The Difference Between SNAP and EBT: Understanding the Program vs. the Card

If you have ever seen a sign that reads "SNAP/EBT Accepted," you might wonder what the difference is between the two acronyms. They are often used interchangeably, but they represent two distinct parts of the system designed to help low-income Americans afford nutritious food. The simplest explanation is this: **SNAP is the federal program, and EBT is the electronic method used to deliver the benefits.**

What is SNAP? The Federal Program

SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This is the largest anti-hunger initiative in the United States, providing monthly assistance to eligible households to help them purchase food.

The program is federally funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and is administered by state agencies. Historically, SNAP was known as the Food Stamp Program, a name officially changed in the 2008 Farm Bill to emphasize nutrition and eliminate the use of paper coupons.

SNAP Benefits: Eligibility and Restrictions

Eligibility for SNAP benefits is determined by factors such as a household's income, assets, and size, with benefits generally limited to households with a gross monthly income at or below 130% of the federal poverty line.

The benefits provided by SNAP are strictly for food purchases. They cannot be used to buy non-food items, such as:

• Alcoholic beverages or tobacco products
• Vitamins and medicines
• Pet foods, soaps, paper products, and household supplies
• Hot foods or prepared meals in most cases

Conversely, eligible items include fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and even seeds and plants used to grow food for the household.

What is EBT? The Delivery System

EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. This is the electronic system that processes the benefits a recipient receives. Think of EBT as the technology that allows the government to deposit funds and the recipient to spend them, similar to a bank's debit card network.

The EBT Card: A Digital Replacement

EBT has been the sole method for issuing SNAP benefits in all 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and territories since 2004, replacing the older paper food stamp system. The physical EBT card functions like a prepaid debit card. When a SNAP participant uses their EBT card at an authorized retailer, their EBT account is debited, and the store is reimbursed electronically.

EBT is More Than Just SNAP

It is important to recognize that the EBT system is not exclusive to SNAP. While all SNAP benefits are distributed via EBT, the EBT system can also deliver other government assistance. These are often called Cash EBT benefits.

For instance, programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) may issue cash benefits through the same EBT card. This is a key distinction:

• SNAP EBT: Funds are restricted to eligible food purchases only.
• Cash EBT: Funds can be used for broader needs, such as rent, utilities, and clothing, and can often be withdrawn at an ATM.

The Simple Relationship: Program vs. Payment

The confusion between the terms is understandable since the EBT card is the sole way most people interact with their SNAP benefits. However, remembering the simple distinction clarifies the roles of each:

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the assistance program that provides the money.

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is the electronic system and card used to spend that money.

In essence, you must be approved for the SNAP program to receive benefits, and you will receive an EBT card to access those benefits. They are two sides of the same essential safety net, working together to combat food insecurity across the country.