If you receive government assistance, you might get both SNAP benefits and cash benefits on the same EBT card. While they're loaded onto one card, they work differently and can be used for different things.
In this article, we'll cover:
- What SNAP benefits are
- What cash benefits are
- Key differences between them
- Where you can use each type
- How to check your balances
1. What SNAP Benefits Are
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) helps low-income individuals and families buy food. You may know it as "food stamps," though actual stamps haven't been used since 2004.
Key features of SNAP:
- Loaded onto your EBT card monthly
- Can only be used for food items
- Accepted at grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers markets
- Cannot be withdrawn as cash
- Cannot be used for non-food items
SNAP benefits are specifically designed to help with nutrition—nothing else.
2. What Cash Benefits Are
Cash benefits come from programs like TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) or state-specific assistance programs. Unlike SNAP, these funds are more flexible.
Key features of cash benefits:
- Also loaded onto your EBT card
- Can be used like a debit card for most purchases
- Can be withdrawn as cash from ATMs
- Can pay for non-food necessities
- Subject to program rules that vary by state
Cash benefits help cover expenses that SNAP doesn't—like rent, utilities, clothing, and transportation.
3. Key Differences Between Them
| Feature | SNAP Benefits | Cash Benefits | |---------|--------------|---------------| | What it covers | Food only | Most expenses | | Cash withdrawal | No | Yes | | ATM access | No | Yes | | Where accepted | Food retailers | Most stores | | Restrictions | Food items only | Varies by state |
Important: Your EBT card has two separate balances—one for SNAP and one for cash. They don't mix, and you need to know which you're using at checkout.
4. Where You Can Use Each Type
SNAP benefits can be used at:
- Grocery stores and supermarkets
- Convenience stores that sell food
- Farmers markets (many accept EBT)
- Some online grocery retailers (Amazon, Walmart, etc.)
SNAP cannot be used for:
- Alcohol or tobacco
- Vitamins or supplements
- Pet food
- Prepared hot foods (with some exceptions)
- Non-food items like soap or paper products
Cash benefits can be used at:
- Most retail stores
- ATMs for cash withdrawal
- Gas stations
- Utility payments
- Anywhere that accepts debit cards
Cash benefits typically cannot be used at:
- Casinos or gambling establishments
- Liquor stores (in some states)
- Adult entertainment venues
5. How to Check Your Balances
You should always know how much you have in each account:
Check your receipt: Most stores print your remaining balance after each transaction
Call the EBT helpline: The number is on the back of your card
Use your state's EBT portal: Most states have online balance checking
Use the Purple app: If you link your EBT card, you can see balances alongside your other accounts
Knowing your balances helps you budget effectively and avoid declined transactions.
How Purple Helps
- Track your EBT balance alongside your checking account
- See when benefits are deposited
- Budget across all your income sources
- Stay under SSI limits while using SNAP