If you receive food assistance, you will be issued an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card. This card is also called a “Kokua Card“. You use this card like a debit card to purchase food items at stores. You will be given a brochure describing how to use your card when you are approved for benefits. Treat your Kokua EBT Card like cash and keep it in a safe and secured place. You may not sell, trade, or give away your Kokua EBT card and PIN.
You can access your Kokua EBT card information at www.ebtedge.com or through the free ebtEDGE mobile app, which is now available in the Apple App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android) [ebtEDGE Mobile App]
If you are receiving cash assistance, you will have the option of having your benefits issued to your Kokua EBT card or having your benefits directly deposited to your checking or savings account. Your case worker can give you more information on how you can set up direct deposit for your benefits.
How do I use my Kokua EBT Card to Purchase Food?
When purchasing food, give your card to the clerk or slide your card thought the Point-of-Sale (POS) Machine when directed by the clerk. The clerk will enter your SNAP purchase amount. You must check the amount that shows in the POS window. If the amount is correct, you enter your PIN. You will not receive change when you purchase food. You can use the POS machines to purchases food until all your SNAP benefits are used. An account balance will be listed on your store receipt for food purchases.
What Items are SNAP Eligible?
SNAP benefits can be used to buy almost anything to eat, including frozen foods. They can be used to buy seeds and plants that will grow food to eat. Items purchased with SNAP benefits are not subject to the sales tax.
However, you cannot use SNAP benefits to by alcoholic beverages like beer or wine, tobacco, pet foods, vitamins, nor-non-food items like soap and household supplies. SNAP benefits cannot be used to buy hot-prepared foods such as barbecue chicken laulau, or roast pork. Do not ask stores to make an exception!
To save time, separate the food and non-food items in your basket and be sure to tell the cashier that you use SNAP.
Where can I use my Kokua EBT Card?
You can use your Kokua EBT Card at participating stores that displays the QUEST sign.
If you do not see the QUEST sign, ask the store manager if you can use your card in the store to buy food.
What should I do if I lose my card?
If your Kokua EBT Card is lost, stolen or damaged and you need a replacement card, Call
Customer Service toll-free at 1-888-328-4292.
Please remember when requesting a replacement card, your current card will be deactivated, and you will receive the replacement by mail in approximately 5-7 days. If you do not receive your card by that time you may go to your designated processing center and ask for an over the counter replacement.
What if my Kokua card won’t work?
Call Customer Service and they will assist you. This number is found on the back of your card. Customer Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
What if I forgot my PIN?
If you forgot your PIN or want to change your PIN, you can use the Internet
(www.ebtEDGE.com), ebtEDGE mobile app, or call Customer Service to choose a new one. You should choose four numbers that are easy for you to remember, but hard for someone else to figure out.
What if I enter the wrong PIN?
If you’re having trouble remembering your PIN, DO NOT try to guess your PIN when entering it on a Point-Of-Sale (POS) machine or ATM. If you enter the wrong PIN, you have three more chances to enter the correct one. If you do not enter the correct PIN by the fourth try, you won’t be able to use it until after midnight because a hold is placed on your card. In some cases, your card may be taken by the ATM. If the ATM keeps your card, contact customer Service.
Remember, you can change your PIN at any time on the Internet at www.ebtEDGE.com, ebtEDGE mobile app, or by calling Customer service.
How will I know my account balance?
The easiest way to know your account balance is to keep your receipts. If you don’t have your receipts you make check your balance on the Internet at www.ebtEDGE.com, ebtEDGE mobile app, or you can call Customer Services. You should always know your account balance before you shop.
Is there any transaction fees or surcharges for using my Kokua EBT Card?
There is never a transaction fee for using you SNAP benefits to buy food with your Kokua EBT Card