Department of Human Services
Gina Lodge, Commissioner

Electronic Benefit Transfer or EBT is a system for delivering Food Stamp and Families First benefits to eligible Tennesseans. The EBT System does not affect the determination of eligibility for these programs or the level of benefits that customers receive. It is simply a method of delivering the benefits. The issuance of Food Stamp and Families First benefits to needy Tennesseans is performed through the Electronic Benefit Transfer process.

Electronic Benefit Transfer is an on-line system in which food stamp and cash assistance benefits are stored in a central computer database and electronically accessed by customers at a point-of-sale machine via reusable plastic cards. In Tennessee, these EBT cards are called Benefit Security Cards.

Tennessee ’s EBT program began in November 1998 with a pilot project involving four counties. The program was then implemented over a period of several months, with full implementation of EBT completed in August 1999. There are many advantages to Tennessee having an EBT system. Food coupons and paper checks are no longer issued and accounted for on a monthly basis. The EBT issuance process is streamlined, safe, and convenient. Other advantages of the EBT process include the following:

allowing the DHS offices to expedite services and changes
eliminating customers' monthly trips to the office or waiting on the postman
automating the delivery process
helping to eliminate fraud and misuse of benefits
saving taxpayers' money.

 VIDEO:  Your Tennessee EBT Card

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Contact information

EBT Customer Service : 1-888-997-9444
EBT Merchant Service: 1-800-831-5235
New Retailer Information: (717) 728-3681
Family Assistance Service Center: Toll-Free 1-866-311-4287 or 615-743-2000