Access Florida EBT Payment Card for Food Stamps


Florida Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) ACCESS card is used for transferring benefits for Food Assistance (SNAP) and cash aid programs to participants of these programs. Participants will receive their card after their benefits have been approved. Benefits will be loaded at a specified date every month on the card. Participants can use EBT card at any Point-of-Sale machine just the way a regular debit/credit card is used. Each time a cardholder uses his/her card, a receipt is provided with transaction record and updated balance.

Why use an Florida ACCESS (EBT) card

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card has replaced paper food stamps and checks for cash aid. This has not only reduced dependency on paper but it has also improved how the benefits are made available to participants. Using your Florida ACCESS (EBT) card is convenient to use and makes it easy to transfer benefits for local agencies. Cardholders can access their benefits from across hundreds of POS machines in Florida. The card can be used in other states to pay for benefits.

EBT card uses a special Personal Identification Number (PIN) to secure the card against misuse. It is easy to block the card if it is stolen which offers better security compared to paper food stamps and checks for cash benefits. Apart from security, EBT card system offers a more efficient and quicker way to transfer funds to participants compared to older paper system.

What you should know about the Florida ACCESS (EBT) card

Florida ACCESS EBT card offers a robust way to transfer benefits to recipients of different public assistance program in the state of Florida. If you are receiving cash benefits, benefits will be uploaded in your card on 3rd of each month. On the other hand, if you are participating in food assistance program, your benefits will be loaded on 15th of each month but with the exception of SUNCAP food assistance program. Recipients of SUNCAP will receive their benefits on 3rd of each month. Benefits remain in the card for 365 days. If you don’t use benefits during that period, they will be removed from your card and you won’t be able to redeem them.

You don’t have to pay any transaction or processing fee for using EBT card for food benefits. However, you may have to pay a processing fee when withdrawing cash if you perform more than two transactions in one month. Cardholders in Florida are offered two free transactions per month. Getting cash from POS machine or ATM, using card for buying food benefits, or buying anything else allowed under the particular program counts as a transaction.

There are no minimum purchase requirements and you can you can use your ACCESS EBT card in other states. If you are planning to move out of state, you should call ACCESS customer service to be sure that you don’t face any problems while using your card.

If your EBT card is stolen, you should report it to ACCESS at the earliest. If you don’t report it and your benefits are misused, you can’t ask for refund. It is your responsibility to protect your card and ensure that benefits are never misused.

You can use your EBT card at any Point-of-Sale (POS) machine. Stores accepting EBT card will be displaying Quest Mark. You can use your card anywhere you see this mark.

Although there is no mandatory surcharge for using EBT card, some retailers and banks may want you to pay the surcharge. The best way to avoid paying any surcharge is to find another bank or store that doesn’t charge a fee for using EBT card.

How to use your ACCESS EBT

Using your Florida EBT ACCESS card is easy. It works like a debit/credit card that you receive from your bank. You can use your EBT card to pay for groceries and other items that you are allowed to buy under the program you are participating. Applicants receive their EBT card in mail after they have been accepted for a program that uses EBT to pay your benefits.

In order to use your EBT ACCESS card, you will need to setup a Personal Identification Number (PIN) first. Whenever you have to use the card, you will need to enter this PIN to access the card balance.

Once you enter your PIN and complete the transaction, you will receive a receipt that will provide information about the last transaction and updated balance after transaction. Ideally, you should keep receipts safe so that you can look over the last receipt to know your current balance. It is recommended that you check your account balance before doing any transaction. This way you will know the amount of money you have with you and the amount you can afford to spend.

You can also visit Florida EBT website to do the following tasks related to your EBT card and balance.

  • Complete a quick online registration form by visiting this link if you are a first-time visitor.

  • Sign in using your account details.

  • Perform any of these tasks after signing in:

    • Check your current balance

    • Check transaction history

    • Change your secret PIN

    • Contact customer support

How to keep your ACCESS EBT safe

Once you receive your Florida EBT ACCESS card, it becomes your responsibility to use it with care. To be sure that your card is safe and your benefits are never misused, you can should follow these simple tips.

  • Always keep your EBT ACCESS card in a safe place.

  • Never write your PIN on the card itself.

  • Never keep your PIN and card in the same place even if you have to write down the PIN to remember it.

  • Never tell your PIN to anyone, not even your family members.

  • Always use EBT card yourself.

  • Don’t physically damage your card by bending or scratching it.

  • Keep your card away from fire and water. If your card is wet, make sure you dry it before inserting it into any POS or ATM machine.

If your Florida ACCESS (EBT) card is lost or stolen, be sure to report it to customer service at the earliest. You can reach Customer Service by calling 1 888 356 3281. Alternatively, you can directly contact ACCESS support by dialing 1 866 762 2237 or 1 800 955 8771 (TDD/TTY).

How to apply for Florida ACCESS EBT Card

You can apply for Florida ACCESS EBT card by simply visiting this link. You can also find a pre-screening tool on the My Florida website. Use this tool to see if you are eligible for programs that offer benefits through Florida ACCESS EBT card.

ACCESS Central Mail Center

PO Box 1770

Ocala, FL 34478 1770