Does Pizza Hut Take EBT Card Payment ? – Craving Pizza Hut on EBT? It’s possible, but only in California!. EBT or SNAP refers to a federal initiative that provides cash benefits to eligible recipients in the form of a card so that eligible individuals can purchase healthy and nutritious food and reduce their financial burden. Recipients who are eligible for the food assistance program receive EBT cards. Pizza Hut is a company that sells hot foods, pizza and many other food items. A lot of SNAP recipients wonder if they can eat a delicious slice of pizza from Pizza Hut using their EBT card.
The federal states are permitted by law to establish the Restaurant Meal Program to help homeless individuals, disabled and elderly people so that they can use their EBT card to buy hot meals at participating restaurants such as Pizza Hut. This guide will provide a detailed overview of whether you can use your EBT card at Pizza Hut and what are the various locations of Pizza Hut that accept EBT payments.
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Highlights of this Post
What Is Pizza Hut?
Pizza Hut is one of the largest global chains of dining pizza restaurants. This is a popular restaurant chain that specializes in making Italian-style pizza. The business was founded by two brothers Frank and Dan Carney in 1958 and opened its first store in Wichita KS. Today Pizza Hut’s restaurant count is more than 18,703 in more than 100 nations across the globe and is one of the fastest-growing food chains.
Key Takeaways:
- Limited EBT acceptance: Only select Pizza Hut locations in California accept EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
- Eligibility restrictions: You must be a California resident with an RMP-approved EBT card and qualify as elderly, disabled, or homeless.
- Item limitations: EBT covers eligible food items, not delivery fees or non-food items.
As per facts nearly 11 million people eat at Pizza Hut every day. The objective of the company is to make delicious pizza while following consistent quality control standards with a strong emphasis on customer service.
Moreover, the company has a cooking school situated in Kansas City where they teach people how to make delicious pizzas. Apart from pizza they also sell hot side dishes such as chicken wings, salads and pasta dishes.
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What Is EBT And How Does It Work?
EBT refers to an electronic system for making payments and enables beneficiaries of SNAP or any other food assistance program to pay for eligible groceries and foods with the help of the EBT card. The card comes with certain rules and regulations and may vary from one state to another.
For instance, while few states prohibit the use of the EBT card by the beneficiaries for purchasing pre-prepared hot food, personal hygiene items and alcoholic beverages, individuals residing in states that are participating in Restaurant Meals Programs can purchase hot food from restaurants like Pizza Hut with the help of their EBT card.
If you are a SNAP recipient you must know that the EBT card gets filled automatically each month with SNAP food benefits. Using an EBT or food stamp benefits card is easier and simpler than any other credit or debit card. You need to use your PIN to confirm the purchase of the eligible food items from Pizza Hut. EBT cards are an easy and secure way for low or middle-income families to purchase food items.
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Does Pizza Hut Accept EBT?
Yes, Pizza Hut accepts Electronic Benefits Transfer cards and has been approved for the RMP in California. Low-income citizens who find it difficult to afford food and depend on EBT payment can use their food stamps benefits card or EBT cards at Pizza Hut. You can use the card at any Pizza Hut location throughout the country. Pizza Hut is committed to providing delicious pizza to anyone including SNAP recipients.
However, it is important to note that Pizza Hut does not allow customers to order pizza or any other food items using their EBT card unless they live in one of the states that participate in the Restaurants Meal Program. Similar to DoorDash and ALDI you just need to swipe the card to pay for your order. Presently Pizza Hut is participating in the Restaurant Meal Program in California so Californians can use their EBT card to purchase pizza at Pizza Hut.
Where Does Pizza Hut Accept EBT Cards?
Pizza Hut also does not charge any fee for using Electronic Benefits Transfer at its location. If you wish to use your EBT card to pay for food at Pizza Hut then make sure your card has the right amount of money. The price of your pizza may end up being very high if you do not make a plan ahead. In case you are running out of credit, Pizza Hut stores can charge you personally.
EBT cards can be used by a lot of people in particular states under the Restaurant Meals Program. Few pizza restaurants qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program under SNAP and Pizza Hut is one of them. The respective states that enable participation in the Restaurant Meals Program and allow people to pay for their food using the EBT card are as follows:
- California
- Arizona
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
Other states like New York and South Dakota are also looking to adopt the federal initiative called the Restaurant Meals Program.
Note. Whether it’s chicken wings, soda, breadstick, pizza or pasta Pizza Hut has everything to offer for its customers however when it comes to EBT Pizza Hut has been approved for the RMP program only in the state of California. Pizza Hut accepts EBT RMP cards in the following California counties: Los Angeles, Riverside, Orange Sacramento, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, San Francisco, Santa Cruz and Santa Clara.
Pizza Hut Locations In California That Accept EBT Payments
With the rising cost of food, a lot of people have been deprived of tasty round meals that come in the form of pizza. Your financial capacity should not be a reason to stay away from satisfying your pizza cravings.
Fortunately, the United States government has announced that EBT card holders can enjoy pizza with their EBT card provided they are residing in a state that is participating in the Restaurant Meals Program. However, Pizza Hut has been approved for the RMP in California and so the following is the list of locations in California that accept EBT payments.
- 12831 Moreno Beach Dr #102 Moreno Valley, CA 92555
- 1825 Hamner Ave. Norco, CA 92860
- 19040 Van Buren Blvd 105 Riverside, CA 92508
- 4750 La Sierra Ave. Riverside, CA 92505
- 1485 University Ave Riverside, CA 92507
- 1075 W 6th St. Corona, CA 92882
- 3380 La Sierra Ave. #105. Riverside, CA 92503
- 9706 Magnolia Ave. Riverside, CA 92503
- 11875 Pigeon Pass Rd. Moreno Valley, CA 92557
- 360 W Foothill Pkwy. Corona, CA 92882
- 3395 University Ave. Riverside, CA 92501
- 3255 Arlington Ave Riverside, CA 92506
- 24021 Alessandro Blvd #106. Moreno Valley, CA 92553
- 7056 Archibald Ave Suite 108 Eastvale, CA 92880
- 4620 Galena St #A&B Riverside, CA 92509
- 11762 De Palma Rd 1-B Corona, CA 92883
- 15974 Perris Blvd Moreno Valley, CA 92551.
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How Do I Use My EBT At Pizza Hut?
You just need to make sure that the Pizza Hut that you are visiting takes your EBT card before your order. Once they ask for a payment you can swipe your EBT card which will cover the entire bill for your food as well as non-alcoholic drinks. The sum will be automatically deducted from the overall balance on your CalFresh EBT card.
Besides Pizza Hut many other popular restaurants in California are participating in the Restaurant Meals Program where you can use your EBT card such as Chutney Restaurant, Carl’s Jr Junior, Burger King, Jamba Juice, Taqueria EL Torero, KFC, Dennis, Domino’s Pizza etc. At a participating location, you can buy anything on the Pizza Hut menu using your EBT card including multiple courses and family meals.
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How To Apply For The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) Card?
To be eligible for SNAP or EBT candidates have to meet certain asset and income requirements. Only a candidate who is a citizen of the United States or a lawful resident of a state can qualify for an Electronic Benefits Transfer card.
Once you are certain you can meet the eligibility criteria for SNAP EBT program you need to file an application and provide proof of your eligibility in the form of personal identification documents and income proof.
You can find the application on the website of your state or county welfare agency. Once you fulfill the criteria you will get the Electronic Benefits Transfer card that you can use to buy groceries at participating stores and farmers markets.
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What Is The Restaurant Meals Program And How Does It Work?
While the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program covers expenses associated with groceries and supermarket goods there is also the Restaurant Meal Program that covers SNAP recipients with EBT cards.
The Restaurant Meal Program helps individuals who do not have adequate space to prepare or cook meals and helps them to buy affordable and nutritious food at participating restaurants including Pizza Hut.
EBT users participating in the Restaurant Meals Program can buy hot prepared food that is usually not provided at grocery stores.
Low-income citizens particularly senior citizens and disabled individuals can participate in the Restaurant Meal Program and use their EBT card to purchase nutritious and affordable food at participating restaurants or use the card to purchase items on restaurant menus like lunch, breakfast, dinner or other meal specials.
However, it is important to note that you cannot order food from Pizza Hut online. You cannot use your EBT card to purchase hot prepared food if you are living in a state that does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program.
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Who Qualifies For the Restaurant Meal Program?
The Restaurant Meals program is a part of the SNAP initiative that helps individuals who are in danger of chronic hunger and have no access to hot meals especially people with disabilities, senior citizens and the homeless. A lot of people who have no access to hot prepared food rely on this program to get meals.
There is no particular procedure to apply and qualify for the Restaurant Meal Program. If you are a SNAP recipient and living in a situation that makes it difficult for you to prepare meals then you can automatically qualify for the Restaurant Meal Program. Following are the eligibility criteria for the Restaurant Meal Program:
- People with disabilities who are receiving disability payments from the government
- Senior citizens who are 60 years or above in age
- Homeless individuals who lack fixed night-time residence
- Spouse of a SNAP beneficiary who also qualifies for the Restaurant Meal Program.
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What Items Can I Purchase At Pizza Hut Using My EBT Card?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits in the form of EBT cards can only be used for purchasing food items. But remember you won’t be able to buy merchandise products or non-food items using EBT benefits. As Pizza Hut is a restaurant, you will be able to buy everything as all the items are edible.
We have listed a few items that you can purchase using your EBT card:
- Dips
- Drinks
- Desserts
- Cinnamon Sticks
- Pasta
- Fries
- Cheese Sticks
- Breadsticks
- Wings
- Pizza etc
Before purchasing you should know that the Restaurant Meals Program won’t send you any extra funds. So, it is highly recommended for you to budget accordingly as you have to run a full month. It is better to purchase value meals rather than spending money on items that are expensive. You can also try using online coupons as it might help you in stretching your benefits farther.
Why is EBT Not Accepted By Every Pizza Hut Store Location?
You must be wondering why every Pizza Hut does not process EBT payments. There are more than 18,000 Pizza Hut locations all over the United States and only 218 of them can process EBT or SNAP benefits.
There are a number of reasons and it is really complicated. There are many health care advocates, taxpayers and political leaders who are against the Restaurant Meals Program and have restricted the program to expand in all the locations. However, even if the states have participated in the program there are many restaurant owners who have not applied for the program as it requires much paperworks.
Apart from that they also need to meet all the requirements of the RMP program and take authorization from the government. Therefore many Pizza Hut store locations cannot process EBT or SNAP benefits cards.
What Does The EBT Card Generally Cover?
According to USDA the EBT cards typically cover the cost of food items with nutritional value. Following is the list of EBT approved items.
- Breads and cereals
- Milk and dairy products like cheese, yogurt etc.
- Meat and poultry
- Legumes and fish
- Pasta, rice and tortillas
- Juice (non-carbonated and shelf-stable)
- Peanut butter
- Tofu and other soy products
- Seeds and plants that produce food to eat
- Other food items like snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
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What Items Can’t You Buy With Your EBT Card?
SNAP recipients can purchase a wide variety of grocery and food items with their EBT card. But there are a few SNAP restrictions that you must follow. You should not use your EBT card to purchase the following food items.
- 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 for fish, shellfish)
- Cosmetics
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What To Do If You Do Not Live In An RMP-Supported State?
From the aforementioned list, it can be concluded that most states in America do not participate in the Restaurant Meal Program through which you can order food from Pizza Hut or any other restaurant and pay for the food using your EBT card. In such cases, you can visit a grocery store and shop for frozen pizza with the help of your EBT card.
Choosing frozen pizza through EBT works as it is unprepared and cold at the time of your purchase. Even though it is not an ideal solution you can still use the frozen pizza at your place and enjoy the partial benefits. There are a few pizza parlors that have participated in the RMP program and extended the benefits to eligible EBT card holders. For instance, Papa Murphy’s enables users to use their EBT cards across 37 states.
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Alternate Fast-Food Chains That Accept EBT Payments
Besides Pizza Hut there are tons of pizza chains that are participating in the Restaurant Meal Programs and providing benefits to EBT card holders. If you are a pizza or fast food lover and wish to satisfy your cravings with the help of your EBT card, take a look at additional places.
- Papa Murphy’s
- Domino’s
- Little Caesars
- Chutney Restaurant
- Carl’s Jr Junior
- Burger King
- Jamba Juice
- Taqueria EL Torero
- KFC
- Dennis
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Conclusion
Pizza Hut is a popular American International restaurant chain and franchise founded in 1958 and has thousands of restaurant stores in different countries. SNAP recipients who love to eat pizzas and regular customers of Pizza Hut will be pleased to note that the restaurant chain accepts payments in California. Individuals who are interested in learning about the Restaurant Meal Program must visit the Food And Nutrition Service website to find out relevant details.
While the franchise does online delivery of pizza you cannot pay for your online ordered pizza with the help of your EBT card. While restrictions are in place you can satisfy your fast food like pizza cravings with the help of your EBT card at Pizza Hut. If you are living in a state that is participating in the Restaurant Meals Program through SNAP benefits and qualify as elderly, disabled or homeless then you can purchase hot meals at participating restaurants such as Pizza Hut with the help of your EBT card.
Learn more about government assistance programs and grants at the Get Government Grants’ section today. Our resources will help you to find the right type of support based on your needs and requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is EBT accepted by Pizza Hut?
Yes, few Pizza Hut store locations accept EBT. There are specifically 218 locations that can process EBT payments. EBT payments are currently accepted by Pizza Hut in California.
Is EBT drive thru accepted by Pizza Hut?
Yes, EBT drive thru is accepted by Pizza Hut as long as you visit the location that has been mentioned in the article. Remember, if you visit any other location they might not accept your EBT drive thru.
Is Pizza Hut Considered A Fast Food Chain?
Yes Pizza Hut is a fast food chain in the eyes of the Restaurant Meals Program. Pizza Hut not only offers pizza and traditional fast food options but also healthier choices to users like pasta, family-style dishes and salads.
Can I Use My Approved RMP EBT Card At Pizza Hut From Another State?
No. You can purchase food at Pizza Hut which is situated only within the state where it has been issued. For instance, California residents with approved California RMP EBT cards cannot purchase food at a Pizza Hut restaurant situated in Arizona even though Arizona participates in the Restaurant Meal Program.
