questions & answers

Question: Today I got my food stamp EBT card in the mail and called to activate it. Well, I gave them my social security number and made up my pin number like they asked me to and then it comes to the part where they tell me what my balance is. Well it said I have no current balance at this moment. I was just wondering why I don't have a balance when everyone I know that has or has had food stamps before is telling me that there should be money on there when I activate it?

Answer: After an eligibility interview for Nutrition Assistance (also called food stamps), an electronic benefits (EBT) card is sent in the mail. The EBT card often is sent before the eligibility letter, and sometimes it is sent even if a person is not eligible for benefits. Benefits decisions must be made within 30 days for normal applications, and Nutrition Assistance benefits will be added to the EBT card within 7 days for approved emergency applications. More information about benefit decisions and awards can be received by calling 602-542-9935 or 1-800-352-8401. Balances can also be checked by calling JP Morgan Customer Service at 1-888-997-9333 or by logging into the EBT Account. More information about Nutrition Assistance is available at this website.