The EBT system replaces "paper" authorization-to-participate (ATP) voucher and coupon-delivery systems. DHS no longer issues ATPs. Banks and other financial businesses no longer issue food coupons. 7 CFR § 274.12
DHS deposits the individual’s SNAP benefit amount in an EBT account each month on the regular payment date. Household members buy food at authorized stores by swiping their EBT ACCESS cards through card readers at the checkout counter. The point-of-sale (POS) system connects to the EBT system to check the household’s personal identification number (PIN) and to confirm that money is in the account. The EBT system returns an approval code to the POS system and subtracts the amount of purchase from the household’s account. The store gets its payment within two business days. There are no minimum dollar amounts or transaction fees.
Benefits may accumulate in the account. However, if there is no debit activity for eight months, eCIS issues a notice of inactivity. If there is no debit within 30 days of the notice of inactivity (nine months of inactivity), the SNAP budget will be put in a suspended status and benefits will be expunged from the card. The household can contact the CAO to request the budget be returned to an active status, but expunged benefits cannot be reissued.
The household may access benefits on the account only with a valid PA EBT ACCESS card. If the household cannot use the EBT system because of a disability, it may choose an authorized representative (AR) to get benefits. The AR receives a separate PA EBT ACCESS card and PIN. See Chapter 505, Authorized Representative.
The CAO replaces lost or damaged ACCESS cards. The CAO must replace the card within two business days.
After the first free replacement of a lost or stolen card, the CAO deducts a $2.50 fee to replace any future lost or stolen cards. There is no fee to replace a damaged card that is returned to the CAO.
Updated March 11, 2026, replacing March 1, 2012