Skip Maine state header navigation
 |
|
 |
 |
 |
|
Q. I don't have a Pine Tree EBT card but think I should. What do I do?
Q. I have my Pine Tree EBT card. How do I get started?
Q. How does money get to my Pine Tree EBT card? Is it automatic or do I have to do something?
Q. What if my payday falls on a weekend or holiday?
Q. When will I get my money?
Q. What if I'm paid on a day other than my scheduled payday? When will I get my discount?
Q. What happens if I take vacation and my employer pays me in advance because I won't be at work on my normal payday?
Q. What should I do if I don't get the amount of discount dollars I expected?
Q. How can I find out how many discount dollars are on my Pine Tree EBT card?
Q. What are other examples when I can call Customer Service at 1-800-477-7428?
Q. If I'm hearing impaired, how do I contact the Pine Tree EBT card Customer Service?
Q. What can I use my Pine Tree EBT card for?
Q. Where can I use my Pine Tree EBT card?
Q. Are there fees if I use my Pine Tree EBT card to make purchases?
Q. Are there fees for using my Pine Tree EBT card at an ATM to withdraw cash?
Q. How can I find out what banks and credit unions accept the Pine Tree EBT card?
Q. Many ATM's only allow withdrawals in multiples of $20.00. How do I get my discount when it is not an even $20.00?
Q. My card doesn’t seem to work when I try to buy groceries at Hannaford or Shaws, but I can withdraw funds at an ATM. I know I have money available. What is wrong?
Q. Can I get my discount by direct deposit into my checking or savings account?
Q. I don't have a Pine Tree EBT card but think I should. What do I do?
Call a DirigoChoice Eligibility Specialist at 1-888-243-8731. (TTY: 1-207-474-4891)
Q. I have my Pine Tree EBT card. How do I get started?
Before you can use the card you will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN). To get a PIN call 1-800-477-7428 and follow the instructions.
Q. How does money get to my Pine Tree EBT card? Is it automatic or do I have to do something?
You don't have to do anything. The Dirigo Health Agency deposits discount dollars to your Pine Tree EBT card. Once you have a Pine Tree EBT card and PIN, you will be able to access those discount dollars.
return to top of page >>
Q. What if my payday falls on a weekend or holiday?
It doesn't matter what day of the week you get paid or if the day is a holiday, your discount will be available after 5:00 AM on the day you are scheduled to be paid.
return to top of page >>
Q. When will I get my money?
For Employees - You will be able to withdraw cash or make purchases with your EBT card any time after 5:00 AM on your regularly scheduled payday.
For self-employed/individuals - Dirigo Health Agency will deposit your discount amount on the 1st of each coverage month. Anthem will invoice you monthly. To ensure continued coverage and to ensure timely discount, you must pay this invoice in full and on time.
return to top of page >>
Q. What if I'm paid on a day other than my scheduled payday? When will get my discount?
Your discount will become available on your scheduled payday, as indicated on your employer's application form. If your employer changes scheduled paydays on a permanent basis, he/she should notify the Dirigo Health Agency at 1-888-243-8731 (TTY: 1-207-474-4891) so that your discount dollars appear on your Pine Tree EBT card on your new scheduled payday.
return to top of page >>
Q. What happens if I take vacation and my employer pays me in advance because I won't be at work on my normal payday?
Even if you are paid in advance, the discount dollars will become available on your scheduled payday.
return to top of page >>
Q. What should I do if I didn't get the amount of discount dollars I expected?
Call a DirigoChoice Eligibility Specialist at 1-888-243-8731 (TTY: 1-207-474-4891).
return to top of page >>
Q. How can I find out how many discount dollars are on my Pine Tree EBT card?
You can call Customer Service at 1-800-477-7428 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to find out your cash account balance. Also, your receipts will show you how much money is in your account.
return to top of page >>
Q. What are other examples of times should I call Customer Service at 1-800-477-7428?
You can call if:
- You want to find out about your last 10 transactions
- You have questions or problems using your Pine Tree EBT card or PIN.
- You want to change your PIN.
- Your Pine Tree EBT card is lost or stolen.
- You feel there is a mistake with a transaction.
return to top of page >>
Q. If I'm hearing impaired, how do I contact the Pine Tree EBT card Customer Service?
You dial Maine's telecommunication relay service at 711 to access TTY service. You give the relay agent the 1-800-477-7428 number for the Pine Tree EBT card Customer Service. The relay agent will direct you with the prompts provided from the Customer Service line.
Q. What can I use my EBT card for?
You can use your Pine Tree EBT to get cash and buy food and non-food items.
return to top of page >>
Q. Where can I use my EBT card?
You can use your card where you see the Quest® sign. Look for the Quest® sign on the door or window of stores or banks as well as on ATMs.
return to top of page >>
Q. Are there fees if I use my Pine Tree EBT card to make purchases?
No. You can use your Pine Tree EBT card at any store where you see the Quest® sign. At some stores you can get cash back above the cost of your purchase, or make cash withdrawals without a purchase. You should check with individual stores about their rules.
return to top of page >>
Q. Are there fees for using my Pine Tree EBT card at an ATM to withdraw cash?
Yes, there are two possible fees. First, there is a $0.65 fee after the first two withdrawals each month. Second, the bank or credit union where you are using your Pine Tree EBT card may charge a fee for each withdrawal. These fees may be between $1.00 and $2.00 per ATM withdrawal. These fees are deducted from your available discount balance.
return to top of page >>
Q. How can I find out what banks and credit unions accept the Pine Tree EBT card?
There is a list on the Dirigo Health Agency website at dirigohealth.maine.gov. You can also call 1-888-243-8731 (TTY: 1-207-474-4891) and ask a DirigoChoice Eligibility Specialist to mail you a list. This listing will also show if the bank or credit union charges a fee for ATM withdrawals.
return to top of page >>
Q. Many ATM's only allow withdrawals in multiples of $20.00. How do I get my discount when it is not an even $20.00?
There are a number of ways to get your discount dollars.
- When you use your Pine Tree EBT card to make purchases, the purchase amount does not need to be in even $20.00 amounts.
- At some stores you can get cash back above the cost of your purchase.
- At the Customer Service counter of some stores you can withdraw cash without a purchase.
- A list of stores, their transaction and cash back limits, as well as their locations is available on the Dirigo Health Agency website at dirigohealth.maine.gov, or call 1-888-243-8731 (TTY: 1-207-474-4891) and ask a DirigoChoice Eligibility Specialist to mail the list to you.
return to top of page >>
Q. My card doesn’t seem to work when I try to buy groceries at Hannaford or Shaws, but I can withdraw funds at an ATM. I know I have money available. What is wrong?
Make sure you select the “Checking” option when prompted at card swipe machine, not “EBT.” If you keep having the problem, call Pine Tree EBT Customer Service at 1-800-477-7428 (TTY 207-474-4891).
return to top of page >>
Q. Can I get my discount by direct deposit into my checking or savings account?
Yes. DirigoChoice members with three months of timely payment history are eligible for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) direct deposit into a savings or checking account. To apply for your discount by EFT, please contact the Dirigo Health Agency at 1-888-243-8731. The EFT application form is also available here.
