What's new with FoodShare Policy and Eligibility?
Program Updates
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Typically, FoodShare rules require applicants and members to complete an interview with their agency as part of FoodShare applications and renewals. This interview is a conversation with an agency worker to discuss information provided during these processes.
Starting Monday, June 26, to streamline application and renewal processing in the post-COVID-19 period, we are temporarily waiving the interview for applicants or members who meet certain requirements. FoodShare applicants and members will not need to do an interview if they have:
Submitted a complete paper or electronic FoodShare application or renewal that contains enough information for their agency to determine their eligibility
Had their identify verified by their agency in alignment with existing FoodShare rules
A person can still choose to apply for benefits or complete their renewal over the phone by calling their agency. However, in these situations the FoodShare interview will be required. This is because all of the information needed for the agency to make an eligibility determination will need to be gathered during that phone call.
Note: Agencies may need to contact FoodShare applicants or members for more information, even though a full interview will not be required. If an agency cannot reach someone, a notice will be sent letting the person know if additional action is needed.
This is a temporary change allowed by federal program rules. When this temporary policy is slated to end, DHS will announce the timeline on this page and in communications to members and partner organizations who work with FoodShare members.
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Starting June 27, 2023, when you call Quest Card Service at 877-415-5164 to get information about your QUEST card and benefits, you will need to enter two things:
The 16-digit card number
The cardholder’s birthday
English: MMDDYYYY (month, day, year)
Spanish: DDMMYYYY (day, month, year)
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If you get FoodShare or have gotten Pandemic EBT benefits, some stores allow you to shop and pay for your groceries online. Currently, the following stores all accept QUEST or P-EBT cards for online orders on their websites:
ALDI
Amazon
Capital Centre Market
Lou Perrine’s Gas and Grocery
Miller and Sons Supermarket
Meijer
Metro Market
Pick 'n Save
Ptacek's IGA
Sam’s Club Scan and Go
Schnuck’s Market
Target
Walmart
Whole Foods
Woodman’s Markets
(Store websites may refer to your QUEST or P-EBT card as a “SNAP EBT” or “EBT” cards.) Look for an EBT or SNAP card option when you go to pay and enter your card details. You will need to enter your card PIN each time you check out.
You can only use your QUEST or P-EBT card to buy food eligible for FoodShare. If you are buying other items at the same time, you need to use another form of payment to pay for those items.
Some stores may offer delivery. If you are charged a delivery fee, you will not be able to use your QUEST or P-EBT card to pay this fee. You will need to use another form of payment instead.
If you experience any issues when using your QUEST or P-EBT card to pay online, first make sure you have a balance on your card by going to the ebtEDGE website, using the ebtEDGE mobile app, or calling QUEST Card Service at 877-415-5164. If you have a balance and are still unable to complete your transaction, contact customer service at the store where you are trying to make the purchase for help.