What is Minnesota's EBT program?

The Electronic Benefits Transfer system in Minnesota is used for an efficient distribution of economic assistance benefits. As of 2015, approximately 87 percent of cash benefits recipients and all food stamp recipients in Minnesota use this system.

The EBT automatic system uses debit cards, which welfare recipients can use at any retail location that accepts debit and credit cards. They can use the card to pay for purchases or withdraw cash. To minimize the costs of benefits distribution, the system uses an existing commercial infrastructure. The Minnesota Department of Human Services offers a brochure with details about how to use the Minnesota EBT card.