"Wisconsin EBT Card"

Wisconsin EBT Card

If you have a Wisconsin EBT Card (Wisconsin Quest 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 Wisconsin Quest 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 Wisconsin, how to shop for groceries online with your EBT card, and much more.

"Wisconsin EBT Card Questions and Answers"

This post on Wisconsin EBT Card will cover:

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

What is Wisconsin EBT?

"Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin EBT Card also called the Wisconsin Quest 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 a Wisconsin EBT Card.

How do I apply for EBT in Wisconsin?

There are three ways to apply for SNAP EBT in Wisconsin:

Option 1

The easiest way to apply for Wisconsin food stamps is online using the ACCESS Wisconsin portal. Click here to be taken to the application website.

Option 2

You can also apply in person at your local Wisconsin Department of Human Services (DHS) County Assistance Office. For the closest DHS County Assistance office near you, click here.

Option 3

You can also call the Wisconsin DHS Information Line (1-800-692-7462) and have an application mailed to you, which you can complete and return it to your local DHS County Assistance.

For more information on Wisconsin food stamps, eligibility and income limits, click here.

The video below, from Wisconsin DHS, does an excellent job of explaining the process of creating a MyACCESS account using your phone and applying for Wisconsin food stamps and other benefits using the ACCESS Wisconsin portal.

What can I buy with Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin EBT to Buy Groceries Online?

"Buy groceries online with Wisconsin EBT Card"

If you are a Wisconsin SNAP EBT Cardholder, you can now use your EBT card online to buy groceries for delivery! This is great news for Wisconsin food stamps recipients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In January 2017, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the selection of seven retailers for the initial launch of the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot (Amazon, Dash’s Market, Fresh Direct, Hy-Vee, Inc., Safeway, ShopRite, Walmart Stores Inc., and Wright’s Markets).

The program allows EBT Cardholders to purchase groceries online for delivery or pick-up at these select retailers.

In April 2019, the online purchasing program was launched in the state of New York, with Walmart, Amazon, and Shoprite as the participating retailers.

Since then, more states have been added to the program, due in part to the outbreak of COVID-19.

The program’s expansion provides low-income households with access to fresh, nutritious food during stay-at-home orders and beyond.

Online Purchasing Pilot for Wisconsin EBT Cardholders

In January 2020, the USDA expanded its Online Purchasing Pilot to include the state of Wisconsin.

As a result, Wisconsin food stamp recipients can now use their EBT Card online to purchase groceries at select grocery retailers.

Below is a list of grocery stores that accept Wisconsin EBT online and participate in the USDA’s Online Purchasing Pilot.

Where to use Wisconsin EBT Card Online

You can use your Wisconsin EBT Card to purchase groceries online at Amazon and Walmart.

For a step by step process on how to purchase groceries online on Amazon, see our post on How to Buy Groceries on Amazon with EBT Card.

How Do I check my Wisconsin EBT Card Balance?

Here’s how to check the balance on your Wisconsin Quest Card.

Option 1 – Check your Last Receipt

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

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

To log in, click here, then enter your Ussr ID and Password as shown below. Once logged in, you’ll be able to view your current balance and transaction history.

If you do not have a ebtEDGE account, follow the steps in this article to create one, under “How to Register for a ebtEDGE Online Account”.

"How Do I check my Wisconsin EBT Card Balance online"

Option 3 – Check by Phone

The last option for checking your Wisconsin EBT Card balance is by phone. Call the EBT Customer Service number (1-877-415-5164) 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).

Which restaurants take EBT in Wisconsin?

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 Wisconsin does not currently participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. We will update you as soon as the state joins the program.

Wisconsin EBT Phone Number

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

1-877-415-5164

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

You can call the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin EBT Card to buy Food

Here are the steps you need to take to use your Wisconsin 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
    1-877-415-5164
  • 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.

Is there a Wisconsin EBT App?

Yes, the Wisconsin DHS has created a mobile application, called the “MyACCESS Wisconsin App” as shown in the image below.

The app is available for download from the App Store for Apple devices and from the Google Play store for Android devices.

If you have applied for or are enrolled in any of the following programs, you can connect to your benefits anywhere, anytime using the MyACCESS mobile app.

  • Wisconsin Medicaid
  • BadgerCare Plus
  • FoodShare
  • Wisconsin Shares Child Care Subsidy
  • Wisconsin Works

The MyACCESS Wisconsin App allows you to:

Check your benefits

See the programs you’re enrolled in and when your next renewal is due.

Submit documents

Take photos of and submit proof at any time, then check its status in real time.

Get reminders

Be reminded of actions you need to take or documents you need to submit.

"MyACCESS Wisconsin App"

The video below from the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) does a great job of explaining everything you need to know about how to use the MyACCESS Wisconsin App.

Wisconsin EBT Discount and Perks

Your Wisconsin Quest EBT Card gives you access to the following discounts, freebies, and perks.

"Wisconsin EBT Discounts"

Amazon Prime EBT Discount

If you have a Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin.

Company Name Phone
Boomerang Wireless 866-488-8719
American Broadband & Telecommunications 866-966-2628
Access Wireless 866-594-3644
Tempo Telecom 877-822-8501
Life Wireless 888-543-3620
TerraCom Wireless 877-351-4747
Cellcom 800-236-0055
Tag Mobile 866-959-4918
Q Link Wireless 855-754-6543
Amerimex 888-224-3213
StandUP Wireless 800-544-4441
U.S. Cellular 800-944-9400
Assurance Wireless 888-898-4888
Safelink Wireless 800-723-3546

Discounted Home Phone Services

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

Company Name Phone
Amherst Telephone Company 715-824-5529
Chequamegon Communications Cooperative/Norvado 800-250-8927
TDS Telecom/Wyandotte Telephone Company 888-225-5837
CTC Telcom, Inc. 800-924-3405
Frontier Communications 800-921-8101
Cuba City Telephone Exchange Company 608-744-2154
TDS Telecom/Mt. Vernon Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
TDS Telecom/Midway Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
TDS Telecom/Southeast Telephone Co. of Wisconsin, LLC 888-225-5837
Richland-Grant Telephone Cooperative 608-537-2461
Nelson Telephone Cooperative 715-672-4204
TDS Telecom/Black Earth Telephone Company, LLC. 888-225-5837
TDS Telecom/EastCoast Telecom of Wisconsin, LLC 888-225-5837
Bayland Telephone Company 608-744-2154
Clear Lake Telephone Company 715-263-2267
Hagar Telecom 800-473-1442
Marquette-Adams Telephone Cooperative 608-586-4111
West Wisconsin Telecom 715-231-2000
TDS Telecom/State Long Distance Telephone Company 888-225-5837
Vernon Communications 800-543-2029
TDS Telecom/Mid-Plains Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
Bloomer Telephone Company 715-568-4830
TDS Telecom/Mosinee Telephone Company 888-225-5837
TDS Telecom/Utelco, LLC 888-225-5837
TDS Telecom/Waunakee Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
Coon Valley Farmers Telephone Company 608-452-3101
TDS Telecom/Central State Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
TDS Telecom/Burlington, Brighton & Wheatland Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
24 7 Telecom 888-247-2035
TDS Telecom/The Farmers Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
Spring Valley Telephone Company, Inc 715-778-4433
TDS Telecom/Scandinavia Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
Vernon Telephone Cooperative 608-634-3136
TDS Telecom/Stockbridge & Sherwood Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
Somerset Telephone Company 715-247-5545
Lakefield Telephone Company 800-826-5215
Sharon Telephone Company 866-569-9176
Union Telephone Company 888-926-2273
CenturyLink 800-407-5411
Farmers Independent Telephone Company 715-463-5322
Hillsboro Telephone Company 608-489-2100
Milltown Mutual Telephone Co. 715-825-2171
Price County Telephone Company 715-339-2151
Norvado 800-250-8927
Niagara Telephone Company 715-251-3116
Amery Telecom 715-268-7101
Tri County Communications 715-695-2691
Lemonweir Valley Telephone 608-427-6515
TDS Telecom/Grantland Telecom, LLC 888-225-5837
Siren Telephone Co 715-349-2224
TDS Telecom/Badger Telecom, LLC. 888-225-5837
AT&T 855-301-0355
TDS Telecom/Riverside Telecom, LLC 888-225-5837
Mount Horeb Telephone Company 800-843-5827
Baldwin Telecom, Inc. 715-684-3346
Lakeland Communications Group, LLC 715-825-2171
Wittenberg Telephone Company 715-253-2111
TDS Telecom/Tenney Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
Northeast Telephone Company 800-826-5215
TDS Telecom/Dickeyville Telephone Company, LLC 888-225-5837
Price County Telecom 715-339-2151
Cochrane Cooperative Telephone Company 608-248-2323
Wood County Telephone Company 800-421-9282
Manawa Telephone Company 920-596-2535
Belmont Telephone Company 608-744-2154
Chibardun Telephone Cooperative 800-924-3405
Indianhead Telephone Company 800-473-1442
Bruce Telephone Company 662-983-4343

Free Admission with EBT Program

One of the great benefits of the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin Free Admission with EBT Program sites.

How do I replace my lost Wisconsin EBT card?

If you just realized your Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin EBT card customer service.

Report a lost, stolen or damaged Wisconsin Quest Card

If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged call EBT Customer Service at 1-877-415-5164 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin EBT Customer service number and updating your mailing address so that your new card can be mailed to the correct address.

Wisconsin EBT FAQs

"Wisconsin EBT Card FAQs"

Here are the most frequently asked questions about Wisconsin EBT.

I didn’t get my EBT benefits this month

If you did not receive your benefits this month, you should contact your local Wisconsin 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 1-877-415-5164.

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 Wisconsin EBT Card toll-free customer service telephone number at 1-877-415-5164.

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 Wisconsin EBT card in other counties and other states?

Your Wisconsin 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, Wisconsin EBT cardholders cannot use their EBT cards in Puerto Rico.

If I don’t use all my Wisconsin 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 1-877-415-5164.

When are Wisconsin food stamps posted on EBT Card?

The Wisconsin EBT Card, or the Wisconsin Quest 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 eighth digits of your Social Security Number is Benefits are deposited on the
0 2nd of each month
1 3rd of each month
2 5th of each month
3 6th of each month
4 8th of each month
5 9th of each month
6 11th of each month
7 12th of each month
8 14th of each month
9 15th of each month

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

Wisconsin EBT Card Summary

We hope this article on the Wisconsin 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 Wisconsin 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 SNAP and EBT, including:
Check Wisconsin EBT Card Balance
Wisconsin Quest EBT Guide
What you can buy with an EBT Card
How much in food stamps can I get?
Extra SNAP Benefits – August 2021
EBT Discounts and Free Stuff
Free Museum Admissions with Quest EBT Card

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