Iowa EBT Card

If you have an Iowa EBT Card (Iowa SNAP Card) and have questions about your card, you’ve come to the right place.

In this detailed guide, we will tell you everything you need to know about your Iowa SNAP Card, including lost card replacement, how to log in online to check your balance, EBT discounts and perk you did not know about, and restaurants that take EBT in Iowa, how to shop for groceries online with your EBT card, and much more.

"Iowa EBT Card Questions and Answers"

This post on Iowa EBT Card will cover:

  • What is Iowa EBT?
  • How do I apply for EBT in Iowa?
  • What can I buy with Iowa EBT?
  • How Do I check my Iowa EBT Card Balance?
  • Iowa EBT Deposit Schedule
  • Which restaurants take EBT in Iowa?
  • Iowa EBT Phone Number
  • Is there a Iowa EBT App?
  • Iowa EBT Discount and Perks
  • Amazon Prime EBT Discount (50% OFF Prime)
  • How do I replace my lost Iowa EBT card?
  • Iowa EBT FAQs

What is Iowa EBT?

"Iowa EBT Card"

An EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card is a plastic card that acts like a debit card that is used to distribute public assistance benefits.

The Iowa EBT Card also called the Iowa SNAP Card is used for the delivery of benefits such as food stamps (SNAP benefits) and Cash Assistance.

Once you are approved for food stamps or one of the programs listed above, you will receive your benefits each month on an Iowa EBT Card.

How do I apply for EBT in Iowa?

There are 3 ways you can apply for food stamps in Iowa.

Option 1 – Apply online

You can apply online through the Iowa DHS OASIS portal – as shown in the image below.

If you have an account, you can log in or create your Iowa DHS OASIS Account. Click here to be taken to the website.

Option 2 – Apply at DHS Office Near You

You can apply in person at the Iowa Department of Human Services (DHS) office near you. Click here to locate a DHS office.

Option 3 – Download Iowa Food Stamps Application

You can download an application, complete it, and mail it to your county DHS office or submit it in person.

"Apply for Iowa Food Stamps online"

What can I buy with Iowa EBT?

Your EBT card works like a debit card. It can be used to purchase food at grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers’ markets and co-op food programs.

The USDA, which runs the food stamps program has a strict guide on what you can and cannot buy with SNAP benefits.

Here is the list of food items you are allowed to purchase with your SNAP Benefits card:

  • fruits
  • vegetables
  • meats, fish, poultry
  • deli meats and steak
  • dairy products
  • breads
  • cereals
  • seeds and plants that produce food for the household
  • soft drinks
  • candy
  • cookies
  • snack crackers
  • ice cream
  • energy drinks (must have a nutrition label)
  • live seafood, such as lobster, fish, and shellfish
  • pumpkins (as long as they are edible)
  • birthday cakes (the non-edible piece of the cake cannot exceed 50 percent)
  • bakery items

Here’s what you CANNOT buy with your SNAP benefits:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • tobacco products
  • hot food (prepared for immediate consumption)
  • Nonfood items
  • pet foods
  • soaps
  • paper products
  • medicines and vitamins
  • household supplies
  • grooming items
  • cosmetics

Can I use Iowa EBT to Buy Groceries Online?

"Buy groceries online with Iowa EBT Card"

If you are an Iowa SNAP EBT Cardholder, you can now use your EBT card online to buy groceries for delivery! This is great news for Iowa food stamps recipients.

As of November 2021, you can use your Iowa EBT card to make purchases online for pick-up and/or Delivery at the following grocery stores:

  • ALDI
  • Amazon
  • New Pioneer Food Co-op
  • Walmart

How Do I check my Iowa EBT Card Balance?

Here’s how to check the balance on your Iowa food stamps card.

Option 1 – Check your Last Receipt

The first option for checking your Iowa EBT Card balance is to check your last receipt. This is the easiest and quickest way to locate the current balance on your Card.

Your balance will be listed at the bottom of your most recent grocery store or an ATM receipt. You should get in the habit of keeping your most current EBT receipt, that way, you always have a quick way to check your balance before you shop.

Option 2 – Login to your Connect EBT Account

The second option for checking your Card balance is online through the Connect EBT website.

To log in, visit the Connect EBT website here, then enter your User ID and Password. Once logged in, you’ll be able to view your current balance and transaction history. If you do not have a Connect EBT account, you can create a User Account here.

"How to Check Iowa EBT Card Balance"

Option 3 – Check by Phone

The last option for checking your Iowa EBT Card balance is by phone. Call the EBT Customer Service number (1-800-359-5802) on the back of your card. The Customer Service Hotline is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

After you call, enter your sixteen (16) digit EBT card number and you will hear your current food assistance or cash account balance(s).

Option 4 – Check at an ATM or POS machine

Here is another option to check your Iowa SNAP EBT balance or Cash Benefits EBT card balance:

First, you can check your cash account balance at an ATM or POS machine.

Additionally, you can check your SNAP account balance at a POS machine (cashier) at a store before making a purchase.

It is important that you always know your EBT card account balance before you shop.

Which restaurants take EBT in Iowa?

The Restaurant Meals Program is a federal program that enables qualified elderly, disabled, and homeless food stamps recipients to buy food at authorized restaurants. Any state or county can enroll in the Restaurant Meals Program.

The purpose of the program is to help expand food access to those who do not have a place to store and cook food, who may not be able to prepare food or who don’t have access to a grocery store.

Unfortunately, the state of Iowa does not currently participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. We will update you as soon as the state joins the program.

Iowa EBT Phone Number

Here’s the number to call if you are trying to reach Iowa EBT Customer Service:

1-800-359-5802.

You can call 24 hours a day/ 7 days a week

You can call the Iowa EBT Phone Number if:

  • Your card is lost or stolen.
  • Your card does not work.
  • You want to change your PIN because you forgot it or if
    someone else knows your PIN.
  • You want to find out how much you have left in your account.
  • You have been charged for a purchase but you didn’t get the food or
    if you were charged too much for what you bought.
  • You have other questions or problems.

 How to use your Iowa EBT Card to buy Food

Here are the steps you need to take to use your Iowa EBT Card to purchase food that is on the food stamp list, at approved retail locations.

Before you shop, check your balance using one of the following methods, as explained in detail above:

  • By looking at your last receipt
  • You can also call Customer Service, toll-free at
    1-800-359-5802
  • Finally, you can go online to check your balance.

This balance will be the most you can spend with your card.

Here’s how to purchase food with your card.

Step 1

Take your groceries to the checkout lane.
Depending on the store, you may need to separate
your eligible food items from non-eligible items.

Step 2

Swipe your card through the Point-of-Sale (POS)
terminal or hand your EBT Card to the clerk.

Step 3

Enter your four-number Personal Identification
Number (PIN) on the keypad. The terminal will
show **** instead of the numbers you entered.

Step 4

Press the “ENTER” key.

Step 5

The clerk enters the purchase amount. If the
amount is correct, you press the “OK” or “YES” key.

Step 6

You will get a copy of a printed receipt showing:

  • Store name and address
  • Amount of your purchase
  • Your new food stamp benefits account balance

Step 7

Keep your receipt so you will know your new balance the next time you shop.

Please note that you cannot be charged a fee to use your food stamp benefits.

Iowa EBT Discount and Perks

Your Iowa SNAP EBT Card gives you access to the following discounts, freebies, and perks.

"Iowa EBT Discounts"

Amazon Prime EBT Discount

If you have an Iowa EBT Card, you can now sign up for Amazon Prime EBT Discount and get all the great benefits that come with Prime membership, at a fraction of the cost.

Amazon wants to make Amazon Prime membership more affordable to low-income households.

The regular Amazon Prime membership is $12.99 a month. However, if you have an EBT Card, you can get Prime Membership for $5.99. That’s over 50% off the regular price.

The table below shows how the EBT and Medicaid discount on Amazon Prime compares to the other Amazon Prime memberships.

Amazon Prime Membership Price Full Prime benefits
Amazon Prime month-to-month $12.99/mo.
Amazon Prime annual $119/yr.
Prime Student (monthly) $6.49/mo.
Prime Student (annual) $59/yr.
Amazon Prime EBT/Medicaid cardholders $5.99/mo. (max. 4 yrs.)

Lifeline Program

If you are currently on Food Stamps/EBT Cardholder, and your income is below a certain level, you may qualify for FREE or low-cost home or cell phone service for you or a member of your family through the Federal Lifeline Program, which serves nearly 13 million Americans.

The Lifeline program helps to lower the monthly cost of phone and internet service. Eligible customers will get at least $9.25 toward their monthly bill. You can only use Lifeline for either phone or internet service, but not both.

Discounted Cell Phone Services

Below is a list of cell phone providers that participate in the Lifeline program in the state of Iowa.

Company Name Phone
TerraCom Wireless 877-351-4747
Premier Wireless 319-234-8255
Dumont Wireless 641-857-3211
Assurance Wireless 888-898-4888
Brooklyn Mutual Telecommunications Cooperative 641-522-9211
U.S. Cellular 800-944-9400
FMTC Wireless 208-642-4436
Access Wireless 866-594-3644
Community Digital Wireless 877-684-2775
Safelink Wireless 800-723-3546
Southeast Wireless 888-550-4497
Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association 800-592-6105
Life Wireless 888-543-3620
StandUP Wireless 800-544-4441
SEI Wireless 319-679-2211
Iowa Wireless Service 888-550-4497
Tag Mobile, LLC 866-959-4918
Wellman Cooperative Telephone Association 800-677-3484
Boomerang Wireless 866-488-8719
South Slope Cooperative Telephone Company 800-272-6449
Q Link Wireless 855-754-6543

Discounted Home Phone Services

Below is a list of home phone providers that participate in the Lifeline program in the state of Iowa.

Company Name Phone
Mahaska Communications 641-676-1000
HTC Communications 800-741-8351
Woolstock Mutual Telephone Association 866-369-6835
Osage Municipal Utilities 641-832-3731
Searsboro Telephone Company 641-593-6395
Mutual Telephone Company of Morning Sun 319-868-7636
Guthrie Telecommunications Network, Inc. 641-332-2000
Westside Independent Telephone Company 888-508-2946
Terril Telephone Company 712-853-6121
Peoples Telephone Company
Huxley Communications 800-231-4922
Keystone Farmers Cooperative Telephone Company 319-442-3241
Farmers Mutual Cooperative Telephone Company 712-744-3131
Preston Telephone Company 866-689-9878
Farmers Mutual Cooperative Telephone Company 712-744-3131
IAMO Telephone Company 712-583-3232
The Community Agency 712-930-5593
Villisca Farmers Telephone Company 800-469-2111
North English Cooperative Telephone Company 319-664-3821
La Motte Telephone Company 563-773-2213
Alliance Communications 605-594-3411
Kalona Cooperative Telephone Company 319-656-3668
Cascade Communications Company 563-852-3710
Casey Mutual Telephone Company 641-746-2222
Danville Telecom 319-392-4251
Massena Telephone Co 712-779-2227
Clear Lake Independent Telephone Company 641-357-2111
Radcliffe Telephone Company 515-899-2341
Mutual Telephone Company 319-868-7636
CenturyLink 1-800-244-1111
Winnebago Cooperative Telecom Association 800-592-6105
South Slope Cooperative Telephone Company 319-626-2211
Barnes City Cooperative Telephone Company 641-644-5214
Coon Creek Telephone Company 888-823-6234
Oran Mutual Telephone Company 319-638-7001
Premier Communications, Inc. 800-741-8351
Clarence Telephone Company 563-452-3852
Scranton Telephone Company 800-987-9023
Ogden Telephone Company 515-275-2050
Dixon Telephone Company 563-843-2901
Van Horne Cooperative Telephone 319-228-8791
Butler-Bremer Mutual Telephone Company 800-830-1146
Springville Co-operative Telephone Association Inc. 319-854-6107
Webb-Dickens Telephone Corporation 800-741-8351
Spencer Municipal Communications 712-580-5800
Reasnor Telephone Company 641-793-2905
Alpine Communications 563-245-4000
Central Scott Telephone Co 563-285-9611
Mabel Cooperative Telephone Company 563-737-2233
Royal Telephone Co. 712-933-2615
CommChoice of Iowa
Marne and Elk Horn Telephone Company 712-764-6161
Laurens Municipal Communications Utility 712-841-4610
C-M-L Telephone Cooperative Association 712-443-8222
Griswold Cooperative Telephone Company 712-778-2121
Manning Municipal Communications 712-655-2660
Atkins Telephone Company 319-446-7331
Bernard Telephone Company 563-879-3203
WTC Communications 563-732-3000
Western Iowa Telephone 712-944-5711
Lone Rock Cooperative Telephone Company 515-925-3271
Minburn Telecommunications 877-386-2933
West Iowa Telephone Company 800-352-0006
Wyoming Mutual Telephone Company 563-488-2535
Comm1 800-469-3772
Miles Cooperative Telephone 563-682-7111
Grand Mound Cooperative Telephone 563-847-3000
Louisa Communications 319-868-7636
La Porte City Telephone Company 319-342-3369
Liberty Communications 319-627-2145
Heartland Technology 319-827-1151
OmniTel Communications 641-749-2531
Reinbeck Telecommunications Utility 319-788-7888
Baldwin Nashville Tele Co, Inc 563-673-2001
Olin Telephone Company 319-484-2200
Mapleton Communications 712-881-4000
Northeast Iowa Telephone Company 563-539-2122
Hubbard Co-Op Telephone Assn. 641-864-2216
Onslow Cooperative Telephone Association 563-485-2833
Fenton Cooperative Telephone Company 515-889-2785
Ellsworth Cooperative Telephone 515-836-4431
Farmers Mutual Cooperative Telephone Company 712-744-3131
Northwest Iowa Telephone 866-901-5664
Panora Communications Cooperative 641-755-2424
Mediapolis Telephone Company 319-394-3456
Frontier Communications 800-921-8101
Brooklyn Mutual Telecommunications Cooperative 641-522-9211
FiberComm L.C. 712-224-2020
HTC Communications 800-813-2023
Algona Municipal Utilities 515-295-3584
Breda Telephone Corporation 888-508-2946
Independent Networks 712-868-8000
Farmers and Merchant Mutual Telephone Company 319-256-2736
CenturyLink 800-407-5411
Harlan Municipal Utilities 712-755-5182
Webster-Calhoun Cooperative Telephone Association 515-352-3151
Heartland Telecommunications Company of Iowa 800-741-8351
Palmer Mutual Telephone Company 800-685-7417
Marne and Elk Horn Telephone Company 712-764-6161
United Farmers Telephone 712-834-2211
SAC County Mutual Telephone Company 712-668-2200
River Valley Telecommunications Cooperative 712-859-3300
Arcadia Telephone Cooperative 712-689-2238
Springville Co-operative Telephone Assn 319-854-6107
Lynnville Telephone Company 641-594-2938
Palo Cooperative Telephone Association 319-851-3431
Farmers Mutual Cooperative Telephone Company – Moulton 641-642-3249
Jordan Soldier Valley Telephone 712-884-2203
Ace Telephone Association 888-404-4940
Citizens Mutual Telephone Company 641-664-2074
Swisher Telephone Company 319-857-4535
Lehigh Valley Cooperative Telephone Assn. 515-359-2211
Titonka-Burt Communications 515-928-2110
Farmers Telephone Company 641-662-2373
Dumont Telephone Company 641-857-3211
Modern Cooperative Telephone Company 319-667-2375
Alta Municipal Utilities 712-200-1122
Coon Rapids Municipal Communications 712-999-2225
HITEC 712-551-2565
Dunkerton Telephone Cooperative 319-822-4512
Shell Rock Communications 319-276-4458
Corn Belt Telephone 712-664-2221
Lost Nation Elwood Telephone Company 563-678-2470
Van Buren Telephone Company 319-293-3187
Jefferson Telephone Company 515-386-4141
Goldfield Access Network 515-825-3996
Sharon Telephone Company 262-736-9981
Orange City Communications 712-707-1000
Prairieburg Telephone Company 319-437-3611
Grundy Center Municipal Telephone 319-825-5207
Templeton Telephone Company 712-669-3311
Interstate 35 Telephone Company 712-824-7231
Heart of Iowa Communications Cooperative 800-806-4482
Hawkeye Telephone Company 563-427-3222
Killduff Telephone Company 641-594-2905
Premier Communications 800-741-8351
Prairie Telephone Co., Inc. 888-508-2946
Rockwell Cooperative Telephone Association 641-822-3211
East Buchanan Telephone Cooperative 866-327-2748
Cooperative Telephone Exchange 515-826-3206
Schaller Telephone Company 712-275-4211
Wellman Cooperative Telephone Association 800-677-3484
Cooperative Telephone Exchange 515-826-3206
F&B Communications 563-374-1236
Long Line Metro 866-901-5664
Northwest Telephone Cooperative Association 800-247-2776
Southwest Telephone Exchange 712-825-7502
Colo Telephone Company 641-377-2202
GRM Networks 800-551-1940
Ringsted Telephone Company 712-866-1456
Andrew Telephone Company 563-672-3277
Readlyn Telephone Company 319-279-3375
Windstream Communications 800-347-1991

Free Admission with EBT Program

One of the great benefits of the Iowa EBT Card is access to great tourist, cultural, educational and adventure museums – including zoos, aquariums and many more.

This is under free admission with EBT program, otherwise known as Museum for all.

The Iowa Museums listed below all offer FREE to $3.00 to individuals and families who have an EBT card, and a valid form of photo ID.

The offer covers up to four individuals per EBT card, which means that if you have a family of 4, you can use your Iowa EBT card to get the special discounted rate or the free admission for all four members.

We advise that you call the museum first before you go – so that you can find out what their special rate is for EBT Cardholders (whether it’s free admission or $3).

See the list of Iowa Free Admission with EBT Program sites.

How do I replace my lost Iowa EBT card?

If you just realized your Iowa EBT Card is lost or you simply do not know where it is, you should we can help you get a replacement card.

The first thing you need to do when you realize your Food stamps card is lost, stolen, or not working is to call the Iowa EBT card customer service.

Report a lost, stolen or damaged Iowa SNAP Card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged call EBT Customer Service at 1-800-359-5802 right away.

Instructions on what to do when you call

First, when you call the customer service number above, you will be asked to enter your card number.

Do not enter your card number or press any keys. You will be asked to enter your card number again.

Again, do not enter your card number or press any keys. You will then be asked to press one to report your card as lost, stolen, or damaged.

Press the 1 key on your phone. Once you report it, your EBT card will be deactivated so that the benefits cannot be used by anyone else.

You should usually receive your new card in the mail within five days (excluding Sundays and holidays).

Call As Soon As Possible

We encourage you to call the customer service number as soon as you can so that your account can be secured, especially if you think the card is stolen.

That way, you don’t risk losing the money currently in the account.

When you call customer service, they will confirm your mailing address before they mail the card to make sure they have the current address on file.

You will be able to use the same pin you used on the previous card unless you decide to select a new pin with the new card.

How long does it take to get a Replacement Iowa EBT Card?

Your replacement card will be mailed to you and it will take 7-10 business days to arrive.

However, unlike getting a credit card or debit card replacement, you cannot get your EBT card expedited or a tracking number for the card.

In addition, there is no option to get a replacement EBT card the same day.

Furthermore, while you wait for your card to arrive, you cannot use your EBT funds. There is no way to manually enter the card number at retail locations and online And even with online shopping on Amazon, you need to enter your card CVV number to complete the transaction.

Therefore, Unfortunately, you have to wait for your card to arrive before you can use the funds in your EBT account.

Replacement Card did not arrive?

If you have requested a replacement Iowa EBT Card and it has not yet arrived in the mail after 5-7 business days, here’s one possible reason.

If you previously changed your address and did not update your EBT account, that is probably the reason your card has not arrived.

That is because your new card is going to be mailed to your old address, and if it is mail that cannot be forwarded, then the card will likely be returned to the card issuer, which means you will have to wait longer to receive the re-issued card, further delaying your ability to be able to buy the food you need.

You can resolve this by calling the Iowa EBT Customer service number and updating your mailing address so that your new card can be mailed to the correct address.

Iowa EBT FAQs

"Iowa EBT Card FAQs"

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Iowa EBT.

I didn’t get my EBT benefits this month

If you did not receive your benefits this month, you should contact your local Iowa DHS Assistance office for help. For the DHS county office closest to you, click here.

The ATM didn’t give me the money I requested, but it took it from my cash benefits. What do I do?

You should call the EBT Card customer service telephone number at 1-888-328-7366.

You will be provided directions for filing a claim.

Note that the bank or ATM owner will not be able to give you the missing cash. You will have to go through the claims process with EBT customer service.

How can I set up or change my EBT card PIN?

To set or change your PIN, call the Iowa EBT Card toll-free customer service telephone number at 1-800-359-5802.

You will be able to set up a PIN over the telephone.

Can I have someone else help me shop using my EBT account?

Yes, you can set up an Authorized Representative (AR) to help you shop with your EBT Card.

However, the AR will have a separate card with his or her own account number and PIN.

The EBT system is able to track which card is used at any time. The AR will have access to your entire benefit account.

Note that it is not possible to limit the AR’s access to a lesser amount.

However, you may choose the account(s) to which the AR has access.

If you don’t want him or her to have access to all of your benefits, it is possible to limit the AR’s access to either your food benefits or cash benefits if you like.

Ask your county caseworker about setting up an Authorized Representative (AR).

Can I use my Iowa EBT card in other counties and other states?

Your Iowa EBT card will work at any store in the state that accepts SNAP/EBT benefits.

In addition, you can use your card in the other 49 states in the United States, as well as the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Guam.

However, if you are unsure, ask the store manager.

Currently, Iowa EBT cardholders cannot use their EBT cards in Puerto Rico.

If I don’t use all my Iowa EBT benefits this month, will I lose them?

No. If I don’t use all of the benefits you received this month, they will stay in the EBT account, and you may use these benefits in the following months.

What happens if the ATM does not give back my EBT card?

Occasionally, an ATM will not return your EBT card. In most cases, this occurs when you do not remove your card from the ATM within a certain amount of time.

In some cases, the bank will return your card if you present proper identification.

However, in many cases, the bank will destroy the card even if you request it be returned to you showing proper identification.

If your card cannot be returned, you should request a new card by calling customer service at 1-800-359-5802.

When are IA food stamps posted on EBT Card?

The Iowa EBT Card, or the Iowa SNAP Card, holds the food assistance benefits assigned to you each month. Your benefits will be deposited onto your EBT card according to the schedule below:

If the First Letter of your Last Name is Benefits are deposited on the
A or B 1st of the month
C or D 2nd of the month
E, F, or G 3rd of the month
H or I 4th of the month
J, K, or L 5th of the month
M, N, or O 6th of the month
P, Q, or R 7th of the month
S 8th of the month
T, U, or V 9th of the month
W,X,Y, or Z 10th of the month

Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your Iowa EBT card to purchase eligible food items. For a full list of approved food items, see the Food Stamps Eligible Food List here.

Iowa EBT Card Summary

We hope this article on Iowa EBT Card was helpful.

If so, we encourage you to share this article with anyone who may also find it helpful by using the “Share this” button below.

If you have additional questions about the Iowa EBT for food stamps, please leave those in the comments section below. We are here to help you!

Be sure to check out our other articles about Iowa SNAP and EBT, including:
Iowa Food Stamps Eligibility Guide
What you can buy with an EBT Card
Iowa EBT Card Balance
How much in food stamps can I get?

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