5 Ways to Check Your Texas EBT Balance
Check your Texas EBT balance online, by phone, or with the Benny app with this simple, step-by-step guide.
Oct 2, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
5 Ways to Check Your Texas EBT Balance
Check your Texas EBT balance online, by phone, or with the Benny app with this simple, step-by-step guide.
Oct 2, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
5 Ways to Check Your Texas EBT Balance
Check your Texas EBT balance online, by phone, or with the Benny app with this simple, step-by-step guide.
Oct 2, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
5 Ways to Check Your Texas EBT Balance
Check your Texas EBT balance online, by phone, or with the Benny app with this simple, step-by-step guide.
Oct 2, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
5 Ways to Check Your Texas EBT Balance
Check your Texas EBT balance online, by phone, or with the Benny app with this simple, step-by-step guide.
Oct 2, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
SHARE
ON THIS PAGE
Your EBT card holds benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or EBT Cash from programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Keeping track of your available funds is important for managing your household budget and avoiding unexpected shortages at the checkout counter.
This guide will walk you through the different ways to check your balance in Texas, from using a mobile app to calling customer service.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Texas
In Texas, you can check your Lone Star Card funds in several ways. You can go online through the state's benefits portal, use a mobile app, call the automated help desk, look at your last store receipt, or use an ATM or point-of-sale machine for a balance inquiry. Each method gives you access to your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
1. Online Through YourTexasBenefits.com
Using the official Lone Star Card portal allows you to view both your SNAP food and TANF cash balances after signing in.
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Log in.”
Enter your username and password. If you have not registered your card, choose “Create an account.”
On the landing page, choose “Lone Star Card” or go to “Manage” and then “Card & PIN.”
Choose “View balance” to see your current SNAP Food and TANF Cash totals or “Transactions” for the last 30 days of activity.
2. The Benny Mobile App
Checking your funds is also possible with the Benny mobile app, which shows your real-time balance for both SNAP and EBT Cash.
Download and install the Benny app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and sign up with your phone number or email address.
Link your Lone Star Card by entering the card number, your ZIP code, and the PIN you use in stores. The app will retrieve your balance and spending history.
Tap the “$” icon at any time to refresh your balance.
Benny also provides automatic cash-back rewards when you shop at participating national chains such as Costco, Walmart, Walgreens, and Trader Joe’s.
3. 24-Hour Automated Customer Service
Calling the Lone Star Help Desk provides a quick way to hear your balance over the phone.
Dial 1-800-777-7328 and choose a language. You can also dial 2-1-1 and press 2 for benefits. Prompts are offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, with more languages available.
Enter your 16-digit card number.
Enter your 4-digit PIN.
The automated system will announce your SNAP Food and TANF Cash balances and give you the option to hear recent transactions or report a lost card.
4. Your Purchase Receipt
Reviewing the receipt from any EBT purchase is another way to track your funds.
After completing your purchase, take the printed receipt.
Find the “Food” (SNAP) and “Cash” (TANF) balance lines, which are usually beneath the transaction total.
You can keep the slip or take a photo for your records. The figure updates after every transaction.
5. ATM Or In-Store Balance Inquiry
Performing a balance inquiry at an ATM or store point-of-sale (POS) machine can show your EBT Cash balance. Some machines may also show your SNAP balance.
Insert or swipe your Lone Star Card and enter your PIN.
Select “Balance inquiry.” If the screen shows options for “Checking” and “Food,” choose “Checking” for your TANF cash. If a general “Balance” option is offered, it may show your SNAP funds.
Once the amount appears, press “Cancel” to end the session without making a withdrawal.
Fees may apply unless you use a surcharge-free network. You can find fee-free machines using the Allpoint locator. You can also ask your local credit union if it waives EBT surcharges.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
Phishing and spam attacks targeting EBT users are increasingly common across Texas. Recognizing the different forms these scams can take helps you protect your benefits and respond quickly if fraud occurs.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Thieves steal benefits through phishing texts and calls from spoofed numbers, physical skimmers on card readers that copy your card and PIN, and fake websites or social media pages offering extra funds to get your details.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, may be replaced. You must file Form H1854 within 30 days of the theft. This program does not cover TANF cash benefits and ends on December 21, 2024. If you suspect fraud:
Freeze your card and change your PIN immediately.
Report it to the HHSC Office of Inspector General (800-436-6184) and local police.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security concerns, everyday issues can disrupt your EBT card use. Knowing how to quickly troubleshoot common problems like a declined card or a forgotten PIN can save you time.
Card Declined at Checkout
A declined transaction at the register is often due to a simple mix-up. This can happen if there are insufficient funds, the card has not been activated yet, or the wrong account type was chosen at the terminal, such as 'EBT Cash' instead of 'SNAP'.
Ask the cashier to run the card again, making sure the SNAP account is used.
Check your balance before another attempt. You can call 800-777-7328, use the Your Texas Benefits portal, or download the Benny app.
You can also run a free balance inquiry at a surcharge-free ATM. Use an online ATM locator to find one near you.
Forgotten or Locked PIN
Forgetting your four-digit PIN is common, especially if you do not use your card frequently. After three incorrect attempts, your card will automatically lock for security, preventing further use until the PIN is reset.
The fastest way to reset your PIN is through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
You can also call the Lone Star Help Desk at 800-777-7328 to choose a new PIN over the phone.
If you cannot use the app or phone, you can request a new PIN by mail, which typically arrives in about a week.
Benefits Not Loaded on Schedule
Lone Star benefits are deposited between the 1st and 15th of each month, based on your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. If your funds are not available on the expected day, it could be due to a recent change in your EDG number, a state or federal holiday delaying the deposit, or simply because deposits can arrive late in the evening.
Double-check your EDG number and the corresponding deposit date. Funds are often available by 11:59 p.m. the night before your scheduled day.
If the deposit date has passed and your balance is still zero, call 2-1-1 and choose option 2 to speak with Texas Health and Human Services.
Ensure your renewal paperwork is submitted on time, as late verifications can pause deposits. You can manage your case on the official Lone Star Card page.
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 allows you to track your EBT balance in real time and earn cash back on eligible purchases at stores including Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To begin, link your EBT card within the app. After a purchase, simply scan your receipt with Benny to get 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/or EBT Cash from programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Keeping track of your available funds is important for managing your household budget and avoiding unexpected shortages at the checkout counter.
This guide will walk you through the different ways to check your balance in Texas, from using a mobile app to calling customer service.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Texas
In Texas, you can check your Lone Star Card funds in several ways. You can go online through the state's benefits portal, use a mobile app, call the automated help desk, look at your last store receipt, or use an ATM or point-of-sale machine for a balance inquiry. Each method gives you access to your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
1. Online Through YourTexasBenefits.com
Using the official Lone Star Card portal allows you to view both your SNAP food and TANF cash balances after signing in.
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Log in.”
Enter your username and password. If you have not registered your card, choose “Create an account.”
On the landing page, choose “Lone Star Card” or go to “Manage” and then “Card & PIN.”
Choose “View balance” to see your current SNAP Food and TANF Cash totals or “Transactions” for the last 30 days of activity.
2. The Benny Mobile App
Checking your funds is also possible with the Benny mobile app, which shows your real-time balance for both SNAP and EBT Cash.
Download and install the Benny app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and sign up with your phone number or email address.
Link your Lone Star Card by entering the card number, your ZIP code, and the PIN you use in stores. The app will retrieve your balance and spending history.
Tap the “$” icon at any time to refresh your balance.
Benny also provides automatic cash-back rewards when you shop at participating national chains such as Costco, Walmart, Walgreens, and Trader Joe’s.
3. 24-Hour Automated Customer Service
Calling the Lone Star Help Desk provides a quick way to hear your balance over the phone.
Dial 1-800-777-7328 and choose a language. You can also dial 2-1-1 and press 2 for benefits. Prompts are offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, with more languages available.
Enter your 16-digit card number.
Enter your 4-digit PIN.
The automated system will announce your SNAP Food and TANF Cash balances and give you the option to hear recent transactions or report a lost card.
4. Your Purchase Receipt
Reviewing the receipt from any EBT purchase is another way to track your funds.
After completing your purchase, take the printed receipt.
Find the “Food” (SNAP) and “Cash” (TANF) balance lines, which are usually beneath the transaction total.
You can keep the slip or take a photo for your records. The figure updates after every transaction.
5. ATM Or In-Store Balance Inquiry
Performing a balance inquiry at an ATM or store point-of-sale (POS) machine can show your EBT Cash balance. Some machines may also show your SNAP balance.
Insert or swipe your Lone Star Card and enter your PIN.
Select “Balance inquiry.” If the screen shows options for “Checking” and “Food,” choose “Checking” for your TANF cash. If a general “Balance” option is offered, it may show your SNAP funds.
Once the amount appears, press “Cancel” to end the session without making a withdrawal.
Fees may apply unless you use a surcharge-free network. You can find fee-free machines using the Allpoint locator. You can also ask your local credit union if it waives EBT surcharges.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
Phishing and spam attacks targeting EBT users are increasingly common across Texas. Recognizing the different forms these scams can take helps you protect your benefits and respond quickly if fraud occurs.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Thieves steal benefits through phishing texts and calls from spoofed numbers, physical skimmers on card readers that copy your card and PIN, and fake websites or social media pages offering extra funds to get your details.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, may be replaced. You must file Form H1854 within 30 days of the theft. This program does not cover TANF cash benefits and ends on December 21, 2024. If you suspect fraud:
Freeze your card and change your PIN immediately.
Report it to the HHSC Office of Inspector General (800-436-6184) and local police.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security concerns, everyday issues can disrupt your EBT card use. Knowing how to quickly troubleshoot common problems like a declined card or a forgotten PIN can save you time.
Card Declined at Checkout
A declined transaction at the register is often due to a simple mix-up. This can happen if there are insufficient funds, the card has not been activated yet, or the wrong account type was chosen at the terminal, such as 'EBT Cash' instead of 'SNAP'.
Ask the cashier to run the card again, making sure the SNAP account is used.
Check your balance before another attempt. You can call 800-777-7328, use the Your Texas Benefits portal, or download the Benny app.
You can also run a free balance inquiry at a surcharge-free ATM. Use an online ATM locator to find one near you.
Forgotten or Locked PIN
Forgetting your four-digit PIN is common, especially if you do not use your card frequently. After three incorrect attempts, your card will automatically lock for security, preventing further use until the PIN is reset.
The fastest way to reset your PIN is through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
You can also call the Lone Star Help Desk at 800-777-7328 to choose a new PIN over the phone.
If you cannot use the app or phone, you can request a new PIN by mail, which typically arrives in about a week.
Benefits Not Loaded on Schedule
Lone Star benefits are deposited between the 1st and 15th of each month, based on your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. If your funds are not available on the expected day, it could be due to a recent change in your EDG number, a state or federal holiday delaying the deposit, or simply because deposits can arrive late in the evening.
Double-check your EDG number and the corresponding deposit date. Funds are often available by 11:59 p.m. the night before your scheduled day.
If the deposit date has passed and your balance is still zero, call 2-1-1 and choose option 2 to speak with Texas Health and Human Services.
Ensure your renewal paperwork is submitted on time, as late verifications can pause deposits. You can manage your case on the official Lone Star Card page.
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 allows you to track your EBT balance in real time and earn cash back on eligible purchases at stores including Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To begin, link your EBT card within the app. After a purchase, simply scan your receipt with Benny to get 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/or EBT Cash from programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Keeping track of your available funds is important for managing your household budget and avoiding unexpected shortages at the checkout counter.
This guide will walk you through the different ways to check your balance in Texas, from using a mobile app to calling customer service.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Texas
In Texas, you can check your Lone Star Card funds in several ways. You can go online through the state's benefits portal, use a mobile app, call the automated help desk, look at your last store receipt, or use an ATM or point-of-sale machine for a balance inquiry. Each method gives you access to your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
1. Online Through YourTexasBenefits.com
Using the official Lone Star Card portal allows you to view both your SNAP food and TANF cash balances after signing in.
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Log in.”
Enter your username and password. If you have not registered your card, choose “Create an account.”
On the landing page, choose “Lone Star Card” or go to “Manage” and then “Card & PIN.”
Choose “View balance” to see your current SNAP Food and TANF Cash totals or “Transactions” for the last 30 days of activity.
2. The Benny Mobile App
Checking your funds is also possible with the Benny mobile app, which shows your real-time balance for both SNAP and EBT Cash.
Download and install the Benny app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and sign up with your phone number or email address.
Link your Lone Star Card by entering the card number, your ZIP code, and the PIN you use in stores. The app will retrieve your balance and spending history.
Tap the “$” icon at any time to refresh your balance.
Benny also provides automatic cash-back rewards when you shop at participating national chains such as Costco, Walmart, Walgreens, and Trader Joe’s.
3. 24-Hour Automated Customer Service
Calling the Lone Star Help Desk provides a quick way to hear your balance over the phone.
Dial 1-800-777-7328 and choose a language. You can also dial 2-1-1 and press 2 for benefits. Prompts are offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, with more languages available.
Enter your 16-digit card number.
Enter your 4-digit PIN.
The automated system will announce your SNAP Food and TANF Cash balances and give you the option to hear recent transactions or report a lost card.
4. Your Purchase Receipt
Reviewing the receipt from any EBT purchase is another way to track your funds.
After completing your purchase, take the printed receipt.
Find the “Food” (SNAP) and “Cash” (TANF) balance lines, which are usually beneath the transaction total.
You can keep the slip or take a photo for your records. The figure updates after every transaction.
5. ATM Or In-Store Balance Inquiry
Performing a balance inquiry at an ATM or store point-of-sale (POS) machine can show your EBT Cash balance. Some machines may also show your SNAP balance.
Insert or swipe your Lone Star Card and enter your PIN.
Select “Balance inquiry.” If the screen shows options for “Checking” and “Food,” choose “Checking” for your TANF cash. If a general “Balance” option is offered, it may show your SNAP funds.
Once the amount appears, press “Cancel” to end the session without making a withdrawal.
Fees may apply unless you use a surcharge-free network. You can find fee-free machines using the Allpoint locator. You can also ask your local credit union if it waives EBT surcharges.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
Phishing and spam attacks targeting EBT users are increasingly common across Texas. Recognizing the different forms these scams can take helps you protect your benefits and respond quickly if fraud occurs.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Thieves steal benefits through phishing texts and calls from spoofed numbers, physical skimmers on card readers that copy your card and PIN, and fake websites or social media pages offering extra funds to get your details.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, may be replaced. You must file Form H1854 within 30 days of the theft. This program does not cover TANF cash benefits and ends on December 21, 2024. If you suspect fraud:
Freeze your card and change your PIN immediately.
Report it to the HHSC Office of Inspector General (800-436-6184) and local police.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security concerns, everyday issues can disrupt your EBT card use. Knowing how to quickly troubleshoot common problems like a declined card or a forgotten PIN can save you time.
Card Declined at Checkout
A declined transaction at the register is often due to a simple mix-up. This can happen if there are insufficient funds, the card has not been activated yet, or the wrong account type was chosen at the terminal, such as 'EBT Cash' instead of 'SNAP'.
Ask the cashier to run the card again, making sure the SNAP account is used.
Check your balance before another attempt. You can call 800-777-7328, use the Your Texas Benefits portal, or download the Benny app.
You can also run a free balance inquiry at a surcharge-free ATM. Use an online ATM locator to find one near you.
Forgotten or Locked PIN
Forgetting your four-digit PIN is common, especially if you do not use your card frequently. After three incorrect attempts, your card will automatically lock for security, preventing further use until the PIN is reset.
The fastest way to reset your PIN is through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
You can also call the Lone Star Help Desk at 800-777-7328 to choose a new PIN over the phone.
If you cannot use the app or phone, you can request a new PIN by mail, which typically arrives in about a week.
Benefits Not Loaded on Schedule
Lone Star benefits are deposited between the 1st and 15th of each month, based on your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. If your funds are not available on the expected day, it could be due to a recent change in your EDG number, a state or federal holiday delaying the deposit, or simply because deposits can arrive late in the evening.
Double-check your EDG number and the corresponding deposit date. Funds are often available by 11:59 p.m. the night before your scheduled day.
If the deposit date has passed and your balance is still zero, call 2-1-1 and choose option 2 to speak with Texas Health and Human Services.
Ensure your renewal paperwork is submitted on time, as late verifications can pause deposits. You can manage your case on the official Lone Star Card page.
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 allows you to track your EBT balance in real time and earn cash back on eligible purchases at stores including Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To begin, link your EBT card within the app. After a purchase, simply scan your receipt with Benny to get 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/or EBT Cash from programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Keeping track of your available funds is important for managing your household budget and avoiding unexpected shortages at the checkout counter.
This guide will walk you through the different ways to check your balance in Texas, from using a mobile app to calling customer service.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Texas
In Texas, you can check your Lone Star Card funds in several ways. You can go online through the state's benefits portal, use a mobile app, call the automated help desk, look at your last store receipt, or use an ATM or point-of-sale machine for a balance inquiry. Each method gives you access to your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
1. Online Through YourTexasBenefits.com
Using the official Lone Star Card portal allows you to view both your SNAP food and TANF cash balances after signing in.
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Log in.”
Enter your username and password. If you have not registered your card, choose “Create an account.”
On the landing page, choose “Lone Star Card” or go to “Manage” and then “Card & PIN.”
Choose “View balance” to see your current SNAP Food and TANF Cash totals or “Transactions” for the last 30 days of activity.
2. The Benny Mobile App
Checking your funds is also possible with the Benny mobile app, which shows your real-time balance for both SNAP and EBT Cash.
Download and install the Benny app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and sign up with your phone number or email address.
Link your Lone Star Card by entering the card number, your ZIP code, and the PIN you use in stores. The app will retrieve your balance and spending history.
Tap the “$” icon at any time to refresh your balance.
Benny also provides automatic cash-back rewards when you shop at participating national chains such as Costco, Walmart, Walgreens, and Trader Joe’s.
3. 24-Hour Automated Customer Service
Calling the Lone Star Help Desk provides a quick way to hear your balance over the phone.
Dial 1-800-777-7328 and choose a language. You can also dial 2-1-1 and press 2 for benefits. Prompts are offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, with more languages available.
Enter your 16-digit card number.
Enter your 4-digit PIN.
The automated system will announce your SNAP Food and TANF Cash balances and give you the option to hear recent transactions or report a lost card.
4. Your Purchase Receipt
Reviewing the receipt from any EBT purchase is another way to track your funds.
After completing your purchase, take the printed receipt.
Find the “Food” (SNAP) and “Cash” (TANF) balance lines, which are usually beneath the transaction total.
You can keep the slip or take a photo for your records. The figure updates after every transaction.
5. ATM Or In-Store Balance Inquiry
Performing a balance inquiry at an ATM or store point-of-sale (POS) machine can show your EBT Cash balance. Some machines may also show your SNAP balance.
Insert or swipe your Lone Star Card and enter your PIN.
Select “Balance inquiry.” If the screen shows options for “Checking” and “Food,” choose “Checking” for your TANF cash. If a general “Balance” option is offered, it may show your SNAP funds.
Once the amount appears, press “Cancel” to end the session without making a withdrawal.
Fees may apply unless you use a surcharge-free network. You can find fee-free machines using the Allpoint locator. You can also ask your local credit union if it waives EBT surcharges.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance in Seconds
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
Phishing and spam attacks targeting EBT users are increasingly common across Texas. Recognizing the different forms these scams can take helps you protect your benefits and respond quickly if fraud occurs.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Thieves steal benefits through phishing texts and calls from spoofed numbers, physical skimmers on card readers that copy your card and PIN, and fake websites or social media pages offering extra funds to get your details.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, may be replaced. You must file Form H1854 within 30 days of the theft. This program does not cover TANF cash benefits and ends on December 21, 2024. If you suspect fraud:
Freeze your card and change your PIN immediately.
Report it to the HHSC Office of Inspector General (800-436-6184) and local police.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security concerns, everyday issues can disrupt your EBT card use. Knowing how to quickly troubleshoot common problems like a declined card or a forgotten PIN can save you time.
Card Declined at Checkout
A declined transaction at the register is often due to a simple mix-up. This can happen if there are insufficient funds, the card has not been activated yet, or the wrong account type was chosen at the terminal, such as 'EBT Cash' instead of 'SNAP'.
Ask the cashier to run the card again, making sure the SNAP account is used.
Check your balance before another attempt. You can call 800-777-7328, use the Your Texas Benefits portal, or download the Benny app.
You can also run a free balance inquiry at a surcharge-free ATM. Use an online ATM locator to find one near you.
Forgotten or Locked PIN
Forgetting your four-digit PIN is common, especially if you do not use your card frequently. After three incorrect attempts, your card will automatically lock for security, preventing further use until the PIN is reset.
The fastest way to reset your PIN is through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
You can also call the Lone Star Help Desk at 800-777-7328 to choose a new PIN over the phone.
If you cannot use the app or phone, you can request a new PIN by mail, which typically arrives in about a week.
Benefits Not Loaded on Schedule
Lone Star benefits are deposited between the 1st and 15th of each month, based on your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. If your funds are not available on the expected day, it could be due to a recent change in your EDG number, a state or federal holiday delaying the deposit, or simply because deposits can arrive late in the evening.
Double-check your EDG number and the corresponding deposit date. Funds are often available by 11:59 p.m. the night before your scheduled day.
If the deposit date has passed and your balance is still zero, call 2-1-1 and choose option 2 to speak with Texas Health and Human Services.
Ensure your renewal paperwork is submitted on time, as late verifications can pause deposits. You can manage your case on the official Lone Star Card page.
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 allows you to track your EBT balance in real time and earn cash back on eligible purchases at stores including Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To begin, link your EBT card within the app. After a purchase, simply scan your receipt with Benny to get 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/or EBT Cash from programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Keeping track of your available funds is important for managing your household budget and avoiding unexpected shortages at the checkout counter.
This guide will walk you through the different ways to check your balance in Texas, from using a mobile app to calling customer service.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Texas
In Texas, you can check your Lone Star Card funds in several ways. You can go online through the state's benefits portal, use a mobile app, call the automated help desk, look at your last store receipt, or use an ATM or point-of-sale machine for a balance inquiry. Each method gives you access to your current SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
1. Online Through YourTexasBenefits.com
Using the official Lone Star Card portal allows you to view both your SNAP food and TANF cash balances after signing in.
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Log in.”
Enter your username and password. If you have not registered your card, choose “Create an account.”
On the landing page, choose “Lone Star Card” or go to “Manage” and then “Card & PIN.”
Choose “View balance” to see your current SNAP Food and TANF Cash totals or “Transactions” for the last 30 days of activity.
2. The Benny Mobile App
Checking your funds is also possible with the Benny mobile app, which shows your real-time balance for both SNAP and EBT Cash.
Download and install the Benny app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and sign up with your phone number or email address.
Link your Lone Star Card by entering the card number, your ZIP code, and the PIN you use in stores. The app will retrieve your balance and spending history.
Tap the “$” icon at any time to refresh your balance.
Benny also provides automatic cash-back rewards when you shop at participating national chains such as Costco, Walmart, Walgreens, and Trader Joe’s.
3. 24-Hour Automated Customer Service
Calling the Lone Star Help Desk provides a quick way to hear your balance over the phone.
Dial 1-800-777-7328 and choose a language. You can also dial 2-1-1 and press 2 for benefits. Prompts are offered in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, with more languages available.
Enter your 16-digit card number.
Enter your 4-digit PIN.
The automated system will announce your SNAP Food and TANF Cash balances and give you the option to hear recent transactions or report a lost card.
4. Your Purchase Receipt
Reviewing the receipt from any EBT purchase is another way to track your funds.
After completing your purchase, take the printed receipt.
Find the “Food” (SNAP) and “Cash” (TANF) balance lines, which are usually beneath the transaction total.
You can keep the slip or take a photo for your records. The figure updates after every transaction.
5. ATM Or In-Store Balance Inquiry
Performing a balance inquiry at an ATM or store point-of-sale (POS) machine can show your EBT Cash balance. Some machines may also show your SNAP balance.
Insert or swipe your Lone Star Card and enter your PIN.
Select “Balance inquiry.” If the screen shows options for “Checking” and “Food,” choose “Checking” for your TANF cash. If a general “Balance” option is offered, it may show your SNAP funds.
Once the amount appears, press “Cancel” to end the session without making a withdrawal.
Fees may apply unless you use a surcharge-free network. You can find fee-free machines using the Allpoint locator. You can also ask your local credit union if it waives EBT surcharges.
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How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
Phishing and spam attacks targeting EBT users are increasingly common across Texas. Recognizing the different forms these scams can take helps you protect your benefits and respond quickly if fraud occurs.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Thieves steal benefits through phishing texts and calls from spoofed numbers, physical skimmers on card readers that copy your card and PIN, and fake websites or social media pages offering extra funds to get your details.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, may be replaced. You must file Form H1854 within 30 days of the theft. This program does not cover TANF cash benefits and ends on December 21, 2024. If you suspect fraud:
Freeze your card and change your PIN immediately.
Report it to the HHSC Office of Inspector General (800-436-6184) and local police.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security concerns, everyday issues can disrupt your EBT card use. Knowing how to quickly troubleshoot common problems like a declined card or a forgotten PIN can save you time.
Card Declined at Checkout
A declined transaction at the register is often due to a simple mix-up. This can happen if there are insufficient funds, the card has not been activated yet, or the wrong account type was chosen at the terminal, such as 'EBT Cash' instead of 'SNAP'.
Ask the cashier to run the card again, making sure the SNAP account is used.
Check your balance before another attempt. You can call 800-777-7328, use the Your Texas Benefits portal, or download the Benny app.
You can also run a free balance inquiry at a surcharge-free ATM. Use an online ATM locator to find one near you.
Forgotten or Locked PIN
Forgetting your four-digit PIN is common, especially if you do not use your card frequently. After three incorrect attempts, your card will automatically lock for security, preventing further use until the PIN is reset.
The fastest way to reset your PIN is through the Your Texas Benefits mobile app.
You can also call the Lone Star Help Desk at 800-777-7328 to choose a new PIN over the phone.
If you cannot use the app or phone, you can request a new PIN by mail, which typically arrives in about a week.
Benefits Not Loaded on Schedule
Lone Star benefits are deposited between the 1st and 15th of each month, based on your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. If your funds are not available on the expected day, it could be due to a recent change in your EDG number, a state or federal holiday delaying the deposit, or simply because deposits can arrive late in the evening.
Double-check your EDG number and the corresponding deposit date. Funds are often available by 11:59 p.m. the night before your scheduled day.
If the deposit date has passed and your balance is still zero, call 2-1-1 and choose option 2 to speak with Texas Health and Human Services.
Ensure your renewal paperwork is submitted on time, as late verifications can pause deposits. You can manage your case on the official Lone Star Card page.
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 allows you to track your EBT balance in real time and earn cash back on eligible purchases at stores including Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To begin, link your EBT card within the app. After a purchase, simply scan your receipt with Benny to get cashback on SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.
