The restriction covers in-person shopping and online orders for pickup or delivery outside Nebraska. The setting automatically returns to “on” at the end of each calendar month.
By Hola Nebraska
Nebraska introduced an out-of-state purchase restriction for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards on Nov. 4, 2026, to help prevent fraudulent transactions involving stolen card information.
Cardholders who need to shop outside Nebraska can turn off the restriction through ebtEDGE or by calling EBT customer service. The change is intended to protect benefits from unauthorized use while allowing recipients to make legitimate purchases in other states.
Out-of-state stores and online grocery orders are covered
The restriction applies to purchases made in person at stores outside Nebraska. It also covers online orders scheduled for delivery or pickup outside the state, according to the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The change is particularly relevant to SNAP recipients who live near state borders and regularly cross into neighboring states to buy groceries.
For example, someone living in Nebraska who shops at an authorized grocery store in Iowa or Kansas may need to disable the restriction before completing a purchase.
SNAP benefits can still be used at authorized retailers in other states when the cardholder turns off the out-of-state block.
How to allow out-of-state EBT purchases
Nebraska cardholders can change the restriction through the ebtEDGE website or mobile app, or by calling EBT customer service.
Change the setting through ebtEDGE
- Visit ebtEDGE.com or open the ebtEDGE mobile app.
- Sign in and select your active EBT card.
- Open Settings in the upper-right corner.
- Select Transaction Restrictions.
- Turn off out-of-state blocking to allow purchases outside Nebraska.
The app is available for Apple and Android devices. DHHS provides additional information about accessing and managing an ebtEDGE account.
Change the setting by telephone
Cardholders can call the EBT Customer Service Line at 877-247-6328.
At the main menu, select Card Security and follow the prompts to change the out-of-state transaction restriction.
Out-of-state EBT blocking resets every month
Disabling the restriction does not permanently remove it. DHHS says the block automatically returns to the “on” setting at the end of each calendar month.
Someone who allows out-of-state purchases in November must change the setting again if they need to shop outside Nebraska in December.
Recipients who regularly cross state lines for groceries should review their settings before shopping to reduce the possibility of a declined transaction.
Protecting SNAP benefits from skimming and unauthorized transactions
Out-of-state blocking is one of several security measures available to Nebraska EBT cardholders.
DHHS also recommends precautions against card skimming, a form of fraud in which criminals use equipment attached to payment terminals to capture card information.
Cardholders can take the following steps:
- Change their PIN regularly. DHHS recommends changing it near the end of each month, before the next benefit deposit.
- Monitor transactions. The ebtEDGE website and app allow users to review recent account activity.
- Freeze the card between purchases. ebtEDGE includes a feature that allows cardholders to freeze their cards remotely.
- Inspect payment terminals. Loose, crooked or damaged card readers may indicate tampering.
- Avoid sharing card information. DHHS warns that the agency and EBT processors will not call or text recipients asking for their card number or PIN.
Anyone who notices suspicious account activity should change their PIN promptly and report the suspected fraud.
People who believe their benefits have been stolen or who discover a suspicious card reader can notify local law enforcement. Reports can also be made to the DHHS Special Investigations Unit at 402-595-3789.
The agency provides additional guidance on its EBT fraud-prevention page.
For information about eligibility, required documents and the application process, see Hola Nebraska’s guide to applying for SNAP benefits.
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