Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)

Upcoming change to SNAP-eligible beverages

Beginning November 1, 2026, sweetened carbonated beverages will no longer be eligible for purchase using SNAP benefits. This change will not affect your benefit amount or impact any food items you may purchase with SNAP. Click here to learn more.

EBT Chip Cards Are Here!

Virginia began issuing new chip-enabled SNAP EBT cards in September 2026. These chip cards are replacing current magnetic stripe cards, helping to safeguard your nutrition benefits and reduce fraud. All Virginia EBT customers will receive a new chip card by December 31, 2026.

How You Can Prepare

Make sure your address, phone number and email are up to date with your local agency so you can get your new card.
Setup and use your ConnectEBT.com account.
Watch for updates about your new card on social media and on ConnectEBT.
Keep your current card until your new chip card arrives.
Use your card safely — never share your PIN and change it often

What This Means for You

Your old magnetic-stripe EBT will stop working when you activate your new chip card or 60 days after the new card is mailed.
At the store, you will tap or insert the card instead of swiping.
The new card has an expiration date and a three-digit security code. You will need these for online purchases and to set and reset your PIN.
You set a new PIN each time a new card is issued.
Keep using ConnectEBT to lock and unlock your new chip card to help protect your benefits.
For help, call the EBT Customer Service Help Desk at 866-281-2448 or contact your local department of social services.

Use Your SNAP Benefits Safely and Easily

The Virginia EBT card works like a debit card to buy eligible food and drinks for your family.

Apply for EBT → CommonHelp
Check Balance or Manage Card → ConnectEBT
Download ConnectEBT App → Google Play | Apple App Store

Authorized retailers will display a "We Welcome SNAP EBT Customers" poster.

Already have an EBT card? View account information here

About EBT

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) uses a simple plastic card to give eligible households access to SNAP benefits. You can:

Pay for groceries by swiping your card and entering your PIN
Use your card at authorized retailers displaying the “We Welcome SNAP EBT Customers” sign

View the table below to determine what you can and cannot buy using EBT:

Eligible Purchases	Not Eligible Purchases
Groceries, fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, baby formula, diabetic and diet foods, seeds and plants that grow food, water, ice, snacks, spices, herbs	Alcohol, tobacco, hot or prepared meals at the store, pet food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, food containers, medicines, vitamins, minerals

Using Your Card

Your EBT card makes it easy to buy groceries and keep track of your balance. This section explains how to use your card at the store, manage your PIN and make sure your benefits stay active.

At the Store

Tracking Your Balance

Your PIN

Carryover Balances

Tell the cashier you’re paying with EBT. You may need to separate eligible items. Retailers will not give cash change on EBT purchases.

If you are charged twice or a voucher is processed incorrectly:

First, speak with the store manager.
If it is not resolved, call the EBT Help Desk at 1-866-281-2448 to file a claim.
Claims are usually resolved within 10 business days.

Log in at ConnectEBT.com
Use the free ConnectEBT mobile app
Call 1-866-281-2448
Check your receipt after each purchase

Choose a 4-digit PIN when you activate your card. Keep it secret. Do not write it on the card. If your PIN is entered incorrectly five times, the card will lock for the day.

Unspent benefits roll over to the next month. But if your card is inactive for nine months, older benefits will expire. Make at least one food purchase every nine months to keep your account active.

Lost or Stolen Cards

Call 1-866-281-2448 right away. Your old card will be deactivated and a new card issued. If you’ve moved, update your address with your local social services office.

Protect Yourself from Scams

Criminals may try to steal your benefits by asking for your card number or PIN. Remember:

Never share your PIN.
Lock your card when not in use with the ConnectEBT app.
If you suspect fraud, contact the EBT Help Desk immediately.

Learn more about avoiding EBT scams