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Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is a method of delivering governmental benefits to recipients electronically. Louisiana uses magnetic stripe card technology. The card, which is referred to as the Louisiana Purchase Card enables recipients to access benefits at Point-of-Sale (POS) machines.
The LifeInCheck mobile app for iOS and Android smartphones provides direct access to account information, such as:
- SNAP & Cash Balances
- Next Available Benefit Date
- Report Lost or Stolen Cards
- Request Replacement Cards
- PIN Selection
- Recent Transaction History
The app was developed by Inmar Intelligence, the company that handles EBT cards and processing for LDH, and is available for iPhones and Androids.
EBT Online
New Retailers
Go to the USDA SNAP Online Purchasing webpage for an up-to-date list of participating SNAP retailers.
Louisiana residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps, may now purchase groceries online at retailers around the state. Consumers can use their EBT cards to shop and pay for qualified foods online. Delivery and other associated costs are not covered by SNAP benefits.
Before providing online purchase services, all EBT retailers must be certified by the USDA FNS and fulfill federal online purchasing criteria. Not all USDA FNS-approved EBT retailers are authorized to accept EBT benefits online.
- Visit the USDA FNS SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot webpage for a list of participating SNAP retailers.
- Visit the USDA FNS retailer webpage for additional information on becoming a SNAP retailer.
The EBT Online Purchasing program also extends to other program recipients that make food purchases using EBT cards: the Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) or cash assistance, Kinship Care Subsidy Program (KCSP) and Disaster SNAP (DSNAP).
The number of Louisiana retailers approved to accept EBT online purchases is expected to expand quickly. Please check back for future updates to the list of participating stores.
Related Links
EBT Benefit Expungement
Under new federal rules, federal food assistance benefits will be expunged, or removed, from a client’s EBT card nine months after the benefits were issued, unless the card has been used to make a purchase within the last nine months. If the card has been used, the benefits will remain on the card for nine months from the date of last purchase. Benefits are removed only if:
- It has been nine months since the benefits were issued; AND
- It has been nine months since you last used your EBT card.
Once benefits have been removed, they cannot be added back to your card.