EBT Guides
Mar 19, 2025
Regularly checking your EBT balance helps you manage your benefits effectively. It ensures you have enough funds for your purchases and helps you avoid declined transactions. Additionally, it allows you to spot any unauthorized charges promptly.
In this article, we’ll cover five practical ways to check your EBT balance and walk through how to troubleshoot common card issues—including resetting your PIN and identifying and reporting incorrect charges.
5 Ways to Check Your EBT Balance
There are several ways to check your EBT balance, each with its own pros and cons regarding convenience and ease of access.
Use the Benny App
Benny is a free mobile app that allows you to check your EBT balance and transactions in real time by linking your EBT card to the app. With Benny, you can also get cashback on groceries and other purchases at stores like Dollar Tree, Target, Walmart, and many others.
Download the Benny app to start managing your EBT benefits more effectively. It's completely free with no hidden fees.
Call the South Carolina EBT Hotline
EBT cardholders can check their balance by calling the South Carolina EBT customer service number at 1-800-554-5268. After selecting a language, enter your EBT card number when prompted. You will then hear your current balance. Alternatively, you can use the number printed on the back of your card for the same service.
Use South Carolina's Official SNAP Website
To check your EBT balance online in South Carolina, follow these steps:
Visit the South Carolina EBT website.
Log in using your User ID and password. If you do not have an account, you will need to create one by clicking on the "Register" button and following the prompts.
Once logged in, navigate to the "Account Summary" section to view your current EBT balance.
Check at an ATM
Insert your EBT card into any ATM displaying the Quest® logo and enter your PIN. Select the option to check your balance, and the ATM will display your current EBT balance on the screen.
Be aware that some ATMs may charge a fee for balance inquiries, so it's best to use ATMs that offer free services for EBT cardholders.
Review Store Receipts
After making a purchase, EBT users can check their balance by looking at the bottom of their receipt, where the remaining EBT Food and EBT Cash balances are typically printed. This quick and easy method helps you keep track of your funds without any extra steps.
Know Your EBT Benefits Schedule
Understanding when your EBT benefits are loaded onto your card helps you plan your shopping trips and ensures you have access to funds when you need them most.
When Funds Are Typically Loaded
In South Carolina, EBT funds are typically loaded based on the last digit of the recipient's case number. This staggered system ensures a smooth distribution of benefits throughout the month. Knowing your deposit schedule helps you manage your balance and budget effectively. Check out the monthly EBT deposit schedule to know when to expect your benefits every month.
If your deposit date falls on a weekend or holiday, benefits are usually loaded the previous business day. Occasionally, delays due to system maintenance or statewide issues can occur. Notifications about unplanned delays will be posted on the state’s EBT website or shared via customer service. If your benefits are not deposited on time, call the EBT hotline at 1-800-554-5268.
Do Unused Benefits Roll Over?
Yes, unused EBT benefits in South Carolina roll over to the next month and accumulate. For more details, visit the South Carolina EBT website.
How to Fix Common Issues with EBT Cards
Occasionally, your EBT card may encounter issues even when it appears to be in good condition. Here are some solutions to address the most frequent problems.
Report a Lost or Stolen Card
If your EBT card is lost or stolen, take immediate action to secure your benefits.
Contact Customer Service Immediately: Call the EBT hotline at 1-800-554-5268 to report your card as lost or stolen. This will help prevent unauthorized use.
Request a Replacement Card: Ask the customer service representative to send you a new card. It typically arrives within 7-10 business days.
File a Report if Required: Some cases may require you to file a report with your local SNAP office. Check the South Carolina EBT website for specific instructions.
Spot and Report a Wrong Charge
If you notice unauthorized or incorrect charges on your EBT account, take immediate action to protect your benefits.
Review Transaction History Regularly: Regularly check your transaction history to spot any discrepancies as soon as they occur. This can be done through the South Carolina EBT website or by reviewing your receipts.
Contact Customer Service: Call the South Carolina EBT hotline at 1-800-554-5268 to report any unauthorized or incorrect charges. Provide as much detail as possible to help resolve the issue quickly.
Follow Up as Necessary: Keep track of your report and follow up with customer service if the issue is not resolved promptly. Document all communications for future reference.
Bonus Tip: Use the Benny app to monitor your transactions in real-time and quickly spot any incorrect charges. This can help you take immediate action and ensure your benefits are secure.
Fix Card Declines With Balance Available
If your EBT card is declined despite having a sufficient balance, consider these possible issues:
Incorrect PIN Entry: Double-check that you are entering the correct PIN. Multiple incorrect attempts can temporarily lock your card.
Expired Card: Verify the expiration date on your card. If it has expired, contact customer service at 1-800-554-5268 to request a replacement.
System Outages: Sometimes, system outages can prevent transactions from going through. Check the South Carolina EBT website for any announcements regarding system maintenance or outages.
Reset PIN or Unlock Account
If you need to reset your PIN or unlock your EBT account, follow these steps:
Call the South Carolina Hotline: Dial 1-800-554-5268 and select the option for PIN reset. Follow the automated prompts to choose a new PIN.
Alternatively, you can reset your PIN online:
Log in to the South Carolina EBT website.
Navigate to the "Account Management" section.
Select the option to reset your PIN and follow the prompts to choose a new one.
Remember to choose a secure PIN and avoid sharing it with others to protect your benefits.
Download Benny to Stay on Top of Your EBT Balance
With the Benny app, you can monitor your EBT balance and spending in real time, and earn cash back on groceries at stores like Target, Walmart, and more. Simply connect your EBT card and activate offers to start saving.
Download Benny to track your EBT spending and access cash back where you already shop.
