What Online Apps Take EBT Payment – The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is one of the largest food assistance programs that helps to combat hunger among millions of American households. But what if getting to the grocery store to shop for food is a challenge? Fortunately, the USDA has expanded SNAP benefits in the form of the Online Purchasing Pilot Program that allows SNAP recipients to use their EBT card online for grocery delivery and pick up.
If shopping trips are difficult due to limited mobility or lack of access to transportation then you can use your EBT online from your favorite major retailer, wholesale retailer, grocery store and food delivery app. If you are wondering what Food Apps take EBT you have come to the right place. This guide will provide an overview of platforms or apps that take EBT card payments online to make sure you get a good deal.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaways
- SNAP recipients can now use EBT cards for online grocery delivery and pickup at authorized retailers.
- This program allows for increased access to healthy food for low-income families and individuals with limited mobility.
- Some popular EBT-friendly delivery apps include Amazon, Walmart, Instacart, DoorDash, and Target.
- While EBT covers groceries, it cannot be used for hot meals, delivery fees, or non-food items.
- Maximize your EBT benefits by planning your grocery list, looking for discounts, and sticking to a budget.
What Are The Benefits Of Using EBT/ SNAP Benefits For Food Delivery?
While, you cannot use your food stamps card for restaurant meals or hot food delivery, you can use it explicitly for the purchase of grocery and food items delivery. The introduction of Electronic Benefits Transfer cards to online food delivery in the form of the Online Purchasing Pilot Program has made it easier for SNAP recipients to access food items in the comfort and convenience of their homes.
Low-income households can afford to use the service to make grocery shopping an easy-breezy task. This also makes food delivery services accessible for senior citizens and people with disabilities. Those with limited mobility or those who have to care for a loved one at home can use food delivery apps and pay with their EBT card.
Food delivery apps rose to prominence during the COVID situation where social distancing was a necessity. In a nutshell, using EBT cards in food delivery services will make healthy and nutritious food accessible to everyone in America irrespective of their physical abilities or income.
What Can I Purchase With My EBT On Delivery Apps?
There are certain restrictions set by USDA about the type of food that you can purchase with your EBT card online from food delivery apps. Here is the list of items that you can generally buy with your ebt card.
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen or canned)
- Cooking oil such as vegetable or olive oil
- Poultry products like eggs and chicken
- Dairy products like almond milk, cheese, milk, butter
- Seafood like fish, lobster, shellfish
- Red meat like ribs, steak, ground beef,
- Bread and cereals such as tortillas, rice, bagels, pasta, oatmeal, pita bread, rye bread
- Desert such as cookies, brownies, ice cream
- Snack items including cold sandwiches, candy, chips, snack crackers
- Non-alcoholic beverages and energy drinks
- Pork products like tenderloin, bacon, sausages, chops
- Seeds and plants to produce food.
Following is a short list of detailed items that you can purchase with EBT.
- Alcoholic beverages like beer, wine and liquor
- Cigarette and tobacco-containing products
- Pet foods
- Drugs, vitamins, medicines and supplements
- Clothing
- Anything bearing a supplement facts label on the bottle
- Cosmetics and skincare products
- Lottery tickets
- Gas
- Household items
- Sanitary and hygiene products
- Live animals (except shellfish and fish)
- Paper products
- Cleaning supplies
- Hot-prepared food items.
Get a comprehensive list of SNAP-eligible goods and grocery stores that accept EBT payments online in our next guide.
What Delivery Apps Take EBT?
Let’s take a look at the following delivery apps that take ebt and that are authorized by USDA to process food stamp benefits.
Instacart
Instacart started accepting SNAP benefits online in 2020 in all fifty U.S. states. You need to check the official Instacart website to know the stores in your area that they’re accepting ebt cards.
The online platform has gained massive popularity as a leading grocery delivery app that collaborates with grocery stores and supermarkets to provide a seamless and easy shopping experience and get groceries delivered right to the doorstep of their customers.
Customers can shop from their preferred store through Instacart, choose a wide array of products and sit back and relax while a reliable Instacart shopper will handpick the items and get them delivered to their home.
DoorDash
Another food delivery app that allows users to order from restaurants for pickup or delivery is DoorDash. DoorDash mainly delivers hot prepared meals that are not covered by the SNAP or EBT program however they have recently started accepting SNAP or EBT payments for grocery items as well. DoorDash customers can use their EBT card to purchase groceries and food items only from the following stores: ALDI, Albertson, Meijer, Safeway and 711.
The acceptance of EBT or SNAP benefits by DoorDash is making a positive impact on the lives of thousands of families who rely on food stamps. For this, you have to create a DoorDash account and add your EBT information to the account. While shopping with the DoorDash website or app look for products and stores featuring SNAP labels. DoorDash provides SNAP recipients with 2 free months of DashPass which normally comes at a rate of $9.99 per month.
Amazon
A popular online platform that enables EBT cardholders to shop online and get them delivered to their doorstep is Amazon. Customers need not become Amazon Prime members to shop with Amazon however EBT cardholders can get membership discounts. Depending on the type of food you need and whether you want to purchase quantity in bulk Amazon provides three options such as the following.
- Amazon Core Groceries: Allows you to buy bulk non-perishable items with free shopping if you spend more than $25 on your order and are available statewide.
- Amazon Pantry: Allows EBT cardholders to buy individual non-perishable food with free shopping if they can spend around $35 on their order and is available statewide.
- Amazon Fresh: Allows customers to buy non-perishable and perishable goods such as dairy, produce or meat with a free shopping facility if they spend more than $35 on their order. However, there is limited availability of Amazon Fresh.
Target
Another platform that accepts EBT payments for online food delivery is Target. Since 2022, the company has enabled SNAP beneficiaries to use their EBT card for payment. Target customers get the ease and convenience of selecting their food items and groceries online; however, the delivery charges cannot be covered with an EBT card.
You can purchase groceries at Target in-store locations as well as opt for the Target online pickup option. Products on Target.com and get them delivered through its delivery service known as Shipt. The same-day grocery delivery option comes with the cost of $9.99 whereas Shipt members get free delivery on orders above $35.
Walmart
One of the most affordable and convenient options to shop for eligible goods and grocery items is Walmart. Walmart accepts food stamp benefits at all its physical store locations.
Walmart started accepting EBT online purchases in 2020 therefore EBT card holders in 48 U.S. states can pay for Walmart delivery as well as pick up orders online. However, for customers living in Montana and Alaska, you can use their EBT only for pickup orders.
Read whether Family Fare Accept Food Stamps, SNAP, or EBT in our next guide.
Major Retailers That Accept EBT Online
ALDI
ALDI has partnered with Instacart for delivery and offers curbside pickup to EBT card holders. For this, you need to become an ALDI customer first and create an account to shop online. Instacart provides express membership for a cost of $99 annually.
It also provides free delivery for orders that exceed the $35 limit with low service fees. You need not become a member to order, however you have to pay the delivery fees. Delivery fees that apply cost up to $3.99 per order with a 5% service fee and are available at all ALDI stores.
Albertsons
Albertsons is a leading grocery store here in America and a popular choice when it comes to using EBT for shopping online and in-store purchases.
Albertsons has made it easy and convenient for a lot of customers who depend on food stamp benefits to pay for their food and grocery shopping online and then pick up the groceries from the local Albertsons store. With nearly 2200 store locations throughout the United States of America, Albertsons is providing an extensive variety of groceries and products for SNAP recipients to choose from.
Safeway
Safeway is a big supermarket chain with nearly 900 shopping centers located throughout the United States of America.
If you are receiving SNAP or EBT benefits currently then you can purchase eligible food or groceries online with the help of EBT funds from Safeway for both delivery or pickup options. The delivery service is provided in partnership with Instacart. You can use the card to purchase only SNAP-eligible grocery items so you can add a debit or credit card to pay for the non-eligible items.
Does Uber Eats Accept EBT?
Uber Eats– the popular online food delivery service has recently announced that the delivery service would soon start accepting EBT cards for online grocery orders through its app in 2024. However, it has not yet revealed its rollout plan.
The main reason why Uber Eats didn’t get approval from USDA before processing EBT payments is because it is just an intermediary between customers and food establishments. The food is not prepared by Uber Eats nor does it take direct orders from the customer. Generally prepared food is not eligible for reimbursement using SNAP or EBT benefits however there are certain exceptions to this rule.
Do Postmates Accept SNAP/ EBT Payments?
No Postmates is not accepting EBT or SNAP benefits. This is because the company primarily caters to restaurants and so all of their meals are freshly cooked or prepared.
To accept EBT benefits and receive approval from SNAP authorities businesses must apply for and get approval from the United States Department of Agriculture or USDA. Postmates can take SNAP or EBT benefits if they become an authorized retailer by USDA. Unfortunately, there are many hoops to jump through this status so it is not happening anytime soon.
Do Grubhub Accept EBT/ SNAP Benefits?
Grubhub is a popular American online and mobile prepared food ordering and delivery platform. Grubhub does not accept SNAP or EBT as it works only with fast food joints or restaurants that provide ready-to-eat hot meals and this is not permitted to be purchased with the SNAP program.
Even though they provide an invaluable service for their customers, SNAP recipients cannot order food from Grubhub using their EBT card. This is because of the SNAP rules and guidelines designed by USDA that authorize retailers to accept EBT only for the purchase of groceries and EBT benefits cannot be applied to prepaid food or restaurant bills, something that Grubhub solely provides.
Why Don’t All Food Delivery Apps Accept EBT?
Food delivery apps do not want to deal with the hassle of setting up the SNAP EBT payment system and verifying whether something is SNAP-eligible or not.
Every retailer including food delivery apps has to verify every single item on the platform to accept SNAP benefits or EBT from customers. This is to make sure customers are making qualifying purchases with their EBT card and this process is too costly, time-consuming and burdensome for a lot of food delivery companies.
Only a few centralized delivery services like AmazonFresh and other approved supermarkets through Instacart, allow customers to pay with their SNAP benefits or EBT card since they have already USDA authorized and have verified their products for EBT or SNAP eligibility. But this is not the same for most food delivery apps that only work with restaurants to deliver hot prepared meals which are not SNAP-eligible items.
SNAP recipients also wonder: How To Obtain Emergency Food Stamps. Read them in our next guide.
How To Use EBT For Online Food Delivery?
It is easy and simple to pay using food stamps or EBT cards for online delivery services. The process can vary from one platform to another but in general, you need to follow the below-mentioned steps.
Add Your EBT Card As A Payment Method
SNAP recipients can purchase groceries and food items by installing their preferred food delivery app on their mobile devices which will enable them to perform regular online grocery shopping.
Next, you have to add your EBT card details as your preferred payment method. You need to enter the EBT card details and add them to your profile. Once you have connected your food stamp card to your account, you can use the card online to buy groceries.
Add Products to Your Cart
Now that you have updated the payment information, you can start adding SNAP-eligible products to your cart. You should also add a different payment method to buy non-eligible items from the grocery store.
When you view your card, you can see the total for the SNAP-eligible items. Review the card before placing an order, select checkout to pay for it, and complete the transaction.
Checkout And Delivery
Select the check-out option after viewing the card. You need to choose the EBT Card on the Select Payment Method screen to continue the process.
You need to decide whether you want to use an EBT food allotment or EBT cash to pay for the products. You can pay the remaining sum using a debit or credit card if you do not have adequate EBT funds.
Enter Your PIN
In the next step, you need to enter your EBT card PIN details to approve the transaction and finalize the order. It is important to note that SNAP Benefits will not cover tips, delivery fees, or any other associated costs for the delivery orders. You need to pay these charges with the help of your debit or credit card.
Do you know how long EBT or food stamps refunds take? Take a look at our next guide to learn more insights.
Ways To Maximize EBT Food Delivery Benefits
Even though SNAP recipients can use their EBT benefits at the food delivery app there are other costs involved for instance service charges, tax, tips, and delivery fees that are not allowed to be covered with an EBT card. You can make the most of your food stamp benefits in the following ways:
- Make A Budget And Stick To It: It is important to have a budget in mind so that you do not overspend your EBT dollars on food delivery services. You can break it into different categories like pantry staples, vegetables, meat or seafood. You need to ensure you do not spend more than a certain amount.
- Look For Discounts: Food delivery services often provide discount deals or promotions for EBT cardholders. These come in the form of cheaper fees or cheaper subscription rates. If you’re planning to order your groceries then signing up for a cheaper subscription is an amazing way to save money in the long run.
- Pay Only For EBT-Eligible Products: While you can buy non-products along with EBT-eligible goods from these food delivery services that are USDA authorized make sure you purchase EBT eligible products while paying with your food stamp benefits. Things like hot food and alcohol can’t be covered with your EBT card so skip these to save the hassle.
Fortunately, EBT-friendly food delivery apps mark SNAP EBT labels on their product thereby making it easy to pick the products that you can pay for with your food stamp funds.
Want to know How Long Does It Take To Receive An EBT Card After Applying? Head to our next blog now.
Conclusion
In conclusion, many delivery apps accept EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries such as Amazon, Walmart, DoorDash, Instacart and Target. A few food delivery apps like Uber Eats, Postmates and Grubhub are not accepting EBT payment since they deliver restaurant meals instead of groceries however the scenario might change in the future. Using your food stamps to order groceries online makes it easier to access essential food items in the comfort and convenience of your home. With a little bit of research and pre-planning, you can make the most of your EBT benefits and access quality groceries or food items without leaving your home.
Our comprehensive guide at Get Government Grants will help you to make the best decision for yourself and your family. Head over to our blog section today to improve the financial situation of your family. We are passionate about helping people find relevant answers to their questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Pay Online With EBT Cash?
EBT card holders can use their food stamp benefits for online purchasing at various grocery stores, and retail outlets like Amazon Walmart, Safeway, ALDI and more. To know more information about online EBT purchasing you can visit the EBT online web page.
Can I Purchase Hot Food With EBT In California?
The Restaurant Meals Program is a part of the CalFresh program that enables recipients to use their Golden State Advantage or EBT card to access prepared meals from participating restaurants in-store. However, you cannot order restaurant meals online using your EBT card.
Does Panda Express Take EBT In California?
Panda Express is not an RMP-approved vendor so CalFresh recipients in California cannot use their food stamp benefits to order restaurant meals from Panda Express. To order hot prepared meals from Panda Fresh you have to use an alternate source of payment like a debit or credit card.