Using your FoodShare benefits should be straightforward. Your Wisconsin QUEST card is designed as a secure and user-friendly method for purchasing groceries. Think of your QUEST card as a debit card, pre-loaded with your food assistance funds. It displays your name, card number, and the Wisconsin QUEST logo for easy identification.
Alt text: Front of a Wisconsin QUEST card, displaying the card name, logo, and typical debit card appearance.
Your QUEST card will be mailed to your provided address, accompanied by instructions on how to set up your confidential four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN). This PIN will be required for every food purchase you make using your QUEST card, ensuring secure transactions.
You have the flexibility to use your QUEST card as frequently as needed throughout the month, as long as you have funds available in your account. There are no minimum spending requirements or hidden fees associated with using your card.
For more detailed information about your QUEST card, you can refer to document P-16088.
Understanding Your Food Stamp Card Balance
Keeping track of your food stamp card balance is simple. Your account balance reflects the amount of funds available on your QUEST card. Here are convenient ways to check it:
- Online Portal: Visit the ebtEDGE website and log in as a Cardholder.
- Mobile App: Download the ebtEDGE mobile app, available on both the Apple Store and Google Play.
- Phone Service: Call QUEST Card Service directly at 877-415-5164 for balance inquiries.
How to Purchase Groceries with Your Food Stamp Card
Remember, your QUEST card is exclusively for purchasing food items. You can find comprehensive details on eligible food items on the Spending Your Benefits webpage. If your shopping includes non-food items, you’ll need to use a separate payment method for those purchases.
Your QUEST card is widely accepted at grocery stores and participating farmers markets. Look for EBT (electronic benefit transfer) signs at checkout to confirm acceptance. You can also use your card for online grocery purchases at select retailers and other locations that accept EBT payments.
To pay, simply swipe your QUEST card at the register during checkout and enter your PIN.
Curbside and In-Store Pickup Payment
Many grocery stores now offer the convenience of online or phone ordering with EBT card payment at pickup. This means you can place your order remotely and then pay with your QUEST card when you collect your groceries, either curbside or inside the store. Payment with your QUEST card is processed at the time of pickup, not when you place the order. Contact your local grocery stores to inquire if they provide this service.
Online Grocery Shopping with Your EBT Card
For online grocery shopping, you can use your QUEST card at approved retailers such as Amazon, Walmart Grocery, ALDI (via Instacart), Target, Lou Perrine’s Gas and Grocery, Meijer, Ptacek’s IGA, Sam’s Club Scan and Go, Schnuck’s Market, and Woodman’s Markets. These stores provide an EBT card payment option during online checkout. You will be required to enter your QUEST card number and PIN each time you make an online purchase.
Some of these retailers also offer delivery services. However, please note that delivery fees cannot be paid with your QUEST card. You will need to use a different payment method to cover any delivery charges. Your QUEST card is strictly for food purchases only.
If you encounter any issues using your QUEST card online, first verify your account balance. If funds are available and you still experience problems, reach out to the store’s customer service for assistance.
Important Note: Currently, only the retailers listed above are federally approved to accept online QUEST card payments in Wisconsin. For an updated list of approved online retailers, please visit Online SNAP Retailers. The list of participating stores may expand in the future.
Your QUEST card can also be used for prepared meals at designated locations such as senior citizen group meal sites or for home-delivered meals. Check with the specific site or provider to confirm they accept EBT payments.
Furthermore, if the facility accepts EBT payments, you can use your QUEST card for meals at:
- Drug and alcohol treatment centers.
- Domestic violence or abuse shelters.
- Homeless shelters.
- Group homes for individuals with disabilities.
Payment procedures at these locations may vary, either per meal or once a month.
Additional QUEST Card Information
For more detailed information about using your card and eligible purchases, explore these resources:
QUEST Card Service Assistance
If you need help with your QUEST card, QUEST Card Service is available to assist you. Call them at 877-415-5164 for issues such as:
- Non-receipt of your QUEST card in the mail.
- Checking your QUEST card balance.
- Reporting a lost, stolen, or damaged QUEST card.
- Requesting a replacement QUEST card.
- Disputing unauthorized charges.
- General inquiries about your QUEST card.
Temporary Food Stamp Cards
In situations where you are approved for expedited benefits or your permanent QUEST card is unusable due to damage, loss, or theft, you may be eligible for a temporary QUEST card. Detailed information is available in the FoodShare Temporary Card Policy, P-03551. Temporary cards are issued at your local agency.
Temporary QUEST cards are designed to provide immediate access to food benefits for households that cannot wait for a permanent card. Issuance of a temporary card is subject to eligibility and is not guaranteed upon request.
Common Scenarios for Temporary QUEST Cards:
- New recipients recently approved for expedited benefits.
- Current cardholders with damaged, lost, or stolen QUEST cards who require immediate access to benefits.
To Obtain a Temporary QUEST Card:
- Complete the Temporary QUEST Card Request form, F-02260A and submit it at your local agency.
- Agency staff will then:
- Verify your identity.
- Assess your eligibility for a temporary card based on specific requirements.
- If eligible, you will receive a temporary card at the agency. Staff will assist you in activating it for immediate use.
A temporary QUEST card is valid for 30 days or until a new permanent QUEST card is activated, whichever occurs first. Upon issuance of a temporary card, a new permanent QUEST card will be automatically requested and mailed to your address on file.
Generally, only one temporary card is permitted per case within a 12-month period. However, exceptions may be granted under extenuating circumstances, such as:
- Card loss due to household emergencies like fire or flood.
- Non-functional permanent card when immediate food purchase is necessary for a medical condition.
Temporary QUEST cards function identically to permanent QUEST cards. Refer to the Spending Your Benefits webpage for usage guidelines.
Contacting your local agency can provide clarification on temporary card eligibility criteria. However, the final decision regarding issuance is made in person at the agency.
If a permanent card has been requested for your case within the past seven days and a temporary card is issued, the previously requested permanent card will be deactivated upon arrival.
Once a temporary card is issued, a new permanent card will be generated and mailed. Upon activation of the new permanent card, the temporary card will be deactivated.
Only individuals formally listed on your account are authorized to obtain a temporary QUEST card for your household. This includes:
- Primary case individual
- Other adult food unit members
- Authorized buyers
- Alternate payees
- Authorized representatives
- Legal guardians
Protecting Yourself from Food Stamp Fraud
FoodShare benefits are unfortunately targets for fraud. Food stamp fraud can result in the loss of your benefits, hindering your ability to purchase food. Protecting your identity and benefits is crucial.
Learn more about safeguarding your FoodShare benefits, including tips for creating strong passwords, changing passwords, and steps to take if you suspect fraudulent activity.
Reporting Suspected Fraud
Misuse of public funds affects all Wisconsin residents. If you suspect fraud, waste, or abuse, please report it to the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) at 877-865-3432 or online.
The OIG’s mission is to protect Wisconsin taxpayers by combating fraud, waste, and abuse within public assistance programs administered by DHS. Learn more about the OIG.
Related Resources
Equal Opportunity Information
The USDA nondiscrimination statement and related information are available on the Your Rights webpage.
