This post is all about several ways you can check Pennsylvania EBT card balance. So in the end, you will learn the whole process, as we shall explain in detail the ways you can successfully check your Pennsylvania EBT Card Balance, in order to know how much you have left in your card. Also, you will see what food to buy with your EBT card and as well other things you need to know about your Pennsylvania EBT Card.
In the state of Pennsylvania, residents who apply for Pennsylvania food assistance, and were approved of the benefits. They will be issued and an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. This card contains the benefits which are being deposited every month.
The Pennsylvania EBT Card can also be called the Pennsylvania ACCESS Card. Once your EBT card has been funded, you can use it at approved retail locations to purchase nutritious food approved by the USDA.
It’s the department that is in charge of administering and managing the Pennsylvania Food Stamps program to approved households, is the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). Through the Pennsylvania COMPASS website, the department review and approve new applications, a household can renew their benefits and as well any fraud, in order to help prevent abuse of the assistance program.
Meanwhile, if you are currently receiving Food Stamps in Pennsylvania, then you must know that there are certain foods that you are allowed to buy with your Pennsylvania EBT card. See the list of eligible food stamp items you can buy with the EBT card at an approved EBT store location.
List of Eligible Food Stamp Items
- Fruits
- Loaves of bread
- Vegetables
- Dairy products
- Meats, fish, poultry
- bakery items
- Cookies
- Cereals
- Seeds and plants that produce food
- Soft drinks
- Energy drinks (It must have a nutrition label)
- Candy
- Snack crackers
- Ice cream
- Live seafood, such as lobster, fish, and shellfish.
Also, see the list of certain items you CANNOT buy with your Pennsylvania ACCESS Card EBT card.
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Soaps
- Hot food
- Pet foods
- Medicines and vitamins
- Cosmetics
- Paper products
- Household supplies
Stores That Accept EBT Card Online for Delivery
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started a pilot program (Online Purchasing Pilot). This program allows selected grocery stores to start accepting EBT cards online from EBT cardholders for grocery shopping, and as well deliver your foods to your doorstep.
EBT cardholders can now be able to purchase food online for delivery from the below-approved grocery stores.
- Amazon
- FreshDirect
- ShopRite
- Hart’s Local Grocers
- Dash’s Market
- Wright’s Markets, Inc
- Safeway
- Hy-Vee, Inc.
- Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.
How To Check Pennsylvania EBT Card Balance
Pennsylvania EBT cardholders have three options for checking their Pa ACCESS Card balance. Just read through to see the options available.
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Checking Your Balance Via Phone
As an EBT cardholder, you can easily check your card balance by calling the Pennsylvania ACCESS Card Customer hotline at 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366). Before you place the call, ensure you have your ACCESS EBT Card number and PIN ready, as you will be required to provide this information in order to know your ACCESS Card balance.
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How To Check Your Pa ACCESS Card Balance Online
It’s easy to check your Pennsylvania EBT Card balance is online. But in order to check your Pennsylvania ACCESS Card balance online, you must create your Pennsylvania Connect EBT account. Once you log in with your User ID and Password at the website https://www.connectebt.com/paebtclient/index.jsp then you will be able to know your balance and as well view your transaction history.
If you are yet to create an account, click on the “Create User Account” link. Then you will be guided with the instructions on how to create an account for online access to your Pennsylvania EBT ACCESS Card.
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Checking Your Last Transaction Receipt
This is yet another easy way to check your Pennsylvania EBT Card balance. You can view your balance by checking your most recent purchase receipt or ATM receipt (for TANF recipients). Your current balance on your card is located at the bottom of your last purchased receipt.
So, ensure you keep your recent Pennsylvania ACCESS Card receipts if you want to quickly check your balance.
Whichever method you choose, you can use it to know your current balance on your Pennsylvania EBT Card at any point in time.
ALSO READ: How To Check ACCESS Florida Card Balance
Note: You can use your EBT card outside of your state of residence at any store or ATM that accepts EBT cards. But ensure to report any address change to your local county public assistance office.
Also, if lost your card, it’s been stolen, or you suspect that someone else knows your PIN, the customer service number at the back of your EBT card immediately, to have your EBT card canceled or to change your PIN.
For any further questions about the Pennsylvania EBT ACCESS Card, please use the comment section below to let us know.