Electronic Benefits Transfer Card

An Electronic Benefits Transfer Card (EBT) delivers money from benefit programs and cash assistance electronically to you. In Colorado, benefits are issued on an EBT card, called the Colorado Quest Card. It looks like a credit or bank card and can be used at any authorized store across the country. A personal identification number (PIN) is assigned to access the account. Keep this number safe. If your card is lost or stolen, it can't be used by anyone who does not know the PIN number.

If you are approved, your benefits should be available on your EBT card within 30 days from the date of your application. If you are eligible for expedited benefits, your benefits should be available on your on your card within 7 days from the date you filed the application.

Each month your benefits will be deposited into your EBT account on the same day, even if it falls on a weekend or holiday. Check the COLORADO EBT FACT SHEET to determine the day of the month your benefits will be deposited into your EBT account.

1. At check-out, swipe your EBT card through the Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal or you can hand your card to the cashier.
2. Tell the cashier to charge your purchase to the account.
3. Enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN)
4. Press the OK or ENTER key.
5. The cashier will enter the purchase amount and if it is correct, you press the YES key.
6. The cashier will give you a receipt; check to make sure the amount is correct. The amount of your purchase is deducted from your balance. The store receipt will show the amount remaining in your account.

The above steps may be different for each type of POS terminal but the cashier can help you if needed.

You can use your EBT card in any authorized retail location in the United States that displays the Quest logo. Only Wyoming uses a different EBT card, called Smartcards. If you need to use your EBT card in Wyoming, do so at the larger chain stores that have their own equipment to process both types of EBT cards. Check with your Office of Self-Sufficiency & Independence program provider office for specific information about authorized use.

The easiest way to know your account balance is to keep your receipts. If you don't have your receipts, you may check your balance online at the EBT Account website. You may also call Recipient Customer Service toll free at 1-888-328-2656 or 1-800-659-2656 (TTY). You are allowed 10 balance inquiry calls per calendar month.

Any benefits left at the end of the month in your Food Assistance EBT account will be carried over into the next month. Any benefits not used will be removed from the card after 365 days. You can get these benefits back by contacting your local Food Assistance office. For information related to other Office of Self-Sufficiency & Independence programs check with your specific program provider office.

If your EBT card is lost or stolen, call Recipient Customer Service toll free at 1-888-328-2656 or 1-800-659-2656 (TTY) or contact your Assistance office.

• Never share any personal information, especially Social Security Numbers, account numbers, login and password (PIN) information via email. You will never be asked for personal information via email.
• Beware of phishing emails - These emails tell you that you must use the provided link to verify or change your account in some way. We will never send an email asking you for this type of information.
• Beware of suspicious text messages requesting your account information via your mobile device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, etc.). We will never send a text message to your mobile device asking you for this type of information.
• Keep your passwords and PINs secret and do not leave them in an unsecured area.
• If you suspect suspicious activity related to your EBT account immediately call Recipient Customer Service toll free at 1-888-328-2656 or 1-800-659-2656 (TTY) or contact your Assistance office.