EBT Card website, as shown above, to check the balance on your card.

Check your Balance by Phone

Also, you can call the Alabama EBT Customer Service Helpline Number (1-800-997-8888) on the back of your card.

After you enter your sixteen (16) digit EBT card number, you will hear your current food assistance or cash account balance(s).

Use an ATM or POS Machine

Additionally, you can check your food assistance or cash account balances at an ATM or Point of Sale (POS) machine.

Locate Your Last Receipt

Finally, you can also check your Alabama EBT Card balance by viewing your last transaction receipt.

Your EBT Card balance should be printed at the bottom of your receipt.

What is the Phone Number for Alabama EBT?

Here’s the number to call if you are trying to reach Alabama EBT Customer Service (Alabama ConnectEBT Support):

1-800-997-8888

You can call 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week

You can call the Alabama EBT Phone Number if:

• Your card is lost or stolen.
• Your card does not work.
• You want to change your PIN because you forgot it or if
  someone else knows your PIN.
• You want to find out how much you have left in your account.
• You have been charged for a purchase but you didn’t get the food or
  if you were charged too much for what you bought.
• You have other questions or problems.

How do I get a Replacement Alabama EBT Card?

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-997-8888 right away.

Your replacement card will be mailed to you and it will take 7-10 business days to arrive.

Is there Free Admissions with Alabama EBT?

If you currently have an Alabama EBT, you are eligible for free or discounted admission to over 600 museums nationwide.

This program is sponsored by Museums for All, and includes access to all types of museums — including art, history, natural history/anthropology, and general museums, children’s museums, science centers, planetariums, nature centers, historic houses/sites, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, and arboretums.

See the list of places in Alabama that offer Free or Discounted Admission for EBT Cardholders.

What Farmers Markets Double Alabama SNAP EBT Money?

Double Up Food Bucks in Alabama doubles the value of SNAP EBT benefits (Alabama EBT) spent at participating farmers’ markets and grocery stores, like Wright’s Market.

The program is run by Fair Food Network, a national nonprofit on a mission to connect people to the power of food to grow community health and wealth.

The goal of the program is to help low-income families bring home more healthy fruits and vegetables while supporting local farmers.

To locate Alabama Double Up Food Bucks Locations, click here.

How do I Login to Alabama EBT Account?

To log in to your Alabama EBT Card account, you need to visit the Alabama EBT Card website, which is run by Connect EBT.

To go to the Alabama Connect EBT website, click here.

Once there, User ID and Password, as shown by the image below.

Once logged in, you’ll be able to view your EBT account information, including the current balance and transaction history.

If you do not have a ConnectEBT account, click on the “Create User Account” link as shown below.

How do I recertify/Renew my Alabama Food Stamps?

Once you are approved for food stamps, your caseworker will tell you how long you’ve been approved for and how often you have to renew your benefits.

Generally, you will have to renew your food stamps every 6 months, 12 months, or 18 months depending on your situation.

This is called your certification period (the amount of time you will get food stamps before you have to renew your benefits).

When the time is near for you to renew your benefits, you will get a letter in the mail with instructions on how to renew your Alabama SNAP benefits.

There are two ways you can renew your benefits:

You can renew your benefits online using your MyDHR online account.

However, if you prefer to renew in person, you should call your caseworker or local DHR SNAP office for help.

Click here to locate a DHR office near you.

What if I lost food when my power was out because of the disaster?

If you lost food you purchased with your Alabama EBT benefits due to a power outage from a natural disaster, here’s what you can do:

The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) gives replacement food stamps in disasters.

Contact your local DHR office. Click here to locate a DHR office.

If you asked for replacement food stamps and were denied, you can appeal.

To appeal, write to the food stamp office where you applied.

When will Benefits Be Deposited to Alabama EBT?

Your benefits will be deposited onto your EBT card according to the schedule below:

Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your Alabama EBT card to purchase eligible food items.