Does El Pollo Loco Take EBT Or Accept EBT card payment ? With the growing accessibility and acceptance of EBT cards, finding good food chain stores and restaurants that may accept food stamps has become easier than ever. Are you an EBT card holder who is fond of having food at El Pollo Loco? El Pollo Loco is one of the most popular fast food restaurants among Americans. A lot of SNAP beneficiaries wonder whether they can use their EBT card as a method of payment at El Pollo Loco.
Fortunately, El Pollo Loco accepts EBT for in-store purchases only in select counties in Arizona and California. For example, recipients who are not living in an RMP-approved state cannot use their EBT card to purchase meals at El Pollo Loco. In this guide, we will help you learn how you can use your EBT card as a method of payment at El Pollo Loco participating locations.
Highlights of this Post
Key Takeaway
Ever wondered if El Pollo Loco accepts EBT? It’s not a nationwide thing, but here’s the lowdown:
- Limited locations:Only some El Pollo Loco restaurants accept EBT in Arizona and California. Not all El Pollo Loco locations accept EBT.
- RMP requirement:You must be enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and meet eligibility criteria. Only Arizona and California have participating counties in the RMP.
- You must be elderly, disabled, or homeless to use EBT at El Pollo Loco.
- In-store only:EBT cannot be used for online orders or delivery.
How Does SNAP/EBT Work?
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which is a federal initiative for low-income households to buy food and groceries at participating stores and retail outlets. The SNAP benefits are transferred to the individual’s account in the form of a card known as an EBT.
The Electronic Benefits Transfer card helps SNAP recipients use their government funds to buy eligible food items and groceries for their families. The electronic system has been designed to replace paper checks or food stamps and make it easy for low-income American families to access government benefits and pay for their food.
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Overview of the Restaurant Meals Program
A part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program that enables a few groups of families in the United States to use their SNAP benefits to purchase hot, prepared meals at participating food chains and restaurants is known as the Restaurant Meals Program.
Historically, SNAP benefits can be used only for purchasing groceries and food at restaurants, not hot-cooked meals. This, however, was a barrier for disabled, elderly, and disabled individuals who are unable to cook their meals. The USDA addressed the problem and expanded SNAP benefits in the form of the Restaurant Meals Program.
Under this program, low-income, disabled, elderly, and disabled individuals can have their meals at participating restaurants. This program is available only in limited states but is expected to expand in other states shortly. Some of the states that are enrolled in RMP are as follows:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
If you want to use your EBT card at El Pollo Loco, then you need to make sure your state is participating in the Restaurant Meals Program. Presently, the restaurant accepts EBT only in a limited number of counties in Arizona and California. SNAP beneficiaries need to be approved for this program, prove that they are elderly, homeless, or disabled, and also obtain an EBT card from their local SNAP office.
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Does El Pollo Loco Accept EBT?
El Pollo Loco accepts EBT at nearly 222 restaurants, most of which are located in California and Arizona. This is because California and Arizona have the most elaborate RMP restaurants, and so you can find a lot of restaurants, including El Pollo Loco, that accept EBT as a method of payment from customers.
A lot of El Pollo Loco locations are not participating in the Restaurant Meals Program, as every state has to apply and get approval individually from the state SNAP agency before processing EBT payments. It is also important to note that a lot of El Pollo Loco locations situated in RMP-approved Arizona and California counties do not take payment. Before eating at your local restaurant, you need to check whether they accept EBT payments or not.
SNAP recipients can visit the California EBT SNAP card holder user portal to find a local location that accepts EBT as a method of payment in a few California counties. You just need to place your local county name and enter El Pollo Loco in the retailer name field.
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Who Is Eligible To Buy Meals From El Pollo Loco Using EBT?
Everyone is not eligible to buy meals from El Pollo Loco using EBT cards. There are only specific people who can use the benefits while making purchases from El Pollo Loco. You need to meet any one of the three criteria of the Restaurant Meals Program to be eligible. The criteria are as followed:
- You need to purchase food from participating locations of El Pollo Loco.
- You are unable to cook your own meals at home as you are disabled, homeless or elderly.
- You are residing in a state that has approved the Restaurant Meals Program.
Once you meet the eligibility criteria, you can easily make payments using your EBT card at the participating restaurants near your area. Once you are eligible the caseworker will process your application and enable the Restaurant Meals Program for you so that you can use your EBT card.
Which El Pollo Loco Locations Take EBT?
Every El Pollo Loco location has to go through a detailed application as well as an approval procedure before starting the EBT transaction. It is important to double check with the restaurant that you are heading to before purchasing any meal and make sure they’re enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program.
Arizona
Arizona is participating in the Restaurant Meals Program, and El Pollo Loco is one fast food restaurant that accepts EBT as a method of payment in various counties throughout this state. Presently, El Pollo Loco locations that accept EBT are situated in Maricopa County. here is the list of El Pollo Loco Locations That particiapte in Restaurent meal Program and Accept EBT
City | Address |
---|---|
AVONDALE | 10135 W McDowell Rd |
BUCKEYE | 758 S Watson Rd |
CHANDLER | 2520 W Chandler Blvd |
GILBERT | 2253 E Baseline Rd |
GILBERT | 4091 S Gilbert Rd |
GLENDALE | 5810 W Bell Rd |
GLENDALE | 4325 W Bethany Home Rd |
GLENDALE | 4302 W Cactus Rd |
GOODYEAR | 13233 W McDowell Rd |
MESA | 1715 S Power Rd |
MESA | 1036 SX Country Club Dr |
MESA | 949 N Dobson Rd |
PEORIA | 10000 W Happy Valley Pkwy |
PHOENIX | 5009 W McDowell Rd |
PHOENIX | 6535 W Indian School Rd |
PHOENIX | 510 E Bell Rd |
PHOENIX | 2410 W Northern Ave |
PHOENIX | 4102 E Thomas Rd |
PHOENIX | 4728 E Ray Rd |
SCOTTSDALE | 15540 N Hayden Rd |
SCOTTSDALE | 15255 N 64th St |
TEMPE | 5009 Arizona Mills Cir |
TEMPE | 5130 S McClintock Dr |
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California
Following is the list of counties in California that participate in CalFresh RMP, and you can find El Pollo Loco stores that accept EBT in these counties.
- Imperial County
- Kern County
- Los Angeles
- County Orange County
- Riverside County
- Sacramento County
- San Bernardino County
- San Diego County
- Santa Clara County
- Santa Cruz County
Kern County El Pollo Loco Locations Accept EBT Cards
City | Address |
---|---|
BAKERSFIELD | 8200 Stockdale Hwy |
BAKERSFIELD | 3701 California Ave |
BAKERSFIELD | 2000 White Lane |
BAKERSFIELD | 4000 Coffee Rd |
BAKERSFIELD | 2661 Mount Vernon Ave |
BAKERSFIELD | 5030 Gosford Rd |
Orange County El Pollo Loco Locations Accept EBT Cards
City | Address |
---|---|
ALISO VIEJO | 22902 Pacific Park Dr |
ANAHEIM | 2671 W La Palma Ave |
ANAHEIM | 269 S Euclid St |
ANEHEIM | 1076 N Tustin Ave |
ANAHEIM | 110 W Ball Rd |
ANAHEIM | 1201 S Beach Blvd |
ANAHEIM HILLS | 8245 E Santa Ana Canyon Rd |
BREA | 1500 E Imperial Hwy Suite 186 |
COSTA MESA | 1941 Harbor Blvd |
FOUNTAIN VALLEY | 1025 Warner Ave |
FULLERTON | 120 N Euclid St |
FULLERTON | 501 N Placentia |
GARDEN GROVE | 12909 Harbor Blvd |
GARDEN GROVE | 12121 Brookhurst St. |
HUNT BEACH | 16920 Golden West |
IRVINE | 88 Corporate Park |
LAGUNA HILLS | 253761 Alicia Pkwy |
LAKE FOREST | 21212 Bake Parkway |
LOS ALAMITOS | 3502 Cerritos Ave |
NEWPORT BEACH | 2232 S Bristol St. |
ORANGE | 18571 E Chapman Ave |
ORANGE | 11611 E Katella Ave |
ORANGE | 1519 W Chapman Ave |
SANTA ANA | 1909 N Main St. |
SANTA ANA | 2501 S Bristol St. |
SANTA ANA | 101 S Harbor Blvd |
SANTA ANA | 1702 E 17th St. |
SANTA ANA | 1720 E Edinger Ave |
STANTON | 12530 Beach Boulevard |
TUSTIN | 13421 Newport Ave |
WESTMINSTER | 13850 Goldenwest St. |
YORBA LINDA | 18402 Yorba Linda Blvd. |
Riverside County El Pollo Loco Locations Accept EBT Cards
City | Address |
---|---|
BEAUMONT | 1496 E 2nd St Marketplace |
CATHEDRAL CITY | Hwy 111 |
CATHEDRAL CITY | 32089 Date Palm Dr. |
CORONA | 610 Main St. |
EASTVALE | 13340 Limonite Ave. |
LAKE ELSINORE | 18292 Collier Ave. |
LAKE ELSINORE | 31550 Grape St. |
LA QUINTA | 78621 Hwy 111 |
MENIFEE | 30147 Haun Rd. |
MORENO VALLEY | 12821 Moreno Beach |
MORENO VALLEY | 15135 Perris Blvd. |
MURRIETA | 40468 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd. |
NORCO | 2480 River Rd. |
PALM DESERT | Monterey Ave. |
PERRIS | 117 West Nuevo Rd. |
RIVERSIDE | 3487 Madison St. |
RIVERSIDE | 3740 La Sierra Ave. |
RIVERSIDE | 2720 Canyon Springs Pkwy. |
RIVERSIDE | 3655 Riverside Plaza |
RIVERSIDE | 18661 Van Buren Blvd. |
SAN JACINTO | 1881 S San Jacinto Ave. |
TEMECULA | 32481 CA-79 S |
TEMECULA | 40520 Winchester Rd. |
WILDOMAR | 32360 Clinton Keith |
Sacramento County El Pollo Loco Locations Accept EBT Cards
City | Address |
---|---|
CITRUS HEIGHTS | 7600 Greenback Ln |
GOLD RIVER | 2281 Sunrise Blvd |
SACRAMENTO | 5055 Auburn Blvd |
SACRAMENTO | 8244 Delta Shores Cir. S |
San Bernardino County El Pollo Loco Locations Accept EBT Cards
City | Address |
---|---|
COLTON | 1090 S Mount Vernon Ave. |
SAN BERNADINO | 1066 Harriman Pl |
SAN BERNADINO | 758 W Highland Ave |
VICTORVILLE | 12294 Palmdale Rd. |
San Diego County El Pollo Loco Locations Accept EBT Cards
City | Address |
---|---|
EL CAJON | 494 Broadway |
SAN DIEGO | 3444 Midway Dr. |
SAN DIEGO | 8349 Mira Mesa Blvd. |
SAN DIEGO | 4330 Genessee Ave |
Santa Clara County El Pollo Loco Locations Accept EBT Cards
City | Address |
---|---|
GILROY | 6986 Chestnut St. |
SAN JOSE | 2131 Monterey Hwy #20 |
SAN JOSE | 665 Coleman Ave. |
SAN JOSE | 1701 Story Rd #30 |
Santa Cruz County El Pollo Loco Locations Accept EBT Cards
City | Address |
---|---|
WATSONVILLE | 1401 Main St |
What Can You Buy Using Your EBT At El Pollo Loco?
El Pollo Loco accepts EBT in a handful of locations in Arizona and California counties that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. You can use your SNAP Benefits or EBT card to buy anything on the menu with the help of your EBT card in RMP-approved California and Arizona counties. The list of items that are EBT-eligible are as follows:
- Drinks
- Desserts
- Salads
- Soups
- Chips & Guac
- Mac & Cheese
- Beans
- Rice
- Starters
- Bowls
- Street Tacos
- Quesadillas
- FireatGrilled Combos
- Tostadas
- Chicken Meals
- Burritos
Following are the healthier options that you can choose from the El Pollo Loco menu.
- Avocado Salad. This is a mix of avocado, cilantro, tomato, jalapeno, and onions served with a side of ranch dressing.
- Skinny Chicken Burrito. The burrito is filled with rice, grilled chicken, salsa, lettuce, and black beans.
- Pollo Asado Salad. Salad filled with black beans, grilled chicken, corn, salsa, and avocado
- Baja Shrimp Taco Salad. A salad with black beans, shrimp, corn, and salsa
- Protein Power Bowl: A bowl of brown rice, grilled chicken, avocado, and black beans
- Pollo Asado Burrito: A burrito filled with rice, grilled chicken, salsa, lettuce, and beans
- Pollo Asada Street Tacos: Three tacos filled with salsa, cilantro, and grilled chicken
- Skinny Chicken Enchiladas: These enchiladas are filled with salsa and grilled chicken.
- Polo Bowl with Brown Rice and Black Beans: A bowl of rice, grilled chicken, avocado, black beans, and salsa.
It is necessary to note that the Restaurant Meals Program will not provide you with additional benefits through the EBT card; therefore, you must budget accordingly and use the SNAP benefits carefully. To stretch your budgets farther, you can look for coupons or discount deals.
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Does El Pollo Loco Accept EBT Online?
No, El Pollo Loco does not accept an EBT card as a method of payment to order meals online. El Pollo Loco accepts EBT only in a few locations for in-store purchases in RMP-participating California and Arizona counties.
Most of the El Pollo Loco store locations are not participating in the USDA pilot program that enables SNAP recipients to order food online and pay using EBT funds. A lot of meal delivery companies are also not accepting SNAP Benefits cards as a method of payment.
However, if you wish to order food from El Pollo Loco, then you have to use an alternative payment method while saving your EBT funds for in-store purchases only. The accepted delivery payment methods are Apple Pay, PayPal, Google Pay, cash, debit card, credit card, gift card, etc. If you’re a SNAP recipient living in RMP-approved counties, then you need to swipe your EBT card at a participating El Pollo Loco location in person instead of paying it through online delivery.
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Why Doesn’t Every El Pollo Loco Location Accept EBT?
There are many reasons why only 46% of all El Pollo Loco restaurants accept EBT.
Limited RMP Program
The acceptance of EBT payment may vary from one state to another. Even RMP approved restaurants have a hard time joining the program due to the rigorous procedures and standards required to accept EBT payment. Only six states are participating in the RMP, and this makes it difficult to locate a El Pollo Loco location that is approved by the RMP.
Compliance with SNAP Rules
Acceptance of an EBT card requires a lot of paperwork, which can be burdensome for a lot of food chain restaurants like El Pollo Loco. Participating stores need to comply with government rules before processing EBT payments.
Criticism
A lot of advocates and taxpayers oppose the Restaurant Meals Program since the general SNAP guidelines allow for the purchase of staple food items instead of hot, prepared food at restaurants.
The Restaurant Meals Program is also a voluntary initiative, and states decide whether they want to enroll in it or not. As most of the states do not participate, this makes it difficult for El Pollo Loco locations to approve EBT payments.
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How Do I Pay With EBT At El Pollo Loco?
Paying with your EBT card at the El Pollo Loco location is easy and pretty straightforward. The process is simple, just like when you buy groceries or any food items at a supermarket with the help of your EBT card. You can pay for the EBT at the El Pollo Loco participating location by following the below-mentioned steps.
- The first and foremost step is to locate an RMP-authorized El Pollo Loco location in Arizona and California counties.
- The next step is to ask the store manager whether they accept EBT as a method of payment to avoid the guesswork. You can look for any window or door sign showing “EBT card holders are welcome”, or “We accept EBT cards at the entrance of the storage”. You also need to inform your cashier about your intention of paying for a El Pollo Loco meal using your EBT card.
- Once you’re sure of the store location that accepts EBT, you can grab your meal with the help of your card at the cash register. Simply swipe or insert your EBT card and enter the four-digit PIN. Enter the secret PIN to authorize the purchase at El Pollo Loco.
It is also recommended to carry alternative payment options like a debit card, credit card, or cash in case you run out of EBT funds in the middle of the transaction or wish to purchase any item that is not EBT-eligible.
Before heading to any El Pollo Loco location, you need to check your SNAP balance to make sure your EBT account has a sufficient balance. You can check your EBT spending limit by calling the number placed on the back of the card and following the prompts on the call.
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What Are the Acceptable Food Items That You Can Buy With Your EBT Card At Participating Grocery Stores?
Following is the list of the SNAP eligible items that you purchase using EBT cards:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, canned, or frozen)
- Meat, fish and poultry
- Milk and dairy products
- Grains and breads, including rice, pasta, cereals, and tortillas
- Snack items that can fulfill the nutritional standards
- Seeds and plants to produce food
- Canned and packaged goods like soups, meals, and veggies
- Non-alcoholic beverages like soft drinks, bottled water, and fruit juices.
What Are the Food Items That You Cannot Buy With Your EBT Card?
Following is the list of food items that you cannot purchase with EBT.
- Cigarettes or tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages like beer, liquor, wine, etc.
- Hot food
- Vitamins, supplements, and medicines
- Cleaning supplies
- Pet foods
- Hygiene items
- Diapers
- Paper products
- Live animals except fish and shellfish
- Cosmetics
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Alternate Fast Food Locations That Accept EBT
Besides El Pollo Loco, there are various fast food chains or restaurants throughout the United States of America that accept EBT as a method of payment from SNAP beneficiaries in RMP-approved states. These locations are as follows:
-
Pizza Hut
One of the most popular American international pizza brands that accept EBT in California is Pizza Hut. You can purchase various dishes like pizza, pasta, chicken wings, soda, breadstick, etc. at RMP EBT participating California outlets. Any other items purchased from Pizza Hut outside of RMP participating states are not covered by EBT payments.
-
Papa Murphy’s
EBT cards are acceptable in every store location of Papa Murphy’s since it is a popular take-and-bake pizza chain. They sell cold pizzas at the time of purchase, so they are covered by EBT cards. Papa Murphy’s has 1300 outlets in more than 37 states and is one of the most preferred fast food chains that accept EBT payments throughout the country.
-
Domino’s
Domino’s has 6100 store locations throughout the country and is one of the most loved pizza brands, next to Pizza Hut. Domino’s accepts EBT cards in select counties in Arizona and California.
-
Papa John’s
Papa John’s has 3100 franchises situated in 50 states throughout America and is famous for its fast food. The Papa John’s accepts EBT in a few locations, like Arizona (Casa Grande), and California (Los Angeles, and Riverside counties).
-
KFC
KFC is a popular fast food chain with a global presence and is known for its fried chicken. Nearly 140 KFC fast food locations across California and Arizona accept EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries.
-
Little Caesars
Little Caesars provides hot and ready pizza offerings and has gained a reputation for offering convenient and affordable pizza options. A handful of Little Caesars locations accept EBT in California and Arizona.
A few more fast food restaurants that accept EBT payments are as follows.
- McDonald’s
- Burger King
- Carl’s Jr.
- Dairy Queen
- Firehouse Subs
- Taco Bell
- Hungry Howie’s
- Giant Pizza King
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Conclusion
El Pollo Loco is a renowned fast-food restaurant in the United States of America. El Pollo Loco fans will be surprised to find that a lot of its stores accept EBT payments from SNAP beneficiaries in RMP-approved states. Arizona and California have the most elaborate RMP programs, so you can find a lot of EBT-friendly El Pollo Loco locations in this state. To benefit from the RMP initiative, you need to enroll in the program and make sure you are dwelling in one of the approved El Pollo Loco locations. You can go through additional EBT-friendly fast food chains that have been mentioned in the above guide.
We hope this article has been informative enough to give you all the details you need regarding EBT and El Pollo Loco. You can learn more about the government grants and financial assistance program at the Get Government Grants’ blog section today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does El Pollo Loco accept both EBT Food and Cash?
There are some locations of El Pollo Loco that accept both EBT Food or Cash. Most restaurants in California have participated in the Restaurant Meals Program and therefore they accept EBT payments in cash.
Can I use my EBT card at El Pollo Loco?
First of all it is important for you to learn that all El Pollo Loco locations do not accept EBT cards. Only 46 percent of El Pollo Loco locations accept EBT Payments and therefore it is important for you to double check the location before purchasing any items.
Can I use EBT in the drive thru at El Pollo Loco?
Yes, you can use EBT in the drive thru at El Pollo Loco. But make sure that you are visiting any of the listed locations that has been shared above.