SNAP Payment Outages Reported at Stores
Reports of EBT Issues
People planning to pay for food early Thursday morning were greeted at 24/7 convenience stores with a message — “No EBT.”
DownDetector tracked EBT issues picking up around midnight ET Thursday nationwide.
By 6 a.m. ET, the reported outages appeared to be subsiding.
What is the Cause of the Outage?
The exact root of the payment issue wasn’t clear.
What are SNAP Benefits?
“Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participant to pay for food using SNAP benefits,” the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Nutrition Service says. “When a participant shops at a SNAP authorized retail store, their SNAP EBT account is debited to reimburse the store for food that was purchased.”
The USDA overnight didn’t post any message about issues with EBT outages.
What is Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)?
EBT is an electronic system that allows SNAP participants to pay for food using their benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is EBT?
A: EBT is an electronic system that allows SNAP participants to pay for food using their benefits.
Q: What is the purpose of EBT?
A: The purpose of EBT is to allow SNAP participants to purchase food using their benefits at authorized retail stores.
Q: What happens when a store is not able to process EBT transactions?
A: If a store is unable to process EBT transactions, the participant may need to find an alternative method of payment or contact the store’s management to resolve the issue.
Q: How does the USDA handle EBT outages?
A: The USDA doesn’t typically post messages about EBT outages, but participants can contact their local SNAP office to report any issues or concerns.
Q: What can I do if I’m experiencing issues with my EBT card?
A: You can contact your local SNAP office to report any issues or concerns with your EBT card, and they can assist you in resolving the issue or providing alternative payment options.
Q: How can I find an alternative method of payment if my EBT card is not working?
A: You can contact your local SNAP office to discuss alternative payment options or find a nearby store that accepts other forms of payment.
Q: Can I use my EBT card at any store?
A: No, EBT cards can only be used at authorized retail stores that accept SNAP benefits.
Q: How do I know if a store accepts EBT?
A: You can check the store’s website or contact the store directly to confirm whether they accept EBT. You can also check the USDA’s website to find a list of authorized retailers in your area.
Q: What should I do if I encounter an issue with my EBT card or the payment system?
A: You can contact your local SNAP office or the USDA’s customer service hotline to report the issue and seek assistance in resolving it.
Q: Can I use my EBT card online?
A: No, EBT cards are only accepted at authorized retail stores and cannot be used online.
