How to Use a Food Stamp Card Out of State
- 1). Use your EBT card as you normally would in any of the 50 U.S. States. If you are headed to the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, you will not be able to use your EBT card. The Puerto Rican government receives a U.S. Block Grant, which serves as the funds for an independent nutritional assistance program. However, you can use your EBT card in U.S. territories like Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands and the District of Columbia. The SNAP program is honored in all of these places.
- 2). Check your EBT balance and expiration date. State governments set limits on monthly usage, and you cannot get new benefits by crossing state lines. Once your benefits expire in your home state, you must wait for a new month's benefits to arrive--regardless of the state you are in.
- 3). Make sure you are adhering to the SNAP guidelines. The restrictions on products, retailers and food items are mandated at the federal level. This means that if you cannot purchase cigarettes and alcohol with an EBT card in Oregon, you cannot purchase these items in New York with an EBT card, either.
- 4). File a request for an extension of benefits in your home state if your EBT card lapses. You must go through the Health and Human Services channels in the state where you claim residency.
- 5). Collect your benefits through your state SNAP program even if you are out of state for a considerable period of time. Benefits usually are in effect for 12 months. You will need to reapply for benefits at the SNAP department in your resident state--even if you are away for a considerable period of time.
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