Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Card(AKA Blue Card)

https://www.pinetreecard.com/meebtclient/ 

The Maine EBT Card is like a bank debit card that holds the Food Supplement (SNAP) and TANF benefits that are assigned to you each month. Once your benefits are deposited into your account, you can begin using them with your Maine EBT Card. You use the same card every month; you do not need to get a new one.

The Maine EBT card is a safe and easy way to get and use your benefits. It’s safe - you can’t use your card without a PIN. And it’s easy - you can use it anywhere you see the Quest® logo, and every time you use your card, you get a receipt showing the amount left in your account.

You can use your card at the store to spend your food supplement benefits and TANF benefits. Before you begin your shopping, make sure that the store accepts the Maine EBT Card and that you know your 4-digit PIN.

How to use your card at the store

  • Before you shop, check your balance. There are three ways to check your balance:
    • Check your last grocery store receipt.
    • Log In to your account at:

https://www.pinetreecard.com/meebtclient/#:~:text=Before%20you%20shop%2C%20check%20your,you%20or%20the%20store%20cashier.

  • Call the Maine EBT Helpdesk at 1-800-477-7428. Your balance is provided as soon as you enter your card number.
  • Look for the Quest sign on the door or window of the store.
  • At check-out, your card is swiped through the machine by you or the store cashier.
  • Enter your PIN on the number pad, then press Enter. (Only You should enter your PIN.)
  • Tell the cashier how much money to enter or enter the amount yourself.

** When swiping the EBT card at a store it is important to make the right selection.  Select FOOD to use the SNAP benefit and CASH to use the TANF benefit. If you use both a food supplement benefit account (SNAP) and a cash benefit account (TANF) at the store, it will be necessary to swipe your card through the machine two times and to enter your PIN two times. In most cases, you would select FOOD first, to apply the SNAP benefit, and then select Cash, to apply the TANF benefit for the other acceptable items.

  • Always check your receipt to make sure that the amount on the EBT receipt is the same as the grocery.

Cash purchase

A recipient may not use the EBT card "TANF cash benefit" in retail establishment where:

  • 50% or more of the gross revenue of the establishment is derived from the sale of liquor (i.e., liquors or beverage marts).
  • A gambling facility (i.e., casinos and bingo facilities), except that the use of the EBT card is permitted in any portion of the premises of a gambling facility that is set aside separately for the sale primarily of staple foods.
  • A retail establishment provides adult-oriented entertainment in which performers disrobe or perform in an unclothed state or entertainment (strip clubs)

TANF cash benefits are to be used for the purchase of items to help parents and their children with the basic needs of everyday living and using the benefits for any other purpose is against the program's intent. Benefits used to meet the program's intent include food, clothing, shelter, utilities, household goods, personal care items, and general incidental expenses. Purchases such as lottery tickets and tobacco products do not meet the intent of the program.

Cash withdrawals

  • Cash withdrawals come from your TANF benefits.
  • Some stores will allow you to receive cash back above the cost of your purchase.
  • Some stores will allow cash withdrawal without a purchase.
  • You must follow the store’s policy regarding the allowable amount.

Misuse of the EBT card is unlawful. Use of this card for anyone outside the household of the person named on the card is prohibited and will result in prosecution, to the fullest extent of the law.

Create new account online:

https://www.pinetreecard.com/meebtclient/#:~:text=Before%20you%20shop%2C%20check%20your,you%20or%20the%20store%20cashier.

You must have a User ID and password to log into your account. After you have created your account, you can change your password at any time.

Once you have an account you can check your balance, view your transactions, or report a lost or stolen card online.

CREATE NEW ACCOUNT

  1. To create a new account, enter the cardholder's SSN, the cardholder's Date of Birth, your 16-digit EBT Card Number, a User ID of your choice and a Password of your choice.
  2. Your User ID must be at least 4 characters but no more than 10 characters long. You can use any combination of letters or numbers in the User ID. The User ID is not case-sensitive.
  3. Your password must be at least 8 characters long but no more than 16 characters long.
  4. Passwords must be a mix of alphanumeric uppercase, alphanumeric lowercase, and numeric characters. There must be at least one character from each category: alphanumeric uppercase, alphanumeric lowercase and numeric characters.
  5. Special character such as @ and _ can be used for user password.
  6. The password is case sensitive.
  7. Click on the SUBMIT button when done.

Forgotten User ID

If you have forgotten your User ID, please enter the primary cardholder's SSN, the primary cardholder's Date of Birth in mm/dd/yyyy format and your Card Number. Click the SUBMIT button and you will be taken to a screen where you will select the correct question and enter the security answer you entered during Account Creation. When you enter the correct answer your User ID will be emailed to you.

You must have a User ID and password to log into your account. After you have created your account, you can change your password at any time.

If you have forgotten your password and/or your User ID, please select the appropriate link from the Main Landing page, by clicking on the Maine EBT card icon on the left panel, to retrieve your password or User ID.

Please call 1-800-477-7428 if you are still having trouble accessing the Client-Cardholder Portal after trying to use the Forgotten User ID function.

RESET PASSWORD 

You must have a User ID and password to log into your account. After you have created your account, you can change your password at any time. 
To reset your password, enter the primary cardholder's SSN, the primary cardholder's Date of Birth, your 16-digit EBT Card Number, and a Password twice for confirmation.

    1. Your password must be at least 8 characters long but no more than 16 characters long.
    2. Passwords must be a mix of alphanumeric uppercase, alphanumeric lowercase, and numeric characters. There must be at least one character from each category: alphanumeric uppercase, alphanumeric lowercase, and numeric characters.
    3. The password is case sensitive.
    4. Once you have created your new account, your User ID does not change. The User ID will display on the "Login to Your Account" screen so that you can see if all the information entered to reset your password is correct.
  • Click on the SUBMIT button when done.

Where to use your card

You can use you card to get your benefits where you see this sign.

Your PIN

  • PIN stands for Personal Identification Number
  • Your PIN is your electronic signature.
  • It contains four (4) numbers.
  • Your EBT Card will not work without your PIN.
  • If you try your PIN incorrectly 3 times, your account will be locked until the next day.
  • Keep your PIN secret.
  • Never write your PIN on your card.
  • Never let anyone see you enter your PIN at a machine, even a store cashier.
  • Never give your PIN to anyone. If a person has your card and knows your PIN, they can use ALL of your benefits.
  • You can change your PIN at any time, by calling 1-800-477-7428 or going to your local DHHS office.
  • If someone else uses your card and PIN, your BENEFITS WILL NOT BE REPLACED.

Your EBT Card

  • Keep your card in a safe place when you are not using it.
  • Do not write on or scratch the black stripe on the back of your card.
  • Do not put your card near magnets, TVs, stereos, VCRs, or even the magnetic clasp on a purse.
  • If your card is lost, stolen or damaged call 1-800-477-7428.

You can also report a lost, stolen, or damaged card using this website. https://www.pinetreecard.com/meebtclient/#:~:text=Before%20you%20shop%2C%20check%20your,you%20or%20the%20store%20cashier.

To do so, log in and select the REPORT LOST/STOLEN/DAMAGED CARD option in the top right portion of the screen header. 

  • If you believe your PIN has been stolen, or if you have problems with your EBT transactions, immediately contact Customer Service at 1-800-477-7428
  • When you receive your replacement card, your current PIN is transferred to your replacement card, so you need not change your current PIN. However, if you do want to change the PIN, select the option to change your PIN after you receive your new card.

Note that your card can only be replaced a maximum of 2 times so be sure to keep your card safe.

How to use your EBT card at an automated teller machine (ATM)

**Find an ATM with the Quest Sign or you will be charged an ATM fee from the bank. Most bank ATMs in the Bangor area do not accept the EBT card for free.

You will have 2 free ATM withdrawals each month at ATMs which do not surcharge.

Below is a list of locations of ATMs with free withdrawals.

Cardtronics ATMS

60 Longview Drive 146 State Street

360 Broadway 152 Main Street (McGuire Building)

489 Broadway 219 Hammond Street

706 Broadway 662 Hammond Street

1123 Broadway 1105 Hammond Street

451 Hogan Road 41 Washington Street

268 Odlin Road

 

Hannaford’s (Coinstar Kiosk) Others:

773 Stillwater Ave. 1187 Union Street

732 Broadway

201 Main Street

  • Choose an ATM in a place where you feel safe.
  • Always follow directions on the ATM.
  • Put your card in the machine.
  • Never let anyone see you enter your PIN.
  • Press Withdrawal.
  • Press Checking.
  • Enter the dollar amount you want.
  • Take your cash, card, and receipt from the machine.
  • Keep the receipt so you will know how much you have left in your account.
  • Check the receipt to make sure it is the same as the amount you got.

 

When to call Customer Service

Customer Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer any questions you may have about how to get your benefits. The customer service number is first answered by a computer. You will be asked to enter your card number.

1-800-477-7428

Call to find out:

  • Your food supplement account or cash account balance.
  • Your last 10 transactions.

Call if:

  • You have questions or problems using your EBT card or PIN. Put your card in the machine.
  • You want to change your PIN.
  • Your Card is lost or stolen.
  • You feel there is a mistake with your transaction.

It’s the Law!

  • Misuse or abuse of your card will result in investigation by State and/or Federal authorities.
  • Documented violations will result in sanctions including:
    • Disqualification from program
    • Recovery through recoupment/restitution
    • And/or referral for criminal prosecution

It is a crime to defraud the system or to misuse your card.