5 Ways to Check Your Virginia EBT Balance

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Your EBT card may provide benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), EBT Cash programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or both. Tracking your available funds is a smart way to manage your budget and avoid shortages when shopping. This helps you plan your spending effectively.

This guide explains the different methods for checking your Virginia EBT balance, from a mobile app to a customer service call.

How to Check Your EBT Balance in Virginia

Virginia EBT cardholders have five convenient ways to check their SNAP and EBT Cash funds. You can look up your information online, use a mobile app, call a 24-hour automated phone line, check your last store receipt, or use a balance inquiry function at a store terminal or an ATM.

1. Online Through the ConnectEBT Website

Accessing your account information through Virginia's official EBT portal is a straightforward process.

Go to the ConnectEBT website and choose “Virginia EBT” from the menu.
If you are a new user, create an account by providing the primary cardholder’s Social Security number, date of birth, and 16-digit card number. You will then create a user ID and password.
Once logged in, your current SNAP and EBT Cash amounts are displayed on the main page. You can also view your transaction history.

2. Using the Benny Mobile App

Checking your funds from your smartphone is possible with the Benny app.

Download the app and begin the setup process.
Sign up with your phone number or email address and enter your zip code.
Link your Virginia EBT card by entering the 16-digit card number and your PIN.

After linking your card, the app’s home screen will show your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash funds along with recent transactions.

Benny also provides cashback opportunities when you use your EBT card at participating stores, including Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, and Trader Joe’s.

3. Calling the 24-Hour Customer Service Line

Getting your account details over the phone is available anytime through an automated service.

Call the Virginia EBT customer service line at 1-866-281-2448.
Follow the prompts to enter your 16-digit EBT card number.

The automated system will read your current SNAP and EBT Cash amounts. For assistance in other languages, live interpreter services are available for Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese, among others. You can request an interpreter by speaking with an agent or following the menu prompts.

4. At a Store Terminal or on a Receipt

Reviewing your available funds is simple to do while you are shopping.

After any purchase using your EBT card, your remaining amount is printed at the bottom of the store receipt. You can also perform a free balance inquiry at most grocery store point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Simply swipe or insert your card, enter your PIN, and choose the inquiry option to see your funds on the screen.

5. At an ATM (EBT Cash Only)

Using an ATM is an option for checking your EBT Cash funds, but it will not show your SNAP food benefits.

You can insert your EBT card at any ATM with a Quest® or NYCE® logo, enter your PIN, and select “Balance Inquiry” to see your available EBT Cash. This inquiry will not display your SNAP funds. To check your SNAP amount, you can use the Benny app or the ConnectEBT online portal.

To avoid fees, use a surcharge-free ATM. You can find these locations through networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds

Download the app

How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks are becoming more common in Virginia, making it important to recognize the various forms they take. Understanding these methods is the first step toward protecting your benefits and knowing what to do if they are compromised.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several tactics, from phishing scams with fake texts to trick you into sharing your PIN, to card skimming. Skimming involves criminals attaching hidden devices to card readers at stores or ATMs to copy your card data and record your PIN. They then create a cloned card to steal your funds.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If your SNAP benefits were stolen by these methods between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, they may be replaceable. You are allowed up to two replacements per year. To apply, you must:

Change your PIN and report the theft to your local DSS office or the EBT Helpdesk within 30 days.
Submit a signed replacement request form.

Stolen EBT Cash benefits are not replaceable under this program.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, you might run into other common problems with your EBT card. Knowing the reasons behind these issues and the steps to fix them can help you shop with confidence.

Card Locked or Repeated PIN Errors

Entering the wrong PIN four times in a row will automatically lock your card for 24 hours as a security measure. Your card might also be locked if you used the “Lock/Unlock” feature in the ConnectEBT mobile app and forgot to unlock it before making a purchase.

Wait 24 hours for the card to unlock automatically, or call the Virginia EBT Client Customer Service line at 866-281-2448 to reset your PIN.
If you locked the card yourself, open the ConnectEBT app or website, find the “Unlock My Card” option, and confirm.
Choose a new four-digit PIN that is not your date of birth or has repeating numbers.

Benefits Show “$0” or “Pending” on Reload Day

Monthly benefits are deposited on a fixed schedule based on the last digit of your SNAP case number. Funds arrive shortly after midnight, so checking your balance too early might show $0.

Verify your deposit date based on your case number and plan to shop on or after that day.
Check your balance for free using the ConnectEBT mobile app, the automated phone system, or by downloading the Benny app for real-time balance information.
If your funds have not appeared by noon on your deposit day, contact your local Department of Social Services or submit an inquiry through the CommonHelp portal.

“Transaction Declined” at the Grocery Checkout

A transaction can be declined if you try to buy items not covered by SNAP. You can find a list of eligible food items on the VDSS website. This can also happen if you mix eligible and ineligible items without separating the payment.

Another common reason is selecting “Credit” instead of “EBT” on the payment terminal.

Separate non-SNAP items from your groceries and use a different payment method for them.
Always choose “EBT” on the keypad before entering your PIN. If you receive both SNAP and EBT Cash, you may need to specify “Food” or “Cash”.
Confirm you have a sufficient EBT balance before you start shopping.
If the card reader has trouble with the chip, ask the cashier to try swiping the magnetic stripe instead.

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 helps you track your SNAP and EBT Cash balances 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 to 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 may provide benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), EBT Cash programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or both. Tracking your available funds is a smart way to manage your budget and avoid shortages when shopping. This helps you plan your spending effectively.

This guide explains the different methods for checking your Virginia EBT balance, from a mobile app to a customer service call.

How to Check Your EBT Balance in Virginia

Virginia EBT cardholders have five convenient ways to check their SNAP and EBT Cash funds. You can look up your information online, use a mobile app, call a 24-hour automated phone line, check your last store receipt, or use a balance inquiry function at a store terminal or an ATM.

1. Online Through the ConnectEBT Website

Accessing your account information through Virginia's official EBT portal is a straightforward process.

Go to the ConnectEBT website and choose “Virginia EBT” from the menu.
If you are a new user, create an account by providing the primary cardholder’s Social Security number, date of birth, and 16-digit card number. You will then create a user ID and password.
Once logged in, your current SNAP and EBT Cash amounts are displayed on the main page. You can also view your transaction history.

2. Using the Benny Mobile App

Checking your funds from your smartphone is possible with the Benny app.

Download the app and begin the setup process.
Sign up with your phone number or email address and enter your zip code.
Link your Virginia EBT card by entering the 16-digit card number and your PIN.

After linking your card, the app’s home screen will show your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash funds along with recent transactions.

Benny also provides cashback opportunities when you use your EBT card at participating stores, including Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, and Trader Joe’s.

3. Calling the 24-Hour Customer Service Line

Getting your account details over the phone is available anytime through an automated service.

Call the Virginia EBT customer service line at 1-866-281-2448.
Follow the prompts to enter your 16-digit EBT card number.

The automated system will read your current SNAP and EBT Cash amounts. For assistance in other languages, live interpreter services are available for Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese, among others. You can request an interpreter by speaking with an agent or following the menu prompts.

4. At a Store Terminal or on a Receipt

Reviewing your available funds is simple to do while you are shopping.

After any purchase using your EBT card, your remaining amount is printed at the bottom of the store receipt. You can also perform a free balance inquiry at most grocery store point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Simply swipe or insert your card, enter your PIN, and choose the inquiry option to see your funds on the screen.

5. At an ATM (EBT Cash Only)

Using an ATM is an option for checking your EBT Cash funds, but it will not show your SNAP food benefits.

You can insert your EBT card at any ATM with a Quest® or NYCE® logo, enter your PIN, and select “Balance Inquiry” to see your available EBT Cash. This inquiry will not display your SNAP funds. To check your SNAP amount, you can use the Benny app or the ConnectEBT online portal.

To avoid fees, use a surcharge-free ATM. You can find these locations through networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds

Download the app

How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks are becoming more common in Virginia, making it important to recognize the various forms they take. Understanding these methods is the first step toward protecting your benefits and knowing what to do if they are compromised.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several tactics, from phishing scams with fake texts to trick you into sharing your PIN, to card skimming. Skimming involves criminals attaching hidden devices to card readers at stores or ATMs to copy your card data and record your PIN. They then create a cloned card to steal your funds.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If your SNAP benefits were stolen by these methods between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, they may be replaceable. You are allowed up to two replacements per year. To apply, you must:

Change your PIN and report the theft to your local DSS office or the EBT Helpdesk within 30 days.
Submit a signed replacement request form.

Stolen EBT Cash benefits are not replaceable under this program.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, you might run into other common problems with your EBT card. Knowing the reasons behind these issues and the steps to fix them can help you shop with confidence.

Card Locked or Repeated PIN Errors

Entering the wrong PIN four times in a row will automatically lock your card for 24 hours as a security measure. Your card might also be locked if you used the “Lock/Unlock” feature in the ConnectEBT mobile app and forgot to unlock it before making a purchase.

Wait 24 hours for the card to unlock automatically, or call the Virginia EBT Client Customer Service line at 866-281-2448 to reset your PIN.
If you locked the card yourself, open the ConnectEBT app or website, find the “Unlock My Card” option, and confirm.
Choose a new four-digit PIN that is not your date of birth or has repeating numbers.

Benefits Show “$0” or “Pending” on Reload Day

Monthly benefits are deposited on a fixed schedule based on the last digit of your SNAP case number. Funds arrive shortly after midnight, so checking your balance too early might show $0.

Verify your deposit date based on your case number and plan to shop on or after that day.
Check your balance for free using the ConnectEBT mobile app, the automated phone system, or by downloading the Benny app for real-time balance information.
If your funds have not appeared by noon on your deposit day, contact your local Department of Social Services or submit an inquiry through the CommonHelp portal.

“Transaction Declined” at the Grocery Checkout

A transaction can be declined if you try to buy items not covered by SNAP. You can find a list of eligible food items on the VDSS website. This can also happen if you mix eligible and ineligible items without separating the payment.

Another common reason is selecting “Credit” instead of “EBT” on the payment terminal.

Separate non-SNAP items from your groceries and use a different payment method for them.
Always choose “EBT” on the keypad before entering your PIN. If you receive both SNAP and EBT Cash, you may need to specify “Food” or “Cash”.
Confirm you have a sufficient EBT balance before you start shopping.
If the card reader has trouble with the chip, ask the cashier to try swiping the magnetic stripe instead.

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 helps you track your SNAP and EBT Cash balances 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 to 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 may provide benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), EBT Cash programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or both. Tracking your available funds is a smart way to manage your budget and avoid shortages when shopping. This helps you plan your spending effectively.

This guide explains the different methods for checking your Virginia EBT balance, from a mobile app to a customer service call.

How to Check Your EBT Balance in Virginia

Virginia EBT cardholders have five convenient ways to check their SNAP and EBT Cash funds. You can look up your information online, use a mobile app, call a 24-hour automated phone line, check your last store receipt, or use a balance inquiry function at a store terminal or an ATM.

1. Online Through the ConnectEBT Website

Accessing your account information through Virginia's official EBT portal is a straightforward process.

Go to the ConnectEBT website and choose “Virginia EBT” from the menu.
If you are a new user, create an account by providing the primary cardholder’s Social Security number, date of birth, and 16-digit card number. You will then create a user ID and password.
Once logged in, your current SNAP and EBT Cash amounts are displayed on the main page. You can also view your transaction history.

2. Using the Benny Mobile App

Checking your funds from your smartphone is possible with the Benny app.

Download the app and begin the setup process.
Sign up with your phone number or email address and enter your zip code.
Link your Virginia EBT card by entering the 16-digit card number and your PIN.

After linking your card, the app’s home screen will show your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash funds along with recent transactions.

Benny also provides cashback opportunities when you use your EBT card at participating stores, including Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, and Trader Joe’s.

3. Calling the 24-Hour Customer Service Line

Getting your account details over the phone is available anytime through an automated service.

Call the Virginia EBT customer service line at 1-866-281-2448.
Follow the prompts to enter your 16-digit EBT card number.

The automated system will read your current SNAP and EBT Cash amounts. For assistance in other languages, live interpreter services are available for Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese, among others. You can request an interpreter by speaking with an agent or following the menu prompts.

4. At a Store Terminal or on a Receipt

Reviewing your available funds is simple to do while you are shopping.

After any purchase using your EBT card, your remaining amount is printed at the bottom of the store receipt. You can also perform a free balance inquiry at most grocery store point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Simply swipe or insert your card, enter your PIN, and choose the inquiry option to see your funds on the screen.

5. At an ATM (EBT Cash Only)

Using an ATM is an option for checking your EBT Cash funds, but it will not show your SNAP food benefits.

You can insert your EBT card at any ATM with a Quest® or NYCE® logo, enter your PIN, and select “Balance Inquiry” to see your available EBT Cash. This inquiry will not display your SNAP funds. To check your SNAP amount, you can use the Benny app or the ConnectEBT online portal.

To avoid fees, use a surcharge-free ATM. You can find these locations through networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds

Download the app

How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks are becoming more common in Virginia, making it important to recognize the various forms they take. Understanding these methods is the first step toward protecting your benefits and knowing what to do if they are compromised.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several tactics, from phishing scams with fake texts to trick you into sharing your PIN, to card skimming. Skimming involves criminals attaching hidden devices to card readers at stores or ATMs to copy your card data and record your PIN. They then create a cloned card to steal your funds.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If your SNAP benefits were stolen by these methods between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, they may be replaceable. You are allowed up to two replacements per year. To apply, you must:

Change your PIN and report the theft to your local DSS office or the EBT Helpdesk within 30 days.
Submit a signed replacement request form.

Stolen EBT Cash benefits are not replaceable under this program.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, you might run into other common problems with your EBT card. Knowing the reasons behind these issues and the steps to fix them can help you shop with confidence.

Card Locked or Repeated PIN Errors

Entering the wrong PIN four times in a row will automatically lock your card for 24 hours as a security measure. Your card might also be locked if you used the “Lock/Unlock” feature in the ConnectEBT mobile app and forgot to unlock it before making a purchase.

Wait 24 hours for the card to unlock automatically, or call the Virginia EBT Client Customer Service line at 866-281-2448 to reset your PIN.
If you locked the card yourself, open the ConnectEBT app or website, find the “Unlock My Card” option, and confirm.
Choose a new four-digit PIN that is not your date of birth or has repeating numbers.

Benefits Show “$0” or “Pending” on Reload Day

Monthly benefits are deposited on a fixed schedule based on the last digit of your SNAP case number. Funds arrive shortly after midnight, so checking your balance too early might show $0.

Verify your deposit date based on your case number and plan to shop on or after that day.
Check your balance for free using the ConnectEBT mobile app, the automated phone system, or by downloading the Benny app for real-time balance information.
If your funds have not appeared by noon on your deposit day, contact your local Department of Social Services or submit an inquiry through the CommonHelp portal.

“Transaction Declined” at the Grocery Checkout

A transaction can be declined if you try to buy items not covered by SNAP. You can find a list of eligible food items on the VDSS website. This can also happen if you mix eligible and ineligible items without separating the payment.

Another common reason is selecting “Credit” instead of “EBT” on the payment terminal.

Separate non-SNAP items from your groceries and use a different payment method for them.
Always choose “EBT” on the keypad before entering your PIN. If you receive both SNAP and EBT Cash, you may need to specify “Food” or “Cash”.
Confirm you have a sufficient EBT balance before you start shopping.
If the card reader has trouble with the chip, ask the cashier to try swiping the magnetic stripe instead.

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 helps you track your SNAP and EBT Cash balances 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 to 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 may provide benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), EBT Cash programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or both. Tracking your available funds is a smart way to manage your budget and avoid shortages when shopping. This helps you plan your spending effectively.

This guide explains the different methods for checking your Virginia EBT balance, from a mobile app to a customer service call.

How to Check Your EBT Balance in Virginia

Virginia EBT cardholders have five convenient ways to check their SNAP and EBT Cash funds. You can look up your information online, use a mobile app, call a 24-hour automated phone line, check your last store receipt, or use a balance inquiry function at a store terminal or an ATM.

1. Online Through the ConnectEBT Website

Accessing your account information through Virginia's official EBT portal is a straightforward process.

Go to the ConnectEBT website and choose “Virginia EBT” from the menu.
If you are a new user, create an account by providing the primary cardholder’s Social Security number, date of birth, and 16-digit card number. You will then create a user ID and password.
Once logged in, your current SNAP and EBT Cash amounts are displayed on the main page. You can also view your transaction history.

2. Using the Benny Mobile App

Checking your funds from your smartphone is possible with the Benny app.

Download the app and begin the setup process.
Sign up with your phone number or email address and enter your zip code.
Link your Virginia EBT card by entering the 16-digit card number and your PIN.

After linking your card, the app’s home screen will show your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash funds along with recent transactions.

Benny also provides cashback opportunities when you use your EBT card at participating stores, including Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, and Trader Joe’s.

3. Calling the 24-Hour Customer Service Line

Getting your account details over the phone is available anytime through an automated service.

Call the Virginia EBT customer service line at 1-866-281-2448.
Follow the prompts to enter your 16-digit EBT card number.

The automated system will read your current SNAP and EBT Cash amounts. For assistance in other languages, live interpreter services are available for Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese, among others. You can request an interpreter by speaking with an agent or following the menu prompts.

4. At a Store Terminal or on a Receipt

Reviewing your available funds is simple to do while you are shopping.

After any purchase using your EBT card, your remaining amount is printed at the bottom of the store receipt. You can also perform a free balance inquiry at most grocery store point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Simply swipe or insert your card, enter your PIN, and choose the inquiry option to see your funds on the screen.

5. At an ATM (EBT Cash Only)

Using an ATM is an option for checking your EBT Cash funds, but it will not show your SNAP food benefits.

You can insert your EBT card at any ATM with a Quest® or NYCE® logo, enter your PIN, and select “Balance Inquiry” to see your available EBT Cash. This inquiry will not display your SNAP funds. To check your SNAP amount, you can use the Benny app or the ConnectEBT online portal.

To avoid fees, use a surcharge-free ATM. You can find these locations through networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds

Download the app

How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks are becoming more common in Virginia, making it important to recognize the various forms they take. Understanding these methods is the first step toward protecting your benefits and knowing what to do if they are compromised.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several tactics, from phishing scams with fake texts to trick you into sharing your PIN, to card skimming. Skimming involves criminals attaching hidden devices to card readers at stores or ATMs to copy your card data and record your PIN. They then create a cloned card to steal your funds.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If your SNAP benefits were stolen by these methods between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, they may be replaceable. You are allowed up to two replacements per year. To apply, you must:

Change your PIN and report the theft to your local DSS office or the EBT Helpdesk within 30 days.
Submit a signed replacement request form.

Stolen EBT Cash benefits are not replaceable under this program.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, you might run into other common problems with your EBT card. Knowing the reasons behind these issues and the steps to fix them can help you shop with confidence.

Card Locked or Repeated PIN Errors

Entering the wrong PIN four times in a row will automatically lock your card for 24 hours as a security measure. Your card might also be locked if you used the “Lock/Unlock” feature in the ConnectEBT mobile app and forgot to unlock it before making a purchase.

Wait 24 hours for the card to unlock automatically, or call the Virginia EBT Client Customer Service line at 866-281-2448 to reset your PIN.
If you locked the card yourself, open the ConnectEBT app or website, find the “Unlock My Card” option, and confirm.
Choose a new four-digit PIN that is not your date of birth or has repeating numbers.

Benefits Show “$0” or “Pending” on Reload Day

Monthly benefits are deposited on a fixed schedule based on the last digit of your SNAP case number. Funds arrive shortly after midnight, so checking your balance too early might show $0.

Verify your deposit date based on your case number and plan to shop on or after that day.
Check your balance for free using the ConnectEBT mobile app, the automated phone system, or by downloading the Benny app for real-time balance information.
If your funds have not appeared by noon on your deposit day, contact your local Department of Social Services or submit an inquiry through the CommonHelp portal.

“Transaction Declined” at the Grocery Checkout

A transaction can be declined if you try to buy items not covered by SNAP. You can find a list of eligible food items on the VDSS website. This can also happen if you mix eligible and ineligible items without separating the payment.

Another common reason is selecting “Credit” instead of “EBT” on the payment terminal.

Separate non-SNAP items from your groceries and use a different payment method for them.
Always choose “EBT” on the keypad before entering your PIN. If you receive both SNAP and EBT Cash, you may need to specify “Food” or “Cash”.
Confirm you have a sufficient EBT balance before you start shopping.
If the card reader has trouble with the chip, ask the cashier to try swiping the magnetic stripe instead.

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 helps you track your SNAP and EBT Cash balances 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 to 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 may provide benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), EBT Cash programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), or both. Tracking your available funds is a smart way to manage your budget and avoid shortages when shopping. This helps you plan your spending effectively.

This guide explains the different methods for checking your Virginia EBT balance, from a mobile app to a customer service call.

How to Check Your EBT Balance in Virginia

Virginia EBT cardholders have five convenient ways to check their SNAP and EBT Cash funds. You can look up your information online, use a mobile app, call a 24-hour automated phone line, check your last store receipt, or use a balance inquiry function at a store terminal or an ATM.

1. Online Through the ConnectEBT Website

Accessing your account information through Virginia's official EBT portal is a straightforward process.

Go to the ConnectEBT website and choose “Virginia EBT” from the menu.
If you are a new user, create an account by providing the primary cardholder’s Social Security number, date of birth, and 16-digit card number. You will then create a user ID and password.
Once logged in, your current SNAP and EBT Cash amounts are displayed on the main page. You can also view your transaction history.

2. Using the Benny Mobile App

Checking your funds from your smartphone is possible with the Benny app.

Download the app and begin the setup process.
Sign up with your phone number or email address and enter your zip code.
Link your Virginia EBT card by entering the 16-digit card number and your PIN.

After linking your card, the app’s home screen will show your real-time SNAP and EBT Cash funds along with recent transactions.

Benny also provides cashback opportunities when you use your EBT card at participating stores, including Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, and Trader Joe’s.

3. Calling the 24-Hour Customer Service Line

Getting your account details over the phone is available anytime through an automated service.

Call the Virginia EBT customer service line at 1-866-281-2448.
Follow the prompts to enter your 16-digit EBT card number.

The automated system will read your current SNAP and EBT Cash amounts. For assistance in other languages, live interpreter services are available for Spanish, Vietnamese, Korean, and Chinese, among others. You can request an interpreter by speaking with an agent or following the menu prompts.

4. At a Store Terminal or on a Receipt

Reviewing your available funds is simple to do while you are shopping.

After any purchase using your EBT card, your remaining amount is printed at the bottom of the store receipt. You can also perform a free balance inquiry at most grocery store point-of-sale (POS) terminals. Simply swipe or insert your card, enter your PIN, and choose the inquiry option to see your funds on the screen.

5. At an ATM (EBT Cash Only)

Using an ATM is an option for checking your EBT Cash funds, but it will not show your SNAP food benefits.

You can insert your EBT card at any ATM with a Quest® or NYCE® logo, enter your PIN, and select “Balance Inquiry” to see your available EBT Cash. This inquiry will not display your SNAP funds. To check your SNAP amount, you can use the Benny app or the ConnectEBT online portal.

To avoid fees, use a surcharge-free ATM. You can find these locations through networks like Allpoint and MoneyPass.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds

Download the app

How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?

Phishing and spam attacks are becoming more common in Virginia, making it important to recognize the various forms they take. Understanding these methods is the first step toward protecting your benefits and knowing what to do if they are compromised.

How EBT Benefits Are Stolen

Thieves use several tactics, from phishing scams with fake texts to trick you into sharing your PIN, to card skimming. Skimming involves criminals attaching hidden devices to card readers at stores or ATMs to copy your card data and record your PIN. They then create a cloned card to steal your funds.

What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen

If your SNAP benefits were stolen by these methods between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, they may be replaceable. You are allowed up to two replacements per year. To apply, you must:

Change your PIN and report the theft to your local DSS office or the EBT Helpdesk within 30 days.
Submit a signed replacement request form.

Stolen EBT Cash benefits are not replaceable under this program.

Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them

Beyond security threats, you might run into other common problems with your EBT card. Knowing the reasons behind these issues and the steps to fix them can help you shop with confidence.

Card Locked or Repeated PIN Errors

Entering the wrong PIN four times in a row will automatically lock your card for 24 hours as a security measure. Your card might also be locked if you used the “Lock/Unlock” feature in the ConnectEBT mobile app and forgot to unlock it before making a purchase.

Wait 24 hours for the card to unlock automatically, or call the Virginia EBT Client Customer Service line at 866-281-2448 to reset your PIN.
If you locked the card yourself, open the ConnectEBT app or website, find the “Unlock My Card” option, and confirm.
Choose a new four-digit PIN that is not your date of birth or has repeating numbers.

Benefits Show “$0” or “Pending” on Reload Day

Monthly benefits are deposited on a fixed schedule based on the last digit of your SNAP case number. Funds arrive shortly after midnight, so checking your balance too early might show $0.

Verify your deposit date based on your case number and plan to shop on or after that day.
Check your balance for free using the ConnectEBT mobile app, the automated phone system, or by downloading the Benny app for real-time balance information.
If your funds have not appeared by noon on your deposit day, contact your local Department of Social Services or submit an inquiry through the CommonHelp portal.

“Transaction Declined” at the Grocery Checkout

A transaction can be declined if you try to buy items not covered by SNAP. You can find a list of eligible food items on the VDSS website. This can also happen if you mix eligible and ineligible items without separating the payment.

Another common reason is selecting “Credit” instead of “EBT” on the payment terminal.

Separate non-SNAP items from your groceries and use a different payment method for them.
Always choose “EBT” on the keypad before entering your PIN. If you receive both SNAP and EBT Cash, you may need to specify “Food” or “Cash”.
Confirm you have a sufficient EBT balance before you start shopping.
If the card reader has trouble with the chip, ask the cashier to try swiping the magnetic stripe instead.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

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Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you track your SNAP and EBT Cash balances 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 to receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.