<P> Electronic benefit transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows state welfare departments to issue benefits via a magnetically encoded payment card, used in the United States . The average monthly EBT payout is $125 per participant . </P> <P> Common benefits provided (in the United States) via EBT are typically of two general categories: food and cash benefits . Food benefits are federally authorized benefits that can be used only to purchase food and non-alcoholic beverages . Food benefits are distributed through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly the Food Stamp Program . Cash benefits include state general assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits and refugee benefits . </P>

Where does the money for ebt come from