5 Ways to Check Your Louisiana EBT Balance
Checking your Louisiana EBT balance is simple—do it online, with the Benny app, or by making a quick phone call.
Oct 3, 2025
Steve Austin
5 Ways to Check Your Louisiana EBT Balance
Checking your Louisiana EBT balance is simple—do it online, with the Benny app, or by making a quick phone call.
Oct 3, 2025
Steve Austin
5 Ways to Check Your Louisiana EBT Balance
Checking your Louisiana EBT balance is simple—do it online, with the Benny app, or by making a quick phone call.
Oct 3, 2025
Steve Austin
5 Ways to Check Your Louisiana EBT Balance
Checking your Louisiana EBT balance is simple—do it online, with the Benny app, or by making a quick phone call.
Oct 3, 2025
Steve Austin
5 Ways to Check Your Louisiana EBT Balance
Checking your Louisiana EBT balance is simple—do it online, with the Benny app, or by making a quick phone call.
Oct 3, 2025
Steve Austin
SHARE
ON THIS PAGE
Your EBT card holds benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT Cash programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Regularly checking your balance helps with budgeting and prevents unexpected shortages, whether you receive one or both benefit types.
This guide explains how to check your Louisiana EBT funds, from using a mobile app to calling the customer service line.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Louisiana
You can check your Louisiana EBT balance in several ways, including through an online portal, a mobile app, by phone, at an ATM, or on your latest store receipt. Each method gives you direct access to your current SNAP and EBT Cash funds, helping you manage your benefits and track your spending with ease.
1. Through the Online Portal
Checking your balance is straightforward using the official LifeInCheck EBT Cardholder Portal, which is linked from the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Electronic Benefits Transfer page.
Go to lifeincheckebt.com and click “Cardholder Login.”
First-time users should choose “Create User ID” and register by entering the Louisiana Purchase card number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. You will then set up a username, password, and security questions.
Sign in to view your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances on the dashboard.
Click “Transaction History” to see, download, or print your past activity.
2. Using the Benny App
Keeping track of your funds is also possible with the free Benny app on any smartphone.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up with your phone number or email.
Enter your ZIP code and link your Louisiana EBT card by providing the card number.
Your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances will appear on the home screen.
Benny also provides cashback on eligible grocery purchases at participating stores like Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens.
3. By Calling the Customer Service Hotline
You can get automated balance information by calling the Louisiana EBT Customer Service line at 1-888-997-1117, which is available 24/7.
Dial 1-888-997-1117 and choose your preferred language. Support is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin, with more details on the LaHelpU service-center page.
Select the balance inquiry option and enter your 16-digit card number followed by your PIN.
An automated voice will read your SNAP balance first, followed by your EBT Cash balance.
4. At an ATM
Using an ATM that displays the Quest®, Cirrus®, or STAR® logo is another way to check your EBT Cash balance.
Find a surcharge-free ATM to avoid fees.
Insert your Louisiana Purchase card, enter your PIN, and choose “Balance Inquiry,” then “Checking.”
The screen will display your available EBT Cash balance, which will also be printed on the receipt.
Some ATMs may only show your EBT Cash funds. To view your SNAP balance, you can check the online portal or use the Benny app.
5. On a Store Receipt
Reviewing your receipt after making a purchase is a simple way to see your remaining funds.
After completing a transaction with your card, keep the printed receipt.
Look near the bottom for “EBT Food Bal” or “EBT Cash Bal” to see your updated balances.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
With phishing and spam attacks on the rise in Louisiana, it is important to know the forms fraud can take. Recognizing these methods is the first step toward protecting your benefits and taking necessary action without delay.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Thieves use several tactics to steal benefits. 'Smishing' involves fake texts about a locked EBT card that link to fraudulent sites to capture your card and PIN. Card-skimming and cloning are also major threats, where tampered payment terminals at retailers illegally copy your card information when you swipe it.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
If your SNAP benefits are stolen, they can be replaced for incidents occurring on or after October 1, 2022. You must take these steps:
Report the theft to DCFS within 30 days of discovery.
Complete the official claim form.
Keep receipts or screenshots as proof.
This federal replacement policy does not cover FITAP or other EBT Cash programs.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt access to your benefits. Here’s a look at some common problems with Louisiana Purchase cards and how you can quickly resolve them.
Card Never Arrives or Arrives Late
Your Louisiana Purchase card is mailed separately from your approval letter. It typically takes three to five business days to arrive at a street address, but postal delays can extend this timeframe.
If you have a P.O. box, delivery can take up to ten business days. An outdated address on file is another frequent reason for a card not showing up on time.
If your card is more than ten business days late, call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578 to confirm your address and ask for a replacement.
While you wait, you can check the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal to see when your benefits have been deposited.
Once the new card arrives, sign the back and choose a secure PIN.
Forgotten, Blocked, or Rejected PIN
Entering the wrong PIN three times will automatically freeze your card for the rest of the day as a security measure. The freeze lifts at midnight.
The system also rejects PINs that are too simple, such as '1234,' your birth year, or other easy-to-guess number sequences.
You can reset your PIN at any time using the LifeInCheck app, the LifeInCheckEBT.com website, or the automated phone menu at 1-888-997-1117.
If your account is frozen, a PIN reset will unlock it immediately without having to wait until after midnight.
When creating a new PIN, avoid common patterns and never write it on the card itself.
Card Declined for Insufficient Funds
A declined transaction often happens if you try to shop before your monthly benefits are deposited, which occurs on a set date between the 1st and 14th. Your card will show a zero balance until then.
Another reason is selecting the wrong payment type at the terminal, like choosing EBT Cash for a food purchase. Benefits also expire and are removed from your account after nine months of inactivity.
Before shopping, confirm your balance on your last receipt, by calling the number on your card, or by using an app like Benny.
You can find your exact monthly deposit date by checking the benefit calendar inside the LifeInCheck app.
To prevent benefits from expiring, make at least one small purchase every few months.
When paying for groceries, always choose the “EBT-SNAP” option on the payment terminal.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that lets you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Your EBT card holds benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT Cash programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Regularly checking your balance helps with budgeting and prevents unexpected shortages, whether you receive one or both benefit types.
This guide explains how to check your Louisiana EBT funds, from using a mobile app to calling the customer service line.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Louisiana
You can check your Louisiana EBT balance in several ways, including through an online portal, a mobile app, by phone, at an ATM, or on your latest store receipt. Each method gives you direct access to your current SNAP and EBT Cash funds, helping you manage your benefits and track your spending with ease.
1. Through the Online Portal
Checking your balance is straightforward using the official LifeInCheck EBT Cardholder Portal, which is linked from the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Electronic Benefits Transfer page.
Go to lifeincheckebt.com and click “Cardholder Login.”
First-time users should choose “Create User ID” and register by entering the Louisiana Purchase card number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. You will then set up a username, password, and security questions.
Sign in to view your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances on the dashboard.
Click “Transaction History” to see, download, or print your past activity.
2. Using the Benny App
Keeping track of your funds is also possible with the free Benny app on any smartphone.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up with your phone number or email.
Enter your ZIP code and link your Louisiana EBT card by providing the card number.
Your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances will appear on the home screen.
Benny also provides cashback on eligible grocery purchases at participating stores like Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens.
3. By Calling the Customer Service Hotline
You can get automated balance information by calling the Louisiana EBT Customer Service line at 1-888-997-1117, which is available 24/7.
Dial 1-888-997-1117 and choose your preferred language. Support is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin, with more details on the LaHelpU service-center page.
Select the balance inquiry option and enter your 16-digit card number followed by your PIN.
An automated voice will read your SNAP balance first, followed by your EBT Cash balance.
4. At an ATM
Using an ATM that displays the Quest®, Cirrus®, or STAR® logo is another way to check your EBT Cash balance.
Find a surcharge-free ATM to avoid fees.
Insert your Louisiana Purchase card, enter your PIN, and choose “Balance Inquiry,” then “Checking.”
The screen will display your available EBT Cash balance, which will also be printed on the receipt.
Some ATMs may only show your EBT Cash funds. To view your SNAP balance, you can check the online portal or use the Benny app.
5. On a Store Receipt
Reviewing your receipt after making a purchase is a simple way to see your remaining funds.
After completing a transaction with your card, keep the printed receipt.
Look near the bottom for “EBT Food Bal” or “EBT Cash Bal” to see your updated balances.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
With phishing and spam attacks on the rise in Louisiana, it is important to know the forms fraud can take. Recognizing these methods is the first step toward protecting your benefits and taking necessary action without delay.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Thieves use several tactics to steal benefits. 'Smishing' involves fake texts about a locked EBT card that link to fraudulent sites to capture your card and PIN. Card-skimming and cloning are also major threats, where tampered payment terminals at retailers illegally copy your card information when you swipe it.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
If your SNAP benefits are stolen, they can be replaced for incidents occurring on or after October 1, 2022. You must take these steps:
Report the theft to DCFS within 30 days of discovery.
Complete the official claim form.
Keep receipts or screenshots as proof.
This federal replacement policy does not cover FITAP or other EBT Cash programs.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt access to your benefits. Here’s a look at some common problems with Louisiana Purchase cards and how you can quickly resolve them.
Card Never Arrives or Arrives Late
Your Louisiana Purchase card is mailed separately from your approval letter. It typically takes three to five business days to arrive at a street address, but postal delays can extend this timeframe.
If you have a P.O. box, delivery can take up to ten business days. An outdated address on file is another frequent reason for a card not showing up on time.
If your card is more than ten business days late, call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578 to confirm your address and ask for a replacement.
While you wait, you can check the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal to see when your benefits have been deposited.
Once the new card arrives, sign the back and choose a secure PIN.
Forgotten, Blocked, or Rejected PIN
Entering the wrong PIN three times will automatically freeze your card for the rest of the day as a security measure. The freeze lifts at midnight.
The system also rejects PINs that are too simple, such as '1234,' your birth year, or other easy-to-guess number sequences.
You can reset your PIN at any time using the LifeInCheck app, the LifeInCheckEBT.com website, or the automated phone menu at 1-888-997-1117.
If your account is frozen, a PIN reset will unlock it immediately without having to wait until after midnight.
When creating a new PIN, avoid common patterns and never write it on the card itself.
Card Declined for Insufficient Funds
A declined transaction often happens if you try to shop before your monthly benefits are deposited, which occurs on a set date between the 1st and 14th. Your card will show a zero balance until then.
Another reason is selecting the wrong payment type at the terminal, like choosing EBT Cash for a food purchase. Benefits also expire and are removed from your account after nine months of inactivity.
Before shopping, confirm your balance on your last receipt, by calling the number on your card, or by using an app like Benny.
You can find your exact monthly deposit date by checking the benefit calendar inside the LifeInCheck app.
To prevent benefits from expiring, make at least one small purchase every few months.
When paying for groceries, always choose the “EBT-SNAP” option on the payment terminal.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that lets you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Your EBT card holds benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT Cash programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Regularly checking your balance helps with budgeting and prevents unexpected shortages, whether you receive one or both benefit types.
This guide explains how to check your Louisiana EBT funds, from using a mobile app to calling the customer service line.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Louisiana
You can check your Louisiana EBT balance in several ways, including through an online portal, a mobile app, by phone, at an ATM, or on your latest store receipt. Each method gives you direct access to your current SNAP and EBT Cash funds, helping you manage your benefits and track your spending with ease.
1. Through the Online Portal
Checking your balance is straightforward using the official LifeInCheck EBT Cardholder Portal, which is linked from the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Electronic Benefits Transfer page.
Go to lifeincheckebt.com and click “Cardholder Login.”
First-time users should choose “Create User ID” and register by entering the Louisiana Purchase card number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. You will then set up a username, password, and security questions.
Sign in to view your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances on the dashboard.
Click “Transaction History” to see, download, or print your past activity.
2. Using the Benny App
Keeping track of your funds is also possible with the free Benny app on any smartphone.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up with your phone number or email.
Enter your ZIP code and link your Louisiana EBT card by providing the card number.
Your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances will appear on the home screen.
Benny also provides cashback on eligible grocery purchases at participating stores like Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens.
3. By Calling the Customer Service Hotline
You can get automated balance information by calling the Louisiana EBT Customer Service line at 1-888-997-1117, which is available 24/7.
Dial 1-888-997-1117 and choose your preferred language. Support is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin, with more details on the LaHelpU service-center page.
Select the balance inquiry option and enter your 16-digit card number followed by your PIN.
An automated voice will read your SNAP balance first, followed by your EBT Cash balance.
4. At an ATM
Using an ATM that displays the Quest®, Cirrus®, or STAR® logo is another way to check your EBT Cash balance.
Find a surcharge-free ATM to avoid fees.
Insert your Louisiana Purchase card, enter your PIN, and choose “Balance Inquiry,” then “Checking.”
The screen will display your available EBT Cash balance, which will also be printed on the receipt.
Some ATMs may only show your EBT Cash funds. To view your SNAP balance, you can check the online portal or use the Benny app.
5. On a Store Receipt
Reviewing your receipt after making a purchase is a simple way to see your remaining funds.
After completing a transaction with your card, keep the printed receipt.
Look near the bottom for “EBT Food Bal” or “EBT Cash Bal” to see your updated balances.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
With phishing and spam attacks on the rise in Louisiana, it is important to know the forms fraud can take. Recognizing these methods is the first step toward protecting your benefits and taking necessary action without delay.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Thieves use several tactics to steal benefits. 'Smishing' involves fake texts about a locked EBT card that link to fraudulent sites to capture your card and PIN. Card-skimming and cloning are also major threats, where tampered payment terminals at retailers illegally copy your card information when you swipe it.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
If your SNAP benefits are stolen, they can be replaced for incidents occurring on or after October 1, 2022. You must take these steps:
Report the theft to DCFS within 30 days of discovery.
Complete the official claim form.
Keep receipts or screenshots as proof.
This federal replacement policy does not cover FITAP or other EBT Cash programs.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt access to your benefits. Here’s a look at some common problems with Louisiana Purchase cards and how you can quickly resolve them.
Card Never Arrives or Arrives Late
Your Louisiana Purchase card is mailed separately from your approval letter. It typically takes three to five business days to arrive at a street address, but postal delays can extend this timeframe.
If you have a P.O. box, delivery can take up to ten business days. An outdated address on file is another frequent reason for a card not showing up on time.
If your card is more than ten business days late, call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578 to confirm your address and ask for a replacement.
While you wait, you can check the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal to see when your benefits have been deposited.
Once the new card arrives, sign the back and choose a secure PIN.
Forgotten, Blocked, or Rejected PIN
Entering the wrong PIN three times will automatically freeze your card for the rest of the day as a security measure. The freeze lifts at midnight.
The system also rejects PINs that are too simple, such as '1234,' your birth year, or other easy-to-guess number sequences.
You can reset your PIN at any time using the LifeInCheck app, the LifeInCheckEBT.com website, or the automated phone menu at 1-888-997-1117.
If your account is frozen, a PIN reset will unlock it immediately without having to wait until after midnight.
When creating a new PIN, avoid common patterns and never write it on the card itself.
Card Declined for Insufficient Funds
A declined transaction often happens if you try to shop before your monthly benefits are deposited, which occurs on a set date between the 1st and 14th. Your card will show a zero balance until then.
Another reason is selecting the wrong payment type at the terminal, like choosing EBT Cash for a food purchase. Benefits also expire and are removed from your account after nine months of inactivity.
Before shopping, confirm your balance on your last receipt, by calling the number on your card, or by using an app like Benny.
You can find your exact monthly deposit date by checking the benefit calendar inside the LifeInCheck app.
To prevent benefits from expiring, make at least one small purchase every few months.
When paying for groceries, always choose the “EBT-SNAP” option on the payment terminal.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that lets you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Your EBT card holds benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT Cash programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Regularly checking your balance helps with budgeting and prevents unexpected shortages, whether you receive one or both benefit types.
This guide explains how to check your Louisiana EBT funds, from using a mobile app to calling the customer service line.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Louisiana
You can check your Louisiana EBT balance in several ways, including through an online portal, a mobile app, by phone, at an ATM, or on your latest store receipt. Each method gives you direct access to your current SNAP and EBT Cash funds, helping you manage your benefits and track your spending with ease.
1. Through the Online Portal
Checking your balance is straightforward using the official LifeInCheck EBT Cardholder Portal, which is linked from the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Electronic Benefits Transfer page.
Go to lifeincheckebt.com and click “Cardholder Login.”
First-time users should choose “Create User ID” and register by entering the Louisiana Purchase card number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. You will then set up a username, password, and security questions.
Sign in to view your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances on the dashboard.
Click “Transaction History” to see, download, or print your past activity.
2. Using the Benny App
Keeping track of your funds is also possible with the free Benny app on any smartphone.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up with your phone number or email.
Enter your ZIP code and link your Louisiana EBT card by providing the card number.
Your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances will appear on the home screen.
Benny also provides cashback on eligible grocery purchases at participating stores like Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens.
3. By Calling the Customer Service Hotline
You can get automated balance information by calling the Louisiana EBT Customer Service line at 1-888-997-1117, which is available 24/7.
Dial 1-888-997-1117 and choose your preferred language. Support is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin, with more details on the LaHelpU service-center page.
Select the balance inquiry option and enter your 16-digit card number followed by your PIN.
An automated voice will read your SNAP balance first, followed by your EBT Cash balance.
4. At an ATM
Using an ATM that displays the Quest®, Cirrus®, or STAR® logo is another way to check your EBT Cash balance.
Find a surcharge-free ATM to avoid fees.
Insert your Louisiana Purchase card, enter your PIN, and choose “Balance Inquiry,” then “Checking.”
The screen will display your available EBT Cash balance, which will also be printed on the receipt.
Some ATMs may only show your EBT Cash funds. To view your SNAP balance, you can check the online portal or use the Benny app.
5. On a Store Receipt
Reviewing your receipt after making a purchase is a simple way to see your remaining funds.
After completing a transaction with your card, keep the printed receipt.
Look near the bottom for “EBT Food Bal” or “EBT Cash Bal” to see your updated balances.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
With phishing and spam attacks on the rise in Louisiana, it is important to know the forms fraud can take. Recognizing these methods is the first step toward protecting your benefits and taking necessary action without delay.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Thieves use several tactics to steal benefits. 'Smishing' involves fake texts about a locked EBT card that link to fraudulent sites to capture your card and PIN. Card-skimming and cloning are also major threats, where tampered payment terminals at retailers illegally copy your card information when you swipe it.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
If your SNAP benefits are stolen, they can be replaced for incidents occurring on or after October 1, 2022. You must take these steps:
Report the theft to DCFS within 30 days of discovery.
Complete the official claim form.
Keep receipts or screenshots as proof.
This federal replacement policy does not cover FITAP or other EBT Cash programs.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt access to your benefits. Here’s a look at some common problems with Louisiana Purchase cards and how you can quickly resolve them.
Card Never Arrives or Arrives Late
Your Louisiana Purchase card is mailed separately from your approval letter. It typically takes three to five business days to arrive at a street address, but postal delays can extend this timeframe.
If you have a P.O. box, delivery can take up to ten business days. An outdated address on file is another frequent reason for a card not showing up on time.
If your card is more than ten business days late, call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578 to confirm your address and ask for a replacement.
While you wait, you can check the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal to see when your benefits have been deposited.
Once the new card arrives, sign the back and choose a secure PIN.
Forgotten, Blocked, or Rejected PIN
Entering the wrong PIN three times will automatically freeze your card for the rest of the day as a security measure. The freeze lifts at midnight.
The system also rejects PINs that are too simple, such as '1234,' your birth year, or other easy-to-guess number sequences.
You can reset your PIN at any time using the LifeInCheck app, the LifeInCheckEBT.com website, or the automated phone menu at 1-888-997-1117.
If your account is frozen, a PIN reset will unlock it immediately without having to wait until after midnight.
When creating a new PIN, avoid common patterns and never write it on the card itself.
Card Declined for Insufficient Funds
A declined transaction often happens if you try to shop before your monthly benefits are deposited, which occurs on a set date between the 1st and 14th. Your card will show a zero balance until then.
Another reason is selecting the wrong payment type at the terminal, like choosing EBT Cash for a food purchase. Benefits also expire and are removed from your account after nine months of inactivity.
Before shopping, confirm your balance on your last receipt, by calling the number on your card, or by using an app like Benny.
You can find your exact monthly deposit date by checking the benefit calendar inside the LifeInCheck app.
To prevent benefits from expiring, make at least one small purchase every few months.
When paying for groceries, always choose the “EBT-SNAP” option on the payment terminal.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that lets you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Your EBT card holds benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT Cash programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Regularly checking your balance helps with budgeting and prevents unexpected shortages, whether you receive one or both benefit types.
This guide explains how to check your Louisiana EBT funds, from using a mobile app to calling the customer service line.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Louisiana
You can check your Louisiana EBT balance in several ways, including through an online portal, a mobile app, by phone, at an ATM, or on your latest store receipt. Each method gives you direct access to your current SNAP and EBT Cash funds, helping you manage your benefits and track your spending with ease.
1. Through the Online Portal
Checking your balance is straightforward using the official LifeInCheck EBT Cardholder Portal, which is linked from the Louisiana Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS) Electronic Benefits Transfer page.
Go to lifeincheckebt.com and click “Cardholder Login.”
First-time users should choose “Create User ID” and register by entering the Louisiana Purchase card number, date of birth, and the last four digits of your SSN. You will then set up a username, password, and security questions.
Sign in to view your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances on the dashboard.
Click “Transaction History” to see, download, or print your past activity.
2. Using the Benny App
Keeping track of your funds is also possible with the free Benny app on any smartphone.
Download the app from the App Store or Google Play and sign up with your phone number or email.
Enter your ZIP code and link your Louisiana EBT card by providing the card number.
Your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances will appear on the home screen.
Benny also provides cashback on eligible grocery purchases at participating stores like Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens.
3. By Calling the Customer Service Hotline
You can get automated balance information by calling the Louisiana EBT Customer Service line at 1-888-997-1117, which is available 24/7.
Dial 1-888-997-1117 and choose your preferred language. Support is available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Mandarin, with more details on the LaHelpU service-center page.
Select the balance inquiry option and enter your 16-digit card number followed by your PIN.
An automated voice will read your SNAP balance first, followed by your EBT Cash balance.
4. At an ATM
Using an ATM that displays the Quest®, Cirrus®, or STAR® logo is another way to check your EBT Cash balance.
Find a surcharge-free ATM to avoid fees.
Insert your Louisiana Purchase card, enter your PIN, and choose “Balance Inquiry,” then “Checking.”
The screen will display your available EBT Cash balance, which will also be printed on the receipt.
Some ATMs may only show your EBT Cash funds. To view your SNAP balance, you can check the online portal or use the Benny app.
5. On a Store Receipt
Reviewing your receipt after making a purchase is a simple way to see your remaining funds.
After completing a transaction with your card, keep the printed receipt.
Look near the bottom for “EBT Food Bal” or “EBT Cash Bal” to see your updated balances.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
With phishing and spam attacks on the rise in Louisiana, it is important to know the forms fraud can take. Recognizing these methods is the first step toward protecting your benefits and taking necessary action without delay.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Thieves use several tactics to steal benefits. 'Smishing' involves fake texts about a locked EBT card that link to fraudulent sites to capture your card and PIN. Card-skimming and cloning are also major threats, where tampered payment terminals at retailers illegally copy your card information when you swipe it.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
If your SNAP benefits are stolen, they can be replaced for incidents occurring on or after October 1, 2022. You must take these steps:
Report the theft to DCFS within 30 days of discovery.
Complete the official claim form.
Keep receipts or screenshots as proof.
This federal replacement policy does not cover FITAP or other EBT Cash programs.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt access to your benefits. Here’s a look at some common problems with Louisiana Purchase cards and how you can quickly resolve them.
Card Never Arrives or Arrives Late
Your Louisiana Purchase card is mailed separately from your approval letter. It typically takes three to five business days to arrive at a street address, but postal delays can extend this timeframe.
If you have a P.O. box, delivery can take up to ten business days. An outdated address on file is another frequent reason for a card not showing up on time.
If your card is more than ten business days late, call the LAHelpU Customer Service Center at 1-888-524-3578 to confirm your address and ask for a replacement.
While you wait, you can check the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal to see when your benefits have been deposited.
Once the new card arrives, sign the back and choose a secure PIN.
Forgotten, Blocked, or Rejected PIN
Entering the wrong PIN three times will automatically freeze your card for the rest of the day as a security measure. The freeze lifts at midnight.
The system also rejects PINs that are too simple, such as '1234,' your birth year, or other easy-to-guess number sequences.
You can reset your PIN at any time using the LifeInCheck app, the LifeInCheckEBT.com website, or the automated phone menu at 1-888-997-1117.
If your account is frozen, a PIN reset will unlock it immediately without having to wait until after midnight.
When creating a new PIN, avoid common patterns and never write it on the card itself.
Card Declined for Insufficient Funds
A declined transaction often happens if you try to shop before your monthly benefits are deposited, which occurs on a set date between the 1st and 14th. Your card will show a zero balance until then.
Another reason is selecting the wrong payment type at the terminal, like choosing EBT Cash for a food purchase. Benefits also expire and are removed from your account after nine months of inactivity.
Before shopping, confirm your balance on your last receipt, by calling the number on your card, or by using an app like Benny.
You can find your exact monthly deposit date by checking the benefit calendar inside the LifeInCheck app.
To prevent benefits from expiring, make at least one small purchase every few months.
When paying for groceries, always choose the “EBT-SNAP” option on the payment terminal.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that lets you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny and receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
