What do I need to know about the photo EBT card?

Can I use the EBT photo or non-photo card even if it doesn’t have my name or picture?

Yes! Every household member has the right to use your EBT card.

Stores have to let anyone in your SNAP household use the EBT card. This includes a spouse, roommate or older children. You do not have to be head of household. You do not have to have your name or picture on the card. If you allow a caregiver to shop for you they can also use the EBT card.

Important:

Any household member or caregiver can use the EBT card as long as they have the PIN. This is your household’s electronic signature, just like with a debit card. The PIN is what keeps your benefits safe and shows that this is your household’s card.

If a store does not let you use your EBT card, call Victoria Negus at Mass Law Reform Institute, 617-357-0700 ext. 315.

What if a store is treating me differently from other customers?

You have the right to be treated like any other shopper in the store. A store cannot ask to see your photo EBT card unless they ask everyone to show a photo ID any time they use a credit or debit card. A store cannot set up “SNAP-only” checkout lines. They cannot discriminate in any other way against SNAP or cash benefit households.

Have you had any trouble using your EBT card in a store, or been hassled or treated differently from other shoppers? Call Victoria Negus at Mass Law Reform Institute, 617-357-0700 ext 315.

Reviewed April 15, 2014

Why are there photos on some EBT cards?

There is a law in Massachusetts that says that some SNAP households need a photo EBT card.

Do I need a photo EBT card?

You may not need a photo EBT card.  

You should be able to keep an EBT card without a photo if you are head of household and you are:

  • Age 60 or older,
  • Under age 19,
  • Blind,
  • Homeless,
  • A victim of domestic violence,
  • You have a disability,
  • You are a caregiver who helps someone buy food with their SNAP,
  • you are caring for children who get SNAP, but you do not get SNAP yourself, or
  • You have a sincere religious objection to a photo.

Are you are you in one of the groups above, but DTA says you need a photo card?

If so, tell your DTA worker. If you are in one of the groups, you are "exempt". This means you are not required to have a photo unless you want one. If you have any trouble getting an EBT card without a photo, call your local legal services office.

Most SNAP households will keep their regular blue EBT card.

DTA might give you a new EBT card that says “valid without photo” if you are exempt and you need a replacement card, or you go to a DTA office.

What will my EBT card look like?

Remember:

All household members have a right to use the EBT card, even if their picture is not on the card!

If you get a new EBT card with a photo, it will look like this:

EBT card with photo

About half of households will get to keep their current EBT card without a photo, which looks like this:

EBT blue card

If you get a new EBT card without a photo, it will look like this:

EBT card valid without photo

Stores must accept all three kinds of EBT cards.

If I need a photo EBT card, how do I get one?

  • If you have a Massachusetts license or state ID, DTA can use that photo. If you do not, DTA may ask you to come in and get your photo taken.
  • DTA can mail you your card, or you can pick it up in person.

Warning

If DTA mails you your photo card, DTA will deactivate the EBT card that you have right away. You will not be able to purchase food until your new card arrives.

It can take 10-12 days or more to get a new card by regular mail. If you have any problems getting your new card, contact your local legal services office.

You can continue to use the card that you have if you cannot go into a local office or if mailing is not an option. DTA cannot close your case because you do not have a photo card.

What if I have to get a photo EBT card, but I missed my appointment to have my photo taken?

DTA cannot close your case just because you missed a photo appointment. But they can close your case if you have to recertify and you miss the interview.

If you miss a photo or recertification appointment, call your DTA worker and let your worker know when you can come in to your local office. If you cannot reach your worker you can also drop in during DTA’s regular hours.

If your case was closed because you missed a photo appointment, call Vicky Negus at Mass Law Reform Institute, 617-357-0700 ext. 315.

Does my photo EBT card work the same way?

Yes! All EBT cards work the same way at the grocery store. You can keep your old PIN, and you can choose a new PIN at any time. If a store tells you that you cannot use your EBT card for some reason, call your local legal services office right away.

What if I am having trouble getting or using the new card?

Call your local legal services office right away or contact Pat Baker at Mass Law Reform Institute, 617-357-0700 x 328 or Vicky Negus, 617-357-0700 x 315.

Find Legal Aid

You may be able to get free legal help from your local legal aid program. Or email a question about your own legal problem to a lawyer.

See important flier on Photo EBT

3 things you need to know about Photo EBT Cards:

For more information see SNAP and Photo EBT Cards: Information and Resources.

Ask a Law Librarian

If it's
Monday-Friday
between
9am and 4pm