Mississippi EBT Balance — How to Check Your Food Stamp Balance

Mississippi has one of the highest SNAP participation rates in the country — and for good reason. Roughly one in five Mississippians relies on the program, and in many Delta counties that number is even higher.

For most households, the MDHS EBT Card is a lifeline that gets used several times a week. Knowing your balance before you shop — not at the register — is one of the simplest habits that prevents declined transactions, budget shortfalls, and the stress that comes with both.

This guide covers every way to check your Mississippi EBT balance, explains the two-digit case number deposit schedule, and walks through what to do if your card stops working or your benefits go missing.

How to Check Your Mississippi EBT Balance

Four ways to check — all free:

1. Phone: Call 1-866-512-5087 (24/7 automated)
2. Online: Log in at ConnectEBT (connectebt.com)
3. App: Download the Benny or ebtEDGE app (iOS or Android)
4. Receipt: Your balance prints at the bottom of every SNAP purchase receipt

The phone line is the go-to for most Mississippi cardholders — no account needed, no internet required. All state EBT hotlines are listed at EBT Phone Numbers for All States.

Check Your Mississippi EBT Balance by Phone

Mississippi EBT Cardholder Services: 1-866-512-5087 Mississippi SNAP/TANF Hotline: 1-800-948-3050 Stolen Benefits Reporting: 1-800-299-6905 Way2Go TANF Card Help: 1-855-709-1079

The EBT Cardholder Services line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week — including holidays. Free from any phone, cell or landline.

Step-by-step:

1. Call 1-866-512-5087
2. Select your language when prompted
3. Enter your 16-digit EBT card number
4. Enter your 4-digit PIN
5. Your current SNAP food balance and cash benefit balance are read aloud

The same number handles PIN resets, transaction history, lost or stolen card reports, and replacement card requests. For case questions — such as your benefit amount, renewal date, or missing deposit — call the SNAP/TANF Hotline at 1-800-948-3050 during business hours.

TANF recipients note: Your cash assistance is loaded on a separate Way2Go debit card, not on your MDHS EBT Card. For Way2Go balance or account issues, call 1-855-709-1079 — a different number from the EBT hotline.

Check Your Mississippi EBT Balance Online

Website: connectebt.com

Mississippi uses the ConnectEBT portal for online balance access — the same platform used by Maryland and several other states, but with Mississippi-specific account setup.

Steps:

1. Go to connectebt.com and choose Mississippi from the drop-down
2. Click “Login” — or “New User” if this is your first time
3. Register using your 16-digit EBT card number, Social Security Number, and date of birth, then create a User ID and password
4. Your account summary page shows your current SNAP food balance and any remaining cash benefits side by side

Security tip: Go directly to connectebt.com — never follow a link from an unsolicited text or email. MDHS will never contact you asking for your card number or PIN.

Check Your Mississippi EBT Balance on a Mobile App

Mississippi doesn’t have an official state EBT app, but two widely trusted apps work for MDHS EBT cardholders:

Benny (recommended)

• Displays your real-time SNAP and EBT cash balances
• Offers cash back on EBT purchases at retailers including Walmart, Target, and Kroger
• Free on iOS and Android — search “Benny” in your app store

ebtEDGE

• Official EBT vendor app; works with Mississippi accounts
• Shows balance and transaction history, supports PIN changes and card freezing
• Free on iOS and Android — search “ebtEDGE” in your app store

Check Your Mississippi EBT Balance on a Store Receipt

After every SNAP purchase, your current food and cash benefit balances print automatically at the bottom of the receipt under “EBT Available Balance.” No phone or internet needed. You can also request a balance-only inquiry at the point-of-sale terminal at any SNAP-authorized store without making a purchase — just swipe your card and enter your PIN. Find stores near you with the SNAP Retailer Locator.

Check Your Mississippi EBT Balance at an ATM

At ATMs displaying the Quest logo, insert your MDHS EBT Card, enter your PIN, and select “Balance Inquiry” then “Checking.” This displays your EBT cash benefit balance only — SNAP food benefits do not appear at ATMs. To avoid fees, use ATMs in the Allpoint or MoneyPass networks. Skimming devices are a real threat at standalone ATMs — the phone or app is a safer option for routine checks.

Mississippi EBT Balance — Quick Reference

Mississippi-Specific EBT Details Worth Knowing

Who runs the program: Mississippi SNAP is administered by the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), Division of Economic Assistance. Not yet enrolled? Check your eligibility at the Mississippi SNAP eligibility page or estimate your household’s range with the SNAP income limits tool. The full application guide is at How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Mississippi.

Your card is called the MDHS EBT Card: Mississippi’s official EBT card carries the MDHS name and works like a debit card at any retailer displaying the Quest logo. One important rule: do not throw your card away even if your case closes. Mississippi reloads benefits onto the same card if you are approved again — and any remaining balance stays on the card for up to 274 days. Keep the card and your PIN somewhere safe.

Deposit schedule — 4th through 21st by last two digits of case number: Mississippi loads SNAP benefits between the 4th and 21st of each month, based on the last two digits of your SNAP case number. For example, case numbers ending in 00–19 receive benefits on the 4th; 20–39 on the 5th; and so on through the 21st. Benefits are available the same day regardless of weekends or holidays and are typically loaded after 6:00 AM. Your case number is printed on any MDHS approval or renewal letter, or you can confirm your deposit date by calling 1-866-512-5087 or logging into ConnectEBT. If benefits don’t arrive on schedule, see Why Didn’t My SNAP Benefits Reload?

Stolen benefits are no longer reimbursable after December 20, 2024: The federal program that replaced SNAP benefits stolen through skimming, card cloning, or phishing has expired. MDHS can no longer reimburse benefits stolen after December 20, 2024. If your benefits were stolen between August 15, 2023 and December 20, 2024, you may still be eligible — complete the MDHS Lost Benefit Attestation form online, by mail, or in person at your local MDHS office within 30 days. Call the stolen benefits hotline at 1-800-299-6905 for help. For theft occurring after December 20, 2024, freezing your card quickly is your only recourse.

TANF cash and SNAP are on separate cards: If you receive both SNAP and TANF cash assistance, note that they come on different cards. Your SNAP food benefits are on the MDHS EBT Card (call 1-866-512-5087). Your TANF cash is on the Way2Go Prepaid Debit Card (call 1-855-709-1079). Balances, PINs, and customer service are completely separate.

MSCAP — streamlined SNAP for SSI recipients: Mississippi runs the Mississippi Combined Application Project (MSCAP), which allows Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients to apply for SNAP through a simplified process through the Social Security Administration. If you receive SSI and haven’t applied for SNAP, MSCAP may let you enroll without a traditional MDHS interview. Call 1-800-948-4060 for MSCAP-specific assistance.

Double Up Food Bucks at farmers markets: Mississippi participates in the Double Up Food Bucks program at select farmers markets and farm stands statewide, matching your SNAP spending on Mississippi-grown fruits and vegetables. It’s a free benefit that stretches your food dollars while supporting local agriculture. Ask your local market if they participate or search online for Mississippi Double Up Food Bucks locations.

Expedited benefits for urgent need: Mississippi households with very low income and resources — generally less than $150 in monthly gross income and under $100 in liquid resources, or combined income and resources less than monthly housing costs — may qualify for expedited SNAP benefits within 7 days of applying. Mention your situation when you apply at your local MDHS office or at access.ms.gov.

274-day inactivity rule: Mississippi follows the federal standard — unused SNAP benefits expire after 274 days (about 9 months) of no card activity. Even a small purchase resets the clock. Since your card never technically expires, make sure you use it at least occasionally to keep your account active.

When Your Mississippi EBT Balance Doesn’t Look Right

Your balance is lower than expected

Log into ConnectEBT or open the ebtEDGE or Benny app and go through your recent transactions line by line. If you find a charge you didn’t make, call 1-866-512-5087 immediately to freeze your card. Then call the stolen benefits hotline at 1-800-299-6905 and complete the MDHS Lost Benefit Attestation form. Remember: benefits stolen after December 20, 2024 are not eligible for reimbursement — freezing your card fast is your only protection. For other reasons a balance might be unexpectedly low, see Why Didn’t My SNAP Benefits Reload?

Your card was declined at checkout

A declined MDHS EBT Card usually comes down to one of a few fixable issues — Why Is My EBT Card Not Working Today? covers all of them. Most common causes:

• Insufficient balance — Check before you shop, not while you’re in line
• Wrong PIN entered — Repeated wrong attempts may lock your card
• Card demagnetized or worn — Keep it away from phones and magnetic bag closures
• Store terminal issue — Ask the cashier to manually enter your card number or try a different register
• TANF cash declined — Remember TANF cash is on your Way2Go card, not your MDHS EBT Card

Your card is lost or stolen

Call 1-866-512-5087 immediately — day or night. Your MDHS EBT Card will be deactivated and a replacement mailed within 7–10 business days. Your remaining balance transfers to the new card automatically. If you need a card sooner, ask your caseworker whether in-person pickup is available at your local MDHS office. Full guidance at Replacing Your Lost EBT Card and How to Report a Stolen EBT Card in Every State.

Your account is approaching inactivity

MDHS may notify you if your account is nearing the 274-day inactivity threshold. A single purchase of any size — even a small item at a farmers market — resets the countdown. If your account has already been closed due to inactivity, call 1-800-948-3050 to speak with a caseworker about your options.

How to Protect Your Mississippi MDHS EBT Card

Use a PIN that only you know. Avoid birthdays, repeated digits, or anything tied to public information about you. Change it regularly through ConnectEBT, the ebtEDGE app, or by calling 1-866-512-5087.

Freeze your card between shopping trips. The ebtEDGE app lets you lock your card with a single tap, blocking all transactions until you unlock it. This is the single most effective fraud prevention step available to Mississippi cardholders. Full guide: How to Lock Your EBT Card.

Review your transactions regularly. Stolen benefits after December 20, 2024 cannot be recovered. Catching unauthorized activity in ConnectEBT or your app and freezing the card immediately is the only way to stop losses before they compound.

Check card readers before swiping. EBT skimming is active in Mississippi. Before inserting your card at any self-checkout or ATM, look for anything on the card slot that seems loose, out of place, or unusually thick. When in doubt, use a staffed checkout lane.

Never share your card number or PIN. MDHS will never call, text, or email asking for your EBT card details. Anyone who does is running a scam — hang up and call 1-866-512-5087 to report it.

Frequently Asked Questions — Mississippi EBT

What is the phone number to check my Mississippi EBT balance?

Call 1-866-512-5087 — free and available 24/7. Enter your 16-digit card number and PIN to hear your current SNAP food and cash benefit balances. For case questions (benefit amount, renewal dates, missing deposits), call the SNAP/TANF Hotline at 1-800-948-3050. All state hotlines are listed at EBT Phone Numbers for All States.

What day does Mississippi deposit SNAP benefits?

Benefits are loaded between the 4th and 21st of each month based on the last two digits of your SNAP case number. They’re available on your scheduled date regardless of weekends and holidays, typically after 6:00 AM. Your case number is on any MDHS notice or letter, or confirm it by calling 1-866-512-5087.

Why does Mississippi have two different EBT cards?

SNAP food benefits are loaded on the MDHS EBT Card (call 1-866-512-5087). TANF cash assistance comes on a separate Way2Go Prepaid Debit Card (call 1-855-709-1079). They have different balances, different PINs, and different customer service lines. If your SNAP card works but your cash doesn’t, you may be calling the wrong number.

What is MSCAP in Mississippi?

MSCAP stands for the Mississippi Combined Application Project — a simplified SNAP enrollment process for SSI (Supplemental Security Income) recipients. It allows eligible SSI recipients to apply for SNAP through the Social Security Administration without the standard MDHS interview process. Call 1-800-948-4060 to find out if you qualify.

Can I get my stolen EBT benefits replaced in Mississippi?

Only if the theft occurred between August 15, 2023 and December 20, 2024. For theft in that window, complete the MDHS Lost Benefit Attestation form within 30 days and call the stolen benefits line at 1-800-299-6905. Benefits stolen after December 20, 2024 are not eligible for reimbursement under current law. Freezing your card immediately through ebtEDGE when you notice missing funds is your best protection going forward.

Should I keep my Mississippi EBT card if my case closes?

Yes — absolutely keep it. Your MDHS EBT Card has no expiration date and will be reloaded with benefits if your case is reopened or if you reapply and are approved. Any remaining benefits stay on the card for 274 days of inactivity. Throwing the card away is a common mistake that creates unnecessary delays if you need to access benefits again.

What if I forget my PIN or enter it wrong too many times?

Call 1-866-512-5087 and select the PIN change option. You’ll need to verify your identity with your card number and personal information. After resetting, wait a few minutes before testing the new PIN at a store terminal. If the card remains locked after the reset, call back and ask for a live agent.

Can I use my Mississippi EBT card to shop online?

Yes. Mississippi EBT cardholders can use SNAP benefits for eligible grocery items on Amazon and Walmart.com. Delivery fees are not covered by SNAP — only the food items themselves. See the full guide at Can You Use EBT on Amazon?

Am I eligible for Mississippi SNAP?

Check the Mississippi SNAP eligibility page for current income limits and requirements, or use the SNAP income limits tool for a quick estimate. For typical benefit amounts by household size, visit the Mississippi SNAP benefits page.

What can I buy with my Mississippi MDHS EBT Card?

Your card works at any SNAP-authorized grocery store, at participating farmers markets (including Double Up Food Bucks locations), and online at Amazon and Walmart. For a full list of eligible and ineligible items, see the SNAP-eligible foods guide.

Bottom Line

Checking your Mississippi EBT balance takes under a minute — call 1-866-512-5087 for the fastest answer, or use ConnectEBT or the Benny app if you want to see your transaction history. Know your case number’s last two digits so you can predict your deposit window (4th–21st), and remember that stolen benefits after December 20, 2024 cannot be replaced — freezing your card through ebtEDGE between shopping trips is now your primary defense. If your TANF cash isn’t working, remember it’s on a separate Way2Go card with its own hotline. And whatever you do — don’t throw away your MDHS EBT Card even if your case closes.

For broader food assistance, contact the Mississippi Food Network or dial 2-1-1 for local hunger resources. The national SNAP information line is 1-800-221-5689.

Last updated: 2026 · Sources: Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS), USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Mississippi Food Network. Verify current program details at mdhs.ms.gov or benefits.gov.