EBT Guides
Mar 19, 2025
Regularly checking your EBT balance helps you manage your benefits effectively. It ensures you have enough funds for your needs and helps you avoid declined transactions.
Additionally, it allows you to spot any unauthorized charges quickly.
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 advantages and disadvantages in terms of 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, including at stores like Dollar Tree, Target, Walmart, and many others.
Download the Benny app. It's completely free with no hidden fees.
Call the Tennessee EBT Hotline
Cardholders can check their EBT balance by calling the Tennessee EBT Hotline at 1-888-997-9444. After dialing, select your preferred language, then enter your EBT card number when prompted. You will hear your current balance and recent transactions. Alternatively, you can use the customer service number printed on the back of your card.
Use Tennessee's Official SNAP Website
To check your EBT balance online in Tennessee, follow these steps:
Visit the Tennessee EBT website.
Click on the "Cardholder Login" button.
Enter your User ID and Password. If you do not have an account, click on "Register Here" to create one.
Once logged in, navigate to the balance check section to view your current EBT balance and recent transactions.
Check at an ATM
Insert your EBT card into any ATM displaying the Quest® logo. Follow the on-screen instructions to check your balance. Note that some ATMs may charge a fee for balance inquiries.
Ensure the ATM accepts EBT cards by looking for the Quest® logo before proceeding with your transaction.
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 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 Tennessee, EBT funds are typically loaded based on the last two digits of the recipient's Social Security Number (SSN). This staggered system helps manage the distribution process efficiently. Knowing your deposit schedule can help 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 1-888-997-9444.
Do Unused Benefits Roll Over?
Yes, unused EBT benefits in Tennessee roll over to the next month. However, benefits will expire if not used within 365 days. For more details, visit the ConnectEBT website.
How to Fix Common Issues with EBT Cards
Sometimes your EBT card might malfunction, even when it appears to be in good condition. Here are the 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 1-888-997-9444 to report your card as lost or stolen. This will help prevent unauthorized use.
Request a Replacement Card: After reporting, request a new card. It will be mailed to your registered address within 7-10 business days.
File a Report if Required: Some states may require you to file a police report for a lost or stolen card. Check with Tennessee's ConnectEBT 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 secure your benefits and resolve the issue.
Review Transaction History Regularly: Regularly check your transaction history to spot any discrepancies as soon as they occur. This can be done through the ConnectEBT website or by reviewing your receipts.
Contact Customer Service: Call the Tennessee EBT hotline at 1-888-997-9444 to report any unauthorized or incorrect charges. Provide them with details of the transaction in question.
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. This can help you quickly spot any incorrect charges and take immediate action.
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 to request a replacement.
System Outages: Sometimes, system outages or maintenance can cause temporary declines. Check the ConnectEBT website for any announcements regarding system issues.
Reset PIN or Unlock Account
To reset your PIN or unlock your EBT account, follow these steps:
Call the Tennessee Hotline: Dial 1-888-997-9444 and select the option for PIN reset. Follow the automated prompts to choose a new PIN.
Log in to the Tennessee EBT Website: Visit the ConnectEBT website and log in with your User ID and Password.
Navigate to the PIN Reset Section: Once logged in, find the section for PIN reset.
Follow the Instructions: Follow the on-screen instructions to choose a new PIN.
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.
