This information is current as of June 29, 2022.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits are distributed via an EBT card in Texas known as a Lone Star EBT card or just Lone Star Card.
If you’re wondering how to withdraw cash from your EBT card in Texas, here’s how.
Pulling cash from an EBT card in Texas works in much the same way as it does everywhere else. You must be a TANF participant, Refugee Cash Assistance Program recipient, or on the State General Assistance Program. If that’s the case, you withdraw cash just like you would with a debit card at an ATM.
The only real difference is that the system is run through the Texas Electronic Benefit Transfer system, and you have access to cash with the Lone Star Card. Your card will be issued to you from the Health and Human Services Commission closest to your location in Texas.
Accessing Cash With a Lone Star Card
If your EBT (Lone Star Card) has an EBT cash account, which it will if you participate in TANF or any of the above-listed programs, you can access it like you would a debit card at an ATM.
- Insert your EBT card at an ATM or your local bank
- Enter your PIN for your EBT account
- Select the desired cash amount (so long as you have that amount on your card)
- Withdraw your cash
You can also get cash in other ways, depending on where you live. For example, certain retailers will allow you to withdraw some money or get cash back from an available purchase.
So long as you have a cash account, your Lone Star Card is as effective as a debit card, and you can use it as such in most places.
How to Track Your Lone Star Card Cash Balance
Just like having an account balance with a bank, you have an account balance to keep up with regarding your EBT cash benefits. You can keep up with your credit in several ways.
- Your store receipts will show your remaining cash balance
- Contact 1-888-328-2666 and ask what your cash balance is
- Log in toebtEDGEand check your cash balance
- You can go to an ATM, insert your Lone Star Card, enter your PIN, and get your cash balance information
It’s essential to keep up with your cash balance, so you never run out of cash and get yourself in a bind when you need the money at the store. Keeping up with your cash balance also helps you to plan for everything that you need cash to pay for throughout the month.
It’s also a good idea to keep an account of your cash balance to ensure you get the right amount of cash benefits for the participating programs. There’s rarely an issue. However, it can happen, so it’s always a good idea to stay on top of it just in case.
YourTexasBenefits.com will be your primary source for checking your various accounts for whatever you are eligible for and currently participating in. This website includes information on SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, Children’s Health Insurance Program, and Nursing Home Care benefits.
You can keep up with your most recent card activity through the Texas Benefits Portal. If you prefer to call them to check your balance, their number is 1-800-777-7328.
Can You Sell Your Lone Star Card Benefits for Cash?
It’s quite illegal to sell your food stamp benefits, in any form or manner, for cash. Unfortunately, it occasionally happens, making a general impression that it is okay. However, The USDA considers it a felony if the sold benefits exceed $100 in cash.
Plus, the fines just for a small transfer of benefits for cash to someone far exceeds any potential money you could get from such a transaction.
- Potential for prison time up to 20 years
- Restitution payments
- Seizure of your assets
- Withdrawal of all food stamp benefits
- Fines of up to $250,000
- Removal from SNAP and TANF programs
It’s not a good idea to use up all your cash benefits and then sell your food stamp benefits for more cash. The potential loss of benefits doesn’t end up helping anyone, especially yourself. This is especially true when you can use the cash benefits available on your Lone Star Card each month.
Is There a Difference Between EBT Food and Cash on Your Lone Star Card?
Food stamp benefits are for eligible and food items only and are distinctly separate from your EBT cash benefits. However, both may be loaded up on the same card. Unfortunately, your food stamp portion cannot be converted to cash, and you can’t get some money back on your purchases using the food stamps portion.
As mentioned above, if you participate in TANF, Refugee Cash Assistance Program, or the State General Assistance Program. In addition, food benefits go to low-income individuals eligible for and receive SNAP benefits.
An EBT cash account is entirely separate, and when you check your account balance, you will see that it is a different account from your EBT food account. You cannot withdraw cash from your EBT food account, but you can use your EBT cash account to purchase food.
Does the Texas Lone Star Card EBT Center Operate 24/7?
You can contact the EBT through your Lone Star card any time of the day, week, or month. It’s a 24/7 operation, and even if there was no one to take your call, you could still check your account information whenever you wanted.
The system operates 24 hours a day and 7 days a week so that you can always access your benefits. In addition, the system is designed to be fast and incredibly efficient, with everything streamlined, so it’s not like standing in line at the DMV.
In addition to contact centers and online benefits information, the state of Texas has 20,700 retail locations. As a result, you can physically check and access your benefits anytime or night.
For instance, you’ll receive a receipt when paying for something at a local retailer that tells you your most up-to-date account balance. So you always know what you have regarding food stamp benefits or EBT cash.
Reports on your daily transactions are immediate. Unfortunately, some banks are slow to update their information, or they will hold incoming or outgoing transactions for some time. However, with EBT cash or food stamp benefits, you never have to wait for a transaction to process or generate a balance.
All Things Considered
Withdrawing cash from your EBT benefits with your Lone Star card is as simple and intuitive as using a debit or credit card. In addition, you have consistent and up-to-date access to your benefits transactions and balances whenever necessary. The Lone Star State keeps it simple to eliminate errors and problems for those who need the benefits the most.
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Did you know that if you qualify for benefits like SNAP, you may also be eligible forLifelineor theAffordable Connectivity Program (ACP)? Lifeline and ACP are government-run programs to help low-income consumers receive free or heavily discounted communication services.
Clickhereto find out more and apply for this valuable benefit.
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