How To Check Your EBT Balance In New Hampshire [Learn The Facts]

If you’re reading this article, then chances are that you or a loved one are using – or are about to use – EBT. 

Many low-income American families use EBT, which is a monthly governmental benefit. EBT can make a huge difference to families, especially when it comes to grocery bills. All too often, households skimp on groceries, which naturally leads to other problems. 

So, what should you know about EBT? What can you buy with EBT – and more importantly, what can’t you buy? 

Let’s find out. 

Table of Contents: 

What Is EBT? 

EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer and is an umbrella term for all electronically issued benefits. While many benefits were given out and spent as old-fashioned paper coupons, benefits are now issued electronically and paid with plastic payment cards. 

EBT is most commonly used to receive SNAP benefits, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. SNAP benefits are paid into an EBT account monthly and used for purchases with a plastic payment card. 

This payment card allows users to make online purchases as well as payments in stores. You can’t overdraw on your EBT account – once your balance has run out, you won’t be able to make any more purchases. However, leftover benefits will roll onto the next month, so you won’t lose any extra money. 

While EBT is suitable to use for most food items, there are rules as to what you can and can’t buy with your EBT card. 

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What Can You Buy With EBT? 

EBT and SNAP benefits are designed to supplement a household’s nutritional needs. This means that your EBT card should only be used to buy food items. This still leaves you with plenty of choices when it comes to your weekly shop. 

Here’s what you can buy with EBT: 

  • Fruit and vegetables (frozen, canned, and fresh)
  • Meat, poultry, fish, and seafood 
  • Bread, cereals, and grains
  • Baking products
  • Baby food 
  • Dairy and dairy substitutes (milk, cheese, almond, soy, or coconut milk)
  • Non-alcoholic beverages (soda, juice, bottled water, etc)
  • Snack foods (chips, ice cream, candy, etc)

There are plenty of choices for EBT users. As you can see, the only real criteria for a suitable item is that it should be classed as a food item. There are no rules as to brand, price, or type of food. 

Even “luxury” foods are included, like snacks, meat, and seafood. 

What Can’t You Buy With EBT?

It’s reasonable to assume that not everything is covered by your EBT card. While some unapproved items are fairly self-explanatory, there are certain items to beware of. 

Since some items are still essential household goods, you’ll need to use another method of payment for these items. 

Here’s what you can’t buy with EBT: 

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Tobacco products
  • Gambling/lottery tickets
  • Pet food
  • Medicine, vitamins, and supplements (some energy drinks are classed as supplements, so be careful)
  • Personal items (like cosmetics, electronics, furniture, clothing, etc)
  • Hot, preprepared food and drinks (fast food, rotisserie chickens, hot coffee, etc)
  • Household supplies (paper goods, cleaning products, etc)
  • Hygiene and grooming products (sanitary pads, tampons, soap, shampoo, etc)
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If you try and buy an unapproved item, your card will be declined at the checkout. Even if you are able to make a purchase, you’ll need to pay that money back later. 

It’s important not to keep trying to buy unapproved items. At best, your card will be declined. At worst, your benefits account could be suspended. 

How to Check Your EBT Balance In New Hampshire

The simplest way to check your EBT balance in Texas (or anywhere else, for that matter) is to review your last EBT purchase receipt. Your closing balance should be listed there on the receipt. 

However, logging into your online account can be just as quick and easy as fishing out an old receipt, and it also allows you to review other information. Here’s how to do that. 

  • Step One: Start by visiting this site. You’ll be taken to the EBT login site. Clicking on the “Cardholder Login” option on the far left of the page will take you to the official login page.

  • Step Three: If you’re having difficulty logging in, click the “trouble logging in?” option below the login button. Then you can click on your particular issue (for example, if you’ve forgotten your password, click the “forgot password” option. Then, follow the instructions given onscreen.

  • Step Four: If you’re still having difficulty logging in, click the “trouble signing in FAQs” option in red at the bottom of the page. This opens a separate downloadable booklet that outlines a few frequently asked questions about logging onto your EBT account.
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Frequently Asked EBT Questions 

Let’s take a look at a few frequently asked questions from EBT users in New Hampshire. 

  • How can I find out whether I can use EBT in a store? 

Most mainstream stores accept EBT. If you’re not sure, ask a member of staff or call the customer service number on the back of your card. 

Yes, you can, although you may need to use your own money to pay for delivery fees and tips. 

The Bottom Line

Using your EBT account doesn’t need to be difficult. The premise is fairly straightforward, and you have a customer service number on the back of your card to call if you have any questions. 

EBT cards are accepted all over America, in most mainstream stores. However, if you’re not sure whether a store accepts EBT, ask a member of staff before you start shopping. You can also use your EBT card to shop online, however, you may need to have another method of payment attached, for delivery fees, tips, and other charges.