How to check Alaska EBT card balance – As you know, people who are eligible for food stamps in Alaska will get the EBT card. So that with the use of their Alaska EBT card they can use their food stamp benefits. However, the food stamp benefits are deposited in the card each month. Thus, people can use them according to their needs. Even along with the food stamp benefits people also get lots of other discounts and benefits with their Alaska EBT card that they can use at different places where EBT cards are accepted.
The Alaska Department of Health and Social Services (DHSS) administers the Alaska food stamp benefits. This food stamp program aims to help people by providing them healthy and nutritious food. So that they can live a healthy life with the food assistance. However, to get the food stamp benefits in Alaska one must have to meet its eligibility requirements.
When you apply for food stamps online in Alaska, and are approved for it, then you will receive an EBT card (Electronic benefits transfer). The Alaska EBT card or Quest Card is used as a debit card to redeem the food stamp benefits each month. You can find that benefits are deposited in the card each month on the same day and one can access them after 5am to purchase any eligible item from the Alaska retail grocery stores.
But when you are an EBT cardholder, it is also necessary for you to know about your EBT card balance. Because if you use all your benefits before new benefits deposited in the card and are going to purchase something with your EBT card, then you have to pay for it (full cost). But when you know how much benefits or amount is remaining in your card then you use it according to it.
Thus you have to read this article continuously, so that you can know how to check Alaska EBT card balance. Let’s continue.
How to check your Alaska EBT card balance
Here are various ways given that can help you to check the balance for your Alaska EBT card. You can use any of them and get the balance for your Alaska EBT card. You can look for them in the below:
Option 1 – Locate your last purchase receipt
The best and simple way to check the balance for your Alaska EBT card is to check your last purchase receipt. It is because in the end of the receipt the balance is mentioned for your EBT card. Thus, you have to make sure that you always save your purchase receipt.
Option 2 – Check your Alaska EBT card balance via phone
If you want to know about your Alaska EBT card balance then you can call at the Alaska Customer Service phone number that is 1-888-997-811. This is a toll free number. You can call to this number and representatives will help you to know about your EBT card balance. You just need to tell them your Alaska Quest card number, 4-digit pin, and your social security number. All this info the representative asks you and then tells you your EBT card balance.
Option 3 – Check your Alaska EBT card balance online
The best and easy way to check your Alaska EBT card balance is ONLINE. Yes, you need to visit the Alaska Quest Card Website. When you visit the website and move to the EBTEdge page then you have to click on Cardholder Login. There you have to enter your username and password, once you login then you can check your Alaska EBT card balance.
However, if you don’t have the account then first you have to create your Alaska EBT cardholder online account. So that you can login with your account and check for the balance of your Alaska EBT card. Not only this, but with the account you can check for other benefits as well that you receive with the EBT card.
Now, you can see that there are various ways to check the balance for your Alaska EBT card. You can pick any of them that is easy for you and know your EBT card balance.
Alaska EBT card surcharge free ATMs
There is one more way to check for the balance of your Alaska EBT card. If you are an Alaska EBT cardholder then you can access your benefits at ATM’s in California. You can use your Alaska EBT card at the eligible ATM and can check the balance or transaction history for your card.
However, you have to note one point here that many eligible EBT ATMs have surcharge fees to use them. So, if you don’t want to give any surcharge fees to use the ATM in Alaska then you can look for the list of the Alaska EBT ATMs that don’t have any surcharge fees to use them.
List of stores that take EBT online for delivery
As you know, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has started a Pilot Program. The pilot program is named as Online Purchasing pilot. This program allows grocery stores to start accepting EBT cards online. So that EBT cardholders can do online shopping and also get the delivery for the items at their doorstep.
You can look for the grocery stores that accept online EBT cards for purchasing the groceries. There is a list of those grocery stores is given, these are:
- Safeway
- Amazon
- ShopRite
- Dash’s Market
- Hy-Vee, Inc.
- Walmart Stores, Inc.
- Fresh Direct
- Wright’s Markets, Inc.
- Hart’s Local Grocers’
You can use your Alaska EBT card with these grocery stores online and can purchase grocery items online and get delivery for the items. However, if you don’t know how to use the EBT card online then you can look for it.
Alaska EBT card discounts and savings
When you have the Alaska EBT card, with that you will not only receive food stamp benefits, but along with it you can get exclusive discounts and freebies. Because Alaska EBT cards offer various benefits to their cardholders so that they can get a little help to make their lives easy to live and can get some relaxation to afford the things that they need.
With the Alaska EBT card, you can get discounts on cell phone services, home phone services, internet services, and also get 50% off on Amazon Prime Membership. Not only this, but you can also get the discount on the museum admissions and also for family-friendly places to visit there with your family. You can save with your Alaska EBT card lots of more and for this you can check online.
Alaska EBT Frequently Asked Questions
Here are lots of questions and answers that can help you to know about Alaska EBT cards. All these questions are asked by people who have an Alaska EBT card or want to apply for it. Let’s look at those questions and answers.
How much will I get on my EBT card each month?
To know about how much benefits you will get each month in your EBT card, for this, you can look for the maximum monthly SNAP Amount Chart. However, the maximum benefits depend on household size and your income.
I have seen people purchase non-food items with an EBT card. I thought SNAP was only for food?
SNAP benefits are only for food benefits. But some people have EBT card and they are eligible for TANF benefits (cash assistance), and because of this they can use their EBT card to purchase food and non-food items. You can also know about TANF eligibility by visiting your local government benefits assistance office.
Where can’t I use my Alaska EBT card?
Here are various locations where you cannot use your Alaska EBT card. These locations include Bail Bonds, Casinos, poker rooms, smoke shops, racetracks, card rooms, cruise ships, bingo halls, Psychic readers, Nightclubs/saloons/taverns, Spa/massage salons, tattoo & piercing shops, gun/ammo stores, and other places that are not eligible for EBT.
Can I have someone else help me shop using my EBT account?
Yes, you can contact your caseworker and ask for setting up an Authorized Representative (AR) for you. The AR will have their own account number and pin. They can access your whole account to use the benefits for you.
Can I use my Alaska EBT card in other counties’ and other states?
If you are an Alaska EBT cardholder then you can use it in any state or county across the United States. Because there is no such rule to use the EBT card only in Alaska. However, you can use the card at the places (stores or ATMs) that accept EBT card.
If I don’t use all of the benefits I received this month, will these benefits still be available to me next month?
Yes, you can use your last month benefits with your EBT card. Because if you don’t use all the benefits then those benefits remain in your EBT card and add with new month benefits.
What do I do if I suspect someone has stolen benefits from my EBT card account?
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged then you can report it at 1-888-997-811 or can contact your local DHSS office. The replacement of the card is mailed to you and you will receive it within 3 to 5 business days.
How do I report a store or person that I think is misusing food or cash benefits (committing fraud)?
However, misusing the food stamp benefits or EBT card benefits is the federal crime and for this their benefits will be taken away. But if you see someone or a store using the benefits then you can report against them.
What items am I allowed to purchase with my EBT card?
With the EBT card you can purchase only the items that are eligible for SNAP. However, some people can also use the cash benefits to purchase the items, but that are legally purchased with cash benefits.
Can I go to a bank teller and withdraw money from my EBT account?
No, bank tellers don’t have info or access about your EBT account. You can withdraw money from EBT eligible ATMs, stores, cash-back or cash-only withdrawal from the participating stores.
Are there any fees for using my Alaska EBT card?
No, there are no charges to use your Alaska EBT card to purchase food. But if you use it at ATMs then some ATM machines will surcharge a fee and that can be deducted from your bank account.
How do I buy food and items with my EBT card?
If you don’t know how to use your EBT card to purchase food items then you can look below; First you have to swipe your card at the store then select EBT card option from displaying options. Then you have to enter your 4-digit pin and the transaction will be complete for your purchase. But you have to make sure to take the purchase receipt with you as the receipt has card balance in the end.
Summary for Alaska EBT card balance
Alaska EBT cardholders can check the balance for their EBT card in various ways as you see in the above. However, with the Alaska EBT card one cannot only receive food stamp benefits but they also receive many other benefits. Those benefits can provide you with discounts on various things that are used in your daily routine. However, if someone buys the laptop, desktop, or a tablet then they will get $100 for one-time. But must note that they can use the EBT card at only eligible places like grocery stores, online stores, ATMs, or other places. Otherwise they have to pay a fine and their benefits are also taken away from them. Whenever you use your EBT card at the eligible grocery stores you have to make sure that you take the receipt with you. So that you can check the balance for your EBT card with it.