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

David Duford last updated on April 19, 2022

For millions of American families, EBT is a crucial part of the monthly budget. However, balancing your food stamp benefits can be a little trickier than you might expect.

While you can’t overspend on your EBT account, you can certainly run out of money. So, keeping an eye on your account balance is very important, and each state has a slightly different method of checking the EBT balance for that state.

So, how can you check your EBT balance? When will you receive your benefits? Let’s discuss these questions and more.

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What Is EBT?

EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is an umbrella term used to refer to all electronically issued benefits. These benefits include FA, WIP, and most commonly of all, SNAP benefits.

SNAP, or Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, has replaced the old-fashioned food stamp coupons but serves the same purpose.

EBT is now used electronically. Your monthly benefits will be paid into your EBT account, and you’ll use a plastic card like a debit or credit card to pay for your purchases in stores and online.

It’s worth noting that you can’t use your EBT card to get cash. This means you can’t ask for cash back in stores, and while you can use your card to check your balance in an ATM in some areas, you can’t withdraw cash.

This is because EBT and SNAP benefits are only designed to pay for food groceries. Trying to buy non-food or unapproved items will lead to your EBT card getting declined, or in serious cases suspended altogether.

So, here’s what you can buy with EBT:

Fruit and vegetables
Bread, cereals, grains, and baking ingredients (like flour, sugar, etc)
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy and non-dairy products (this includes milk, cheese, etc, but also dairy substitutes like almond milk)
Snack foods (ice cream, chips, candy, etc)
Baby food and formula
Non-alcoholic beverages
Nuts, seeds, and beans

As you can see, most food items are covered by your SNAP benefits. However, not everything is covered by SNAP.

Here’s what you can’t buy with EBT:

Alcoholic beverages
Tobacco products
Gambling/lottery tickets
Electronics
Clothes, cosmetics, or other personal items
Hygiene and grooming products (like soap, shampoo, sanitary pads, tampons, diapers, etc)
Household supplies (cleaning products, paper goods, etc)
Pet food
Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

If you don’t spend all of your SNAP benefits in one month, the remaining money will roll over to the next month, so you’ll have a little extra to spend.

Frequently Asked EBT Questions In Oregon

Each state handles its EBT users a little differently, so it’s worth doing extra research before you move or travel to another state. Fortunately, you can use your EBT card all over America, in most mainstream stores.

Let’s briefly discuss a few commonly asked questions about using EBT in Oregon.

When will I receive my EBT benefits in Oregon?

EBT benefits are deposited between the 1st and 9th of each month. Which day you receive your benefits will depend on the last number of your social security number.

For example, if your SSN number ends in a 0 or a 1, you’ll receive your benefits on the 1st of each month. If your SSN number ends in a 2, you’ll receive your benefits on the 2nd, and so on.

What is the maximum SNAP benefit in Oregon?

The amount of benefits you’ll receive (in Oregon or any other state) depends on your income and the size of your household.

For instance, if you live alone, you can receive a benefit amount of up to $204. If you have a household of four, you can receive a benefit of up to $680. For more information, call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card.

How To Check Your Oregon EBT Balance

Regularly checking your EBT balance is important – you don’t want to run out of money halfway through the month! However, checking your EBT balance in Oregon is a little tricker than in some other states.

There are several ways to check your EBT balance in Oregon, using your Oregon Trail Card.

Step One: Start by visiting this site. While you won’t be able to sign in to check your EBT balance online, you can review important information and learn where to check your balance. You’ll see a page introducing you to an Oregon Trail Card, as well as information on how to use it.

Step Two: Scrolling down the page will show you how to check your EBT balance. One option is to call a customer service number, at 1-888-997-4447, and listen to the options given. Alternatively, you can check your last receipt. Your closing EBT balance should be listed on the receipt.

Step Three: Scrolling further down the page will give you the information needed if you need to get a new PIN, lose your card, or suspect that it’s been stolen. Alternatively, you can visit this website for a handy table on all the EBT information you might need.

If you have any queries about your EBT benefits, you can always call the customer service number listed on the back of your EBT card. When you call the number given, you’ll get an automated response with several possible numbers to press, depending on what information you need.

The Bottom Line

Using an EBT card is simple, once you’re used to it. Since the card has replaced the old-fashioned paper coupons, buying a week’s shopping is straightforward and easy.

Most stores allow you to make multiple payments on one load of shopping. This is handy, especially if you’re buying non-food groceries. You can use your EBT card to pay for your food, and your own money to buy non-food groceries.

You can also use your EBT card to go through self-checkout tills, although buying online isn’t always covered under EBT regulations.

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