Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is Propel?
A: Propel is a free app for people who receive government benefits. It's the simplest way to check your EBT balance, save money, get updates about your benefits, and so much more. We’re trusted by over 5 million people!
Q: Is Propel an official government app?
A: No, we're an independent tech company. We connect securely to your state's system to show you your benefit information in a faster, easier format. We've been helping people manage their benefits since 2014 and are trusted by over 5 million Americans.
Q: How much does Propel cost to use?
Propel is completely free! We make money through advertising and partnerships with companies that offer savings to our users. We only work with brands that provide real value—like discounted groceries, phone plans, or car insurance. Each offer is hand-picked by our team. We never charge users anything, and we don't sell your personal information.
Q: What states does Propel work in?
A: The Propel app work offers balance checking in 48 states, and some additional territories (Washington DC, Puerto Rico, US Virgin Island, and Guam). We do not offer balance checking in Montana or Iowa.
Q: Can I use Propel if I have WIC, TANF, or other benefits besides SNAP?
A: Yes! Propel works with SNAP (food stamps), WIC and TANF cash benefits. You can see all your different benefit balances in one place, making it easier to manage everything from a single app.
Q: Is Propel safe to use with my EBT information?
A: Yes, Propel is safe. We connect securely to your state's portal using encryption, so your data is protected. We don't store your PIN, full card number, or Social Security Number. We can't spend your benefits or make changes to your account, we only show you information that's already yours. We’re also committed to protecting people from theft by offering easy-to-use security features and useful security tips.
Q: Why do you need my Social Security Number?
A: We only ask for your SSN if your state requires it to log into their portal. We don't store your full SSN on our servers - we encrypt any sensitive data we need to connect to your state system. This is the same information you'd need to access your state's website directly.
Q: Can Propel steal my benefits or access my PIN?
No. We can't access your PIN, and we can't spend or move your benefits. Think of us like a secure window into information that's already yours.
Q: What happens to my data if I delete the app?
A: If you delete your app, your account will still exist, but we will stop getting new information about your EBT balance. If you want to delete your data, please reach out to us at help@propel.app.
Q: How do I know this isn't a scam?
A: We've been around since 2014 and are trusted by over 5 million people. We have nearly a million 5-star reviews on app stores. We're transparent about how we work, and we've been featured in major news outlets. Scams don't usually have this kind of track record or transparency!