How To Check Your EBT Balance In Wyoming [Get The Facts]

David Duford last updated on April 14, 2022

Few things put as much strain on a family as financial issues. Once you’ve got into money troubles of any description, it’s very difficult to get out. Unfortunately, many households resort to skimping on the weekly food bill to cut costs.

As you can imagine, cutting down on a household’s food (aside from basic thrifty measures, of course) is not a good idea. This is where EBT and SNAP benefits come in.

What is EBT? Who is eligible for EBT? How can you use it?

Let’s find out.

What Is EBT?

EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is an electronic account into which various governmentally issued benefits are paid. SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps) is the most common benefit received through EBT.

EBT is designed for households under a certain income limit. This limit varies from state to state and will depend on the size of your household. If you fall below the income limit, you will be eligible for a payment.

This benefit will be paid into your EBT account every month. You’ll use your benefits to make purchases by swiping a plastic payment card at a store checkout or using it online. You can’t use your EBT card to withdraw cash.

Unlike a regular debit or credit card, you can’t overdraw on your EBT account. Once your monthly balance is gone, you’ll need to wait until your benefits renew before making any more purchases. However, any leftover benefits will add on to the next month, so nothing is wasted.

What Can You Buy With EBT?

It stands to reason that you shouldn’t use your food stamps money to buy personal items. Food stamps are designed to buy – well, food. As long as an item is classed as food, it’s suitable for purchase with an EBT card.

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)

It’s up to you how, when, and on what you spend your benefits. You might want to splurge on a few treats or make your benefits last for the whole month. Either way, try and make sure your family is getting good, nutritious food every week.

What Can’t You Buy With EBT?

While it’s obvious that you shouldn’t use your EBT to buy alcohol or tobacco, some unapproved items may be surprising.

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)

When it comes to essential items that aren’t covered by your EBT (like medicines, cleaning products, paper goods, and hygiene items), you’ll need to use your own money for the purchases. This is the same whether you’re buying in-store or online.

How To Check Your EBT Balance In Wyoming

The simplest way to check your EBT balance – in Wyoming or anywhere else – is to dig out the receipt for your last EBT purchases. Your closing balance should be listed there. However, logging onto your online account is just as easy and provides you with more information.

Here’s how to check your EBT balance online:

Step One: Start by visiting this site. This will take you to the EBT governmental cardholder page. To access your EBT card balance, click on “cardholder login” on the far left of the page.

Step Two: Next, you’ll be presented with a login box. You’ll be prompted to enter your user ID and password. Once you’ve done that, you can access your account and view your balance, as well as other information.

Step Three: If you’re having difficulty signing in, click on the “trouble signing in” option below the login button. You’ll be presented with several options to choose from. For example, if this is your first time using your EBT card, you’ll need to unlock your user ID. If you’ve forgotten your password, click the “forgot password” option and follow the instructions given onscreen. Then you should be able to reset your password and create a new one.

Step Four: If you’re still struggling with logging into your EBT account, click on the “trouble signing in FAQs” option in red at the bottom of the page. This will open a downloadable booklet explaining how to log onto your account and other frequently asked questions.

Frequently Asked EBT Questions

Rules for EBT may differ ever so slightly as you move from state to state. Here are a few frequently asked questions from EBT users in Wyoming.

Can you apply for EBT online?

Yes, you can. For more information on how to find your online EBT application form or where to go, visit this site.

How long can I use EBT in Wyoming?

The average length of an EBT approval period in Wyoming is 6-12 months. However, this can vary depending on your individual circumstances. If you apply for SNAP, you’ll get a caseworker. Be sure to discuss the length of your benefits period with them.

The Bottom Line

The point of EBT and SNAP is to make life a little easier for low-income households. This means providing money for food, leaving other income freed up to pay rent, bills, and other essential payments.

EBT cards are accepted in most mainstream stores and many smaller stores. You can also use your EBT card to shop online. However, you may need to cover delivery fees, tips, and other charges yourself.