5 Ways to Check Your Texas EBT Balance
Quickly 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
Quickly 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
Quickly 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
Quickly 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
Quickly 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
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Your EBT card provides access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT Cash benefits, such as from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Monitoring your balance helps you budget effectively and avoid shortages.
This guide explains the different ways to check your Texas EBT funds, from using a mobile app to calling customer service.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Texas
You can check your Texas EBT balance in several ways, including through the official state website, a mobile app, or by phone. You can also find your balance printed on your last grocery receipt or by performing an inquiry at an ATM or point-of-sale machine. Each method gives you direct access to your current funds.
1. Online Through YourTexasBenefits.com
Accessing your account on the official state portal provides a detailed view of both your SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Log in.”
Enter your username and password. If you have not registered your card, you will need to create an account.
From the main page, find the “Lone Star Card” section.
Choose “View balance” to see your current totals or “Transactions” to review the last 30 days of activity.
2. Using the Benny Mobile App
Using a mobile app is another convenient way to see your real-time account information directly from your phone.
Download the Benny app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and enter your phone number or email address to sign up.
Provide your ZIP code and link your Lone Star Card by entering the card number and PIN. Your balance and transaction history will appear.
Benny also offers automatic cash back on eligible purchases at participating stores, including Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens.
3. Calling the 24-Hour Automated Customer Service
Calling the Lone Star Help Desk connects you to an automated system for checking your balance over the phone.
Dial the Lone Star Help Desk at 1-800-777-7328.
Choose your preferred language. Prompts are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, with additional language support available.
Enter your 16-digit Lone Star Card number.
Enter your 4-digit PIN. The system will announce your SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
4. Looking at Your Last Receipt
Reviewing your most recent store receipt is a simple way to confirm your remaining funds, as the balance updates after every transaction.
After completing a purchase with your EBT card, take the printed receipt.
Find the “Food” (SNAP) and “Cash” (EBT Cash) balance lines, usually located beneath the transaction total.
5. At an ATM or In-Store POS
Performing a balance inquiry at an ATM or a store’s point-of-sale (POS) terminal allows you to check your EBT Cash balance without making a withdrawal.
Insert or swipe your Lone Star Card and enter your PIN.
Choose the “Balance Inquiry” option.
Once the amount is displayed, press “Cancel” to end the transaction.
Some ATMs may charge a fee for this service. To find a location without a surcharge, you can use an ATM locator to find a participating machine in the Allpoint network.
Note that some ATMs may only display your EBT Cash funds. If you need to see your SNAP balance, you can check your last grocery receipt or use the Benny app.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
Phishing and spam attacks are increasingly common in Texas, targeting EBT cardholders with sophisticated scams. Understanding the different ways thieves can steal your benefits is the first step toward protecting your account and responding quickly if fraud occurs.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Benefits are stolen through phishing texts and calls impersonating the Lone Star Help Desk to get your PIN. Criminals also attach skimming devices to card readers to copy your data. Fake websites and social media offers promising extra benefits are another common trick used to steal your account information and drain your balance.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, may be replaced, but this program ends for thefts after that date. Stolen EBT Cash is not replaceable. If you suspect fraud, you must take action by following the official steps:
Call 800-777-7328 to freeze your card.
Report the theft to the HHSC Office of Inspector General.
File Form H1854 for eligible SNAP claims.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt your access to benefits. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems like a declined card or forgotten PIN can save you time and frustration at checkout.
Card Declined at Checkout
A declined transaction or an “Invalid Card” message can happen for several reasons. It might be due to a low or zero balance, or you may have accidentally chosen the wrong account type, like 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 by calling 800-777-7328 or running a free balance inquiry at an ATM. You can also download the free Benny app to see your balance instantly.
Forgotten or Locked PIN
It’s easy to forget your four-digit PIN, especially if you don’t use your card often. Entering the wrong PIN three times in a row will automatically lock your card for security.
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 pick a new PIN over the phone. Your old PIN will be deactivated immediately.
If you cannot use the app or phone, you can request a new PIN by mail, but it may take about a week to arrive.
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 aren't there 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 checking too early. Deposits often arrive around midnight the night before your scheduled date.
Double-check your EDG number and the corresponding deposit date. You can find more information on the Lone Star Card FAQ page.
If the 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.
Keep your case information updated. Late renewals can pause deposits until your caseworker processes the required documents.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that lets you check your EBT funds in real time and earn cash back on qualifying purchases from stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Costco. To begin, you just need to link your EBT card within the app. When you buy groceries, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback for items that are SNAP-eligible.
Download Benny to manage your spending and make your EBT benefits go further.
SHARE
Your EBT card provides access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT Cash benefits, such as from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Monitoring your balance helps you budget effectively and avoid shortages.
This guide explains the different ways to check your Texas EBT funds, from using a mobile app to calling customer service.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Texas
You can check your Texas EBT balance in several ways, including through the official state website, a mobile app, or by phone. You can also find your balance printed on your last grocery receipt or by performing an inquiry at an ATM or point-of-sale machine. Each method gives you direct access to your current funds.
1. Online Through YourTexasBenefits.com
Accessing your account on the official state portal provides a detailed view of both your SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Log in.”
Enter your username and password. If you have not registered your card, you will need to create an account.
From the main page, find the “Lone Star Card” section.
Choose “View balance” to see your current totals or “Transactions” to review the last 30 days of activity.
2. Using the Benny Mobile App
Using a mobile app is another convenient way to see your real-time account information directly from your phone.
Download the Benny app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and enter your phone number or email address to sign up.
Provide your ZIP code and link your Lone Star Card by entering the card number and PIN. Your balance and transaction history will appear.
Benny also offers automatic cash back on eligible purchases at participating stores, including Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens.
3. Calling the 24-Hour Automated Customer Service
Calling the Lone Star Help Desk connects you to an automated system for checking your balance over the phone.
Dial the Lone Star Help Desk at 1-800-777-7328.
Choose your preferred language. Prompts are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, with additional language support available.
Enter your 16-digit Lone Star Card number.
Enter your 4-digit PIN. The system will announce your SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
4. Looking at Your Last Receipt
Reviewing your most recent store receipt is a simple way to confirm your remaining funds, as the balance updates after every transaction.
After completing a purchase with your EBT card, take the printed receipt.
Find the “Food” (SNAP) and “Cash” (EBT Cash) balance lines, usually located beneath the transaction total.
5. At an ATM or In-Store POS
Performing a balance inquiry at an ATM or a store’s point-of-sale (POS) terminal allows you to check your EBT Cash balance without making a withdrawal.
Insert or swipe your Lone Star Card and enter your PIN.
Choose the “Balance Inquiry” option.
Once the amount is displayed, press “Cancel” to end the transaction.
Some ATMs may charge a fee for this service. To find a location without a surcharge, you can use an ATM locator to find a participating machine in the Allpoint network.
Note that some ATMs may only display your EBT Cash funds. If you need to see your SNAP balance, you can check your last grocery receipt or use the Benny app.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
Phishing and spam attacks are increasingly common in Texas, targeting EBT cardholders with sophisticated scams. Understanding the different ways thieves can steal your benefits is the first step toward protecting your account and responding quickly if fraud occurs.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Benefits are stolen through phishing texts and calls impersonating the Lone Star Help Desk to get your PIN. Criminals also attach skimming devices to card readers to copy your data. Fake websites and social media offers promising extra benefits are another common trick used to steal your account information and drain your balance.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, may be replaced, but this program ends for thefts after that date. Stolen EBT Cash is not replaceable. If you suspect fraud, you must take action by following the official steps:
Call 800-777-7328 to freeze your card.
Report the theft to the HHSC Office of Inspector General.
File Form H1854 for eligible SNAP claims.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt your access to benefits. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems like a declined card or forgotten PIN can save you time and frustration at checkout.
Card Declined at Checkout
A declined transaction or an “Invalid Card” message can happen for several reasons. It might be due to a low or zero balance, or you may have accidentally chosen the wrong account type, like 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 by calling 800-777-7328 or running a free balance inquiry at an ATM. You can also download the free Benny app to see your balance instantly.
Forgotten or Locked PIN
It’s easy to forget your four-digit PIN, especially if you don’t use your card often. Entering the wrong PIN three times in a row will automatically lock your card for security.
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 pick a new PIN over the phone. Your old PIN will be deactivated immediately.
If you cannot use the app or phone, you can request a new PIN by mail, but it may take about a week to arrive.
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 aren't there 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 checking too early. Deposits often arrive around midnight the night before your scheduled date.
Double-check your EDG number and the corresponding deposit date. You can find more information on the Lone Star Card FAQ page.
If the 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.
Keep your case information updated. Late renewals can pause deposits until your caseworker processes the required documents.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that lets you check your EBT funds in real time and earn cash back on qualifying purchases from stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Costco. To begin, you just need to link your EBT card within the app. When you buy groceries, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback for items that are SNAP-eligible.
Download Benny to manage your spending and make your EBT benefits go further.
SHARE
Your EBT card provides access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT Cash benefits, such as from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Monitoring your balance helps you budget effectively and avoid shortages.
This guide explains the different ways to check your Texas EBT funds, from using a mobile app to calling customer service.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Texas
You can check your Texas EBT balance in several ways, including through the official state website, a mobile app, or by phone. You can also find your balance printed on your last grocery receipt or by performing an inquiry at an ATM or point-of-sale machine. Each method gives you direct access to your current funds.
1. Online Through YourTexasBenefits.com
Accessing your account on the official state portal provides a detailed view of both your SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Log in.”
Enter your username and password. If you have not registered your card, you will need to create an account.
From the main page, find the “Lone Star Card” section.
Choose “View balance” to see your current totals or “Transactions” to review the last 30 days of activity.
2. Using the Benny Mobile App
Using a mobile app is another convenient way to see your real-time account information directly from your phone.
Download the Benny app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and enter your phone number or email address to sign up.
Provide your ZIP code and link your Lone Star Card by entering the card number and PIN. Your balance and transaction history will appear.
Benny also offers automatic cash back on eligible purchases at participating stores, including Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens.
3. Calling the 24-Hour Automated Customer Service
Calling the Lone Star Help Desk connects you to an automated system for checking your balance over the phone.
Dial the Lone Star Help Desk at 1-800-777-7328.
Choose your preferred language. Prompts are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, with additional language support available.
Enter your 16-digit Lone Star Card number.
Enter your 4-digit PIN. The system will announce your SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
4. Looking at Your Last Receipt
Reviewing your most recent store receipt is a simple way to confirm your remaining funds, as the balance updates after every transaction.
After completing a purchase with your EBT card, take the printed receipt.
Find the “Food” (SNAP) and “Cash” (EBT Cash) balance lines, usually located beneath the transaction total.
5. At an ATM or In-Store POS
Performing a balance inquiry at an ATM or a store’s point-of-sale (POS) terminal allows you to check your EBT Cash balance without making a withdrawal.
Insert or swipe your Lone Star Card and enter your PIN.
Choose the “Balance Inquiry” option.
Once the amount is displayed, press “Cancel” to end the transaction.
Some ATMs may charge a fee for this service. To find a location without a surcharge, you can use an ATM locator to find a participating machine in the Allpoint network.
Note that some ATMs may only display your EBT Cash funds. If you need to see your SNAP balance, you can check your last grocery receipt or use the Benny app.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
Phishing and spam attacks are increasingly common in Texas, targeting EBT cardholders with sophisticated scams. Understanding the different ways thieves can steal your benefits is the first step toward protecting your account and responding quickly if fraud occurs.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Benefits are stolen through phishing texts and calls impersonating the Lone Star Help Desk to get your PIN. Criminals also attach skimming devices to card readers to copy your data. Fake websites and social media offers promising extra benefits are another common trick used to steal your account information and drain your balance.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, may be replaced, but this program ends for thefts after that date. Stolen EBT Cash is not replaceable. If you suspect fraud, you must take action by following the official steps:
Call 800-777-7328 to freeze your card.
Report the theft to the HHSC Office of Inspector General.
File Form H1854 for eligible SNAP claims.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt your access to benefits. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems like a declined card or forgotten PIN can save you time and frustration at checkout.
Card Declined at Checkout
A declined transaction or an “Invalid Card” message can happen for several reasons. It might be due to a low or zero balance, or you may have accidentally chosen the wrong account type, like 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 by calling 800-777-7328 or running a free balance inquiry at an ATM. You can also download the free Benny app to see your balance instantly.
Forgotten or Locked PIN
It’s easy to forget your four-digit PIN, especially if you don’t use your card often. Entering the wrong PIN three times in a row will automatically lock your card for security.
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 pick a new PIN over the phone. Your old PIN will be deactivated immediately.
If you cannot use the app or phone, you can request a new PIN by mail, but it may take about a week to arrive.
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 aren't there 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 checking too early. Deposits often arrive around midnight the night before your scheduled date.
Double-check your EDG number and the corresponding deposit date. You can find more information on the Lone Star Card FAQ page.
If the 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.
Keep your case information updated. Late renewals can pause deposits until your caseworker processes the required documents.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that lets you check your EBT funds in real time and earn cash back on qualifying purchases from stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Costco. To begin, you just need to link your EBT card within the app. When you buy groceries, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback for items that are SNAP-eligible.
Download Benny to manage your spending and make your EBT benefits go further.
SHARE
Your EBT card provides access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT Cash benefits, such as from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Monitoring your balance helps you budget effectively and avoid shortages.
This guide explains the different ways to check your Texas EBT funds, from using a mobile app to calling customer service.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Texas
You can check your Texas EBT balance in several ways, including through the official state website, a mobile app, or by phone. You can also find your balance printed on your last grocery receipt or by performing an inquiry at an ATM or point-of-sale machine. Each method gives you direct access to your current funds.
1. Online Through YourTexasBenefits.com
Accessing your account on the official state portal provides a detailed view of both your SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Log in.”
Enter your username and password. If you have not registered your card, you will need to create an account.
From the main page, find the “Lone Star Card” section.
Choose “View balance” to see your current totals or “Transactions” to review the last 30 days of activity.
2. Using the Benny Mobile App
Using a mobile app is another convenient way to see your real-time account information directly from your phone.
Download the Benny app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and enter your phone number or email address to sign up.
Provide your ZIP code and link your Lone Star Card by entering the card number and PIN. Your balance and transaction history will appear.
Benny also offers automatic cash back on eligible purchases at participating stores, including Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens.
3. Calling the 24-Hour Automated Customer Service
Calling the Lone Star Help Desk connects you to an automated system for checking your balance over the phone.
Dial the Lone Star Help Desk at 1-800-777-7328.
Choose your preferred language. Prompts are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, with additional language support available.
Enter your 16-digit Lone Star Card number.
Enter your 4-digit PIN. The system will announce your SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
4. Looking at Your Last Receipt
Reviewing your most recent store receipt is a simple way to confirm your remaining funds, as the balance updates after every transaction.
After completing a purchase with your EBT card, take the printed receipt.
Find the “Food” (SNAP) and “Cash” (EBT Cash) balance lines, usually located beneath the transaction total.
5. At an ATM or In-Store POS
Performing a balance inquiry at an ATM or a store’s point-of-sale (POS) terminal allows you to check your EBT Cash balance without making a withdrawal.
Insert or swipe your Lone Star Card and enter your PIN.
Choose the “Balance Inquiry” option.
Once the amount is displayed, press “Cancel” to end the transaction.
Some ATMs may charge a fee for this service. To find a location without a surcharge, you can use an ATM locator to find a participating machine in the Allpoint network.
Note that some ATMs may only display your EBT Cash funds. If you need to see your SNAP balance, you can check your last grocery receipt or use the Benny app.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
Phishing and spam attacks are increasingly common in Texas, targeting EBT cardholders with sophisticated scams. Understanding the different ways thieves can steal your benefits is the first step toward protecting your account and responding quickly if fraud occurs.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Benefits are stolen through phishing texts and calls impersonating the Lone Star Help Desk to get your PIN. Criminals also attach skimming devices to card readers to copy your data. Fake websites and social media offers promising extra benefits are another common trick used to steal your account information and drain your balance.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, may be replaced, but this program ends for thefts after that date. Stolen EBT Cash is not replaceable. If you suspect fraud, you must take action by following the official steps:
Call 800-777-7328 to freeze your card.
Report the theft to the HHSC Office of Inspector General.
File Form H1854 for eligible SNAP claims.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt your access to benefits. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems like a declined card or forgotten PIN can save you time and frustration at checkout.
Card Declined at Checkout
A declined transaction or an “Invalid Card” message can happen for several reasons. It might be due to a low or zero balance, or you may have accidentally chosen the wrong account type, like 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 by calling 800-777-7328 or running a free balance inquiry at an ATM. You can also download the free Benny app to see your balance instantly.
Forgotten or Locked PIN
It’s easy to forget your four-digit PIN, especially if you don’t use your card often. Entering the wrong PIN three times in a row will automatically lock your card for security.
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 pick a new PIN over the phone. Your old PIN will be deactivated immediately.
If you cannot use the app or phone, you can request a new PIN by mail, but it may take about a week to arrive.
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 aren't there 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 checking too early. Deposits often arrive around midnight the night before your scheduled date.
Double-check your EDG number and the corresponding deposit date. You can find more information on the Lone Star Card FAQ page.
If the 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.
Keep your case information updated. Late renewals can pause deposits until your caseworker processes the required documents.
Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT Balance
Download the app
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that lets you check your EBT funds in real time and earn cash back on qualifying purchases from stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Costco. To begin, you just need to link your EBT card within the app. When you buy groceries, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback for items that are SNAP-eligible.
Download Benny to manage your spending and make your EBT benefits go further.
SHARE
Your EBT card provides access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and EBT Cash benefits, such as from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Monitoring your balance helps you budget effectively and avoid shortages.
This guide explains the different ways to check your Texas EBT funds, from using a mobile app to calling customer service.
How to Check Your EBT Balance in Texas
You can check your Texas EBT balance in several ways, including through the official state website, a mobile app, or by phone. You can also find your balance printed on your last grocery receipt or by performing an inquiry at an ATM or point-of-sale machine. Each method gives you direct access to your current funds.
1. Online Through YourTexasBenefits.com
Accessing your account on the official state portal provides a detailed view of both your SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
Go to YourTexasBenefits.com and click “Log in.”
Enter your username and password. If you have not registered your card, you will need to create an account.
From the main page, find the “Lone Star Card” section.
Choose “View balance” to see your current totals or “Transactions” to review the last 30 days of activity.
2. Using the Benny Mobile App
Using a mobile app is another convenient way to see your real-time account information directly from your phone.
Download the Benny app from the Apple App Store or Google Play.
Open the app and enter your phone number or email address to sign up.
Provide your ZIP code and link your Lone Star Card by entering the card number and PIN. Your balance and transaction history will appear.
Benny also offers automatic cash back on eligible purchases at participating stores, including Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens.
3. Calling the 24-Hour Automated Customer Service
Calling the Lone Star Help Desk connects you to an automated system for checking your balance over the phone.
Dial the Lone Star Help Desk at 1-800-777-7328.
Choose your preferred language. Prompts are available in English, Spanish, Vietnamese, and Chinese, with additional language support available.
Enter your 16-digit Lone Star Card number.
Enter your 4-digit PIN. The system will announce your SNAP and EBT Cash balances.
4. Looking at Your Last Receipt
Reviewing your most recent store receipt is a simple way to confirm your remaining funds, as the balance updates after every transaction.
After completing a purchase with your EBT card, take the printed receipt.
Find the “Food” (SNAP) and “Cash” (EBT Cash) balance lines, usually located beneath the transaction total.
5. At an ATM or In-Store POS
Performing a balance inquiry at an ATM or a store’s point-of-sale (POS) terminal allows you to check your EBT Cash balance without making a withdrawal.
Insert or swipe your Lone Star Card and enter your PIN.
Choose the “Balance Inquiry” option.
Once the amount is displayed, press “Cancel” to end the transaction.
Some ATMs may charge a fee for this service. To find a location without a surcharge, you can use an ATM locator to find a participating machine in the Allpoint network.
Note that some ATMs may only display your EBT Cash funds. If you need to see your SNAP balance, you can check your last grocery receipt or use the Benny app.
Download Benny app to save on groceries
Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score
Download the app
How Can I Keep My EBT Card Secure?
Phishing and spam attacks are increasingly common in Texas, targeting EBT cardholders with sophisticated scams. Understanding the different ways thieves can steal your benefits is the first step toward protecting your account and responding quickly if fraud occurs.
How EBT Benefits Are Stolen
Benefits are stolen through phishing texts and calls impersonating the Lone Star Help Desk to get your PIN. Criminals also attach skimming devices to card readers to copy your data. Fake websites and social media offers promising extra benefits are another common trick used to steal your account information and drain your balance.
What To Do If Your Benefits Are Stolen
SNAP benefits stolen between October 1, 2022, and December 20, 2024, may be replaced, but this program ends for thefts after that date. Stolen EBT Cash is not replaceable. If you suspect fraud, you must take action by following the official steps:
Call 800-777-7328 to freeze your card.
Report the theft to the HHSC Office of Inspector General.
File Form H1854 for eligible SNAP claims.
Other Common Issues with EBT Cards and How to Resolve Them
Beyond security threats, everyday issues can disrupt your access to benefits. Knowing how to troubleshoot common problems like a declined card or forgotten PIN can save you time and frustration at checkout.
Card Declined at Checkout
A declined transaction or an “Invalid Card” message can happen for several reasons. It might be due to a low or zero balance, or you may have accidentally chosen the wrong account type, like 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 by calling 800-777-7328 or running a free balance inquiry at an ATM. You can also download the free Benny app to see your balance instantly.
Forgotten or Locked PIN
It’s easy to forget your four-digit PIN, especially if you don’t use your card often. Entering the wrong PIN three times in a row will automatically lock your card for security.
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 pick a new PIN over the phone. Your old PIN will be deactivated immediately.
If you cannot use the app or phone, you can request a new PIN by mail, but it may take about a week to arrive.
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 aren't there 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 checking too early. Deposits often arrive around midnight the night before your scheduled date.
Double-check your EDG number and the corresponding deposit date. You can find more information on the Lone Star Card FAQ page.
If the 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.
Keep your case information updated. Late renewals can pause deposits until your caseworker processes the required documents.
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Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that lets you check your EBT funds in real time and earn cash back on qualifying purchases from stores like Walmart, Target, Kroger, and Costco. To begin, you just need to link your EBT card within the app. When you buy groceries, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback for items that are SNAP-eligible.
Download Benny to manage your spending and make your EBT benefits go further.
