Montana SNAP/TANF EBT Card
The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services distributes Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly referred to as "Food Stamps" benefits and cash assistance from the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program using an electronic benefit transfer (EBT) system.
The Montana EBT Card is similar to a debit card. Cardholders can use it to authorize the transfer of money from a government account to a retailer account to pay for products. Stores that accept the Montana EBT Card display a program logo.
Cardholders can access TANF benefits from most automated teller machines (ATMs), participating retailers, and post offices in Montana and across the nation. Food Stamp recipients can use the card to purchase approved food items at retailers anywhere in the nation who are authorized by the USDA Food and Nutrition Services.
To use the card, cardholders simply swipe it through a point-of-sale device and enter a personal identification number (PIN) to authorize the transaction.
The Department implemented the Montana EBT Card program for SNAP benefits in June 2002. It expanded the program to include TANF benefits in October 2002. TANF recipients have the option of 1) getting their benefits via the Montana EBT Card, 2) getting a state-issued warrant, or 3) having their benefits directly deposited to their bank account.
Montana EBT Cardholder Services
- Check your account balance and transactions, or activate a card
- Cardholder Help Desk, (866) 850-1556 ( Please do not use the Contact Webmaster form for benefit questions)
Montana EBT Retailer Services
- Retailer Online Portal
- Manual Voucher Authorization, (866) 850-1563
- Retail Help Desk (for retailers using state equipment only), (866) 850-1563
- Retailer General Information, (877) 823-4369
Montana EBT Card and SNAP Benefits Resources
- Example EBT Flyer - includes information on how to use your EBT card, setting a PIN, and foods you may purchase with SNAP.