The rise of online shopping has significantly improved consumer convenience. It saves time and gives access to a broader range of products. Individuals using Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can also buy products online. Many retailers now accept EBT benefits for online purchases.
In this article, we will explore the mechanics of online shopping with EBT and offer practical advice on maximizing the value of your SNAP benefits. We aim to equip you with all the necessary information to efficiently and effectively manage your shopping online.
What Is SNAP and EBT?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), previously known as the Food Stamp Program, is a federal program in the United States designed to combat hunger and enhance nutrition among low-income people and families. Operated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), SNAP offers financial aid to qualified participants who want to buy food, thereby improving food security and encouraging healthier eating habits.
Factors like household income, size, and certain expenses determine eligibility for SNAP, with criteria varying by state. Approved beneficiaries get a monthly allotment to help cover food expenses, facilitating access to a healthier diet.
SNAP benefits are distributed via the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system, which uses a magnetically encoded card similar to a debit card. Benefits are electronically loaded onto the recipient’s EBT account each month. Recipients can use the EBT card at approved food retailers, supermarkets, grocery stores, and farmers’ markets to buy qualifying items like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and bread.
The expansion of the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot has significantly increased access to food for SNAP recipients, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. By the end of 2020, the program was operational in 47 states and the District of Columbia, covering over 90% of SNAP households.
The EBT system makes benefit delivery more efficient and reduces stigma and increases user convenience. Using the EBT system, SNAP effectively assists low-income families in obtaining the nutritious foods essential for good health and wellness.
Can You Use Your EBT Card for Online Shopping?
You can use your EBT card to shop online at approved retailers. The USDA initiated the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot in April 2019, starting in New York State. This EBT online shopping program has since expanded, allowing SNAP recipients to shop for groceries online in all 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The adaptation of this program has seen a remarkable increase in usage. For example, in April 2023, nearly 3.7 million households used their SNAP benefits to purchase groceries online, a significant jump from just 35,000 households in March 2020.
Who Are the Participating Retailers for Online Shopping with EBT?
Several major retailers accept EBT for EBT online shopping orders:
1. Amazon
Amazon allows SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards to buy eligible food items across its platforms, including Amazon.com groceries, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market. Shoppers can access a wide range of fresh produce, dairy products, meats, and pantry essentials.
Typically, orders exceeding $35 are eligible for free delivery, although this minimum may differ depending on the area. Amazon also offers Prime members a reduced-priced grocery delivery subscription for $9.99 monthly, which covers unlimited deliveries for orders over $35. EBT cardholders can subscribe for only $4.99 monthly without a Prime membership.
2. Walmart
Walmart now accepts EBT payments for online grocery orders in all 50 states. Shoppers can enter their EBT card details into their Walmart account and choose from a range of eligible food products. The retailer provides delivery and free curbside pickup for orders that meet a minimum amount, usually around $35.
Delivery charges vary depending on the order size and delivery timing. It’s crucial to remember that while SNAP online purchases cover eligible food items, any additional fees, like delivery costs, must be settled with a different payment method.
3. Instacart
Instacart collaborates with grocery stores, such as ALDI, Price Rite, and Stop & Shop, to enable online shopping with EBT payments. Users can link their EBT card to their Instacart profile and purchase SNAP-approved items marked on the website.
EBT funds can only be used for eligible food products, whereas delivery fees, taxes, and tips must be paid via another payment method. To make the service more accessible for new customers, Instacart frequently offers special deals, including waiving delivery fees on the first three EBT orders above a certain amount.
4. ShopRite
ShopRite provides an EBT online shopping service via its ‘ShopRite from Home’ platform. Customers can use their EBT card to pay for a broad selection of eligible grocery items during the online checkout. Both delivery and pickup options are offered, though the availability of these services may differ by location.
ShopRite often targets areas with limited access to physical stores, ensuring customers can conveniently obtain their groceries directly at home or through curbside pickup.
5. Kroger
Using their SNAP benefits, Kroger enables EBT cardholders to pay for online grocery orders. By adding their EBT card information to their digital wallet on Kroger’s website or app, customers can choose from SNAP-eligible products and opt for delivery or curbside pickup. Participation in the EBT online pilot program has allowed Kroger to extend its essential grocery services to a wider community segment, with delivery fees varying by location and order size.
6. FreshDirect
FreshDirect allows EBT for online grocery orders within its delivery areas, primarily serving the Northeast U.S., including major regions like New York City and New Jersey. Customers can use their EBT cards to purchase eligible food items through FreshDirect’s website, gaining access to high-quality fresh produce and other groceries.
Delivery charges are applicable, and service availability may vary, so users should verify if the service is available in their area.
7. Target (via Shipt)
Target provides EBT payment options for online grocery shopping through its partnership with Shipt for delivery services. SNAP recipients can browse and order eligible products online and deliver them directly to their homes.
Although Target offers many EBT-eligible products, including essentials and fresh foods, SNAP does not cover delivery fees and must be paid separately. Shipt frequently offers promotions and discounts on delivery fees, improving the shopping experience for EBT users.
How to Use EBT for Online Shopping?
Shopping online with an EBT card is streamlined to ensure a user-friendly, secure experience:
- Setting Up Your EBT Card: Log into your chosen retailer’s website or app. Access the payment methods section to input your EBT card information, similar to how you would add a credit or debit card. Major retailers like Amazon and Walmart offer specific options for EBT cardholders to add and manage their payment details easily.
- Selecting Eligible Products: Browse the retailer’s site for SNAP-eligible items, typically marked clearly to facilitate your shopping. Essentials such as groceries and other necessary food items can be purchased using your EBT card. Platforms like Instacart, Amazon, and Walmart have optimized their interfaces to help you quickly find and select eligible products.
- Completing Your Purchase: At checkout, choose EBT as your payment method. You’ll be prompted to enter your EBT PIN to secure and finalize the EBT digital transactions. Should your shopping cart contain non-eligible items or incur additional fees like delivery charges, you must provide an alternative payment method to complete these parts of your purchase.
- Opting for Delivery or Pickup: Finally, decide whether you prefer your SNAP online purchases to be delivered to your home or picked up nearby. Remember, any delivery fees must be covered with a payment method other than your EBT benefits, as these are not eligible expenses under the SNAP program.
Utilizing your EBT card for online shopping provides a convenient way to access groceries, ensuring that SNAP recipients have greater flexibility and access to nutritious food options.
What Are the Eligible and Ineligible Items?
SNAP benefits cover a broad range of food items essential for home consumption while maintaining clear restrictions to ensure the funds are spent on nutritionally beneficial products. Here’s a breakdown of eligible and non-eligible purchases:
Eligible Purchases
- Fruits and Vegetables: SNAP can buy fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables. This includes everything from apples and spinach to pre-chopped salad mixes, frozen peas, and canned tomatoes. These items are crucial for maintaining a healthy diet rich in vitamins and fiber.
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish: You can purchase fresh cuts of meat, such as chicken breasts, beef steaks, and pork chops, as well as processed options like frozen fish fillets or canned tuna. SNAP also includes ground meats and cold cuts, helping households prepare various meals.
- Dairy Products: Dairy items such as milk, cheese, yogurt, butter, and even non-dairy alternatives like almond, soy, or oat milk are eligible. These provide essential calcium and protein to support a balanced diet.
- Bread and Cereals: Basic staples such as loaves of bread, rice, oatmeal, tortillas, and boxed cereals are included. Whole grain and gluten-free options are also eligible, offering flexibility for different dietary needs.
- Snack Foods and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: The program guidelines permit snacks like chips, crackers, popcorn, and cookies, as well as beverages like bottled water, juices, tea, coffee, and sodas. Although less nutritious, these are permitted.
- Seeds and Plants that Produce Food: SNAP supports home gardening efforts by allowing the purchase of seeds and plants that grow edible food, such as tomato plants, herb seeds, or fruit trees. This option helps households grow their own fresh produce.
Ineligible Purchases
- Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Products: Beer, wine, liquor, and tobacco products such as cigarettes and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited. These items do not contribute to nutritional goals and are outside SNAP’s scope.
- Vitamins, Medicines, and Dietary Supplements: Products labeled with “Supplement Facts,” including vitamins, protein powders, and over-the-counter medicines like aspirin or cold remedies, are ineligible. SNAP covers only food items labeled with “Nutrition Facts.”
- Hot Foods Prepared for Immediate Consumption: Foods heated at the point of sale, such as rotisserie chicken, deli soups, or pizza slices, cannot be purchased. However, cold deli items and ready-to-eat packaged foods like sandwiches or salads are allowed.
- Non-Food Items: SNAP benefits do not cover household supplies such as cleaning products, paper goods, hygiene items (e.g., soap, toothpaste), pet food, or cosmetics. These must be purchased using other funds.
How to Get Free Delivery When Shopping Online with EBT?
To enhance your savings and potentially enjoy free delivery while using EBT online shopping, consider these strategies:
- Seek Out Promotions:
Many online shopping platforms and delivery services run special promotions, including free delivery, especially for new users or during certain promotional events. For example, Instacart may offer free delivery on your first three orders for EBT users. Signing up for email alerts from these platforms can inform you about such promotions.
- Meet Minimum Purchase Amounts:
Some online stores waive delivery charges if your purchase exceeds a specific amount. For instance, Amazon offers free delivery for SNAP online purchases on orders exceeding $100. Planning your purchases to meet these thresholds can help you avoid delivery fees.
- Explore Membership Benefits:
Platforms like Amazon provide Prime Access at a reduced fee for SNAP recipients, including free delivery. Utilizing these membership trials or discounted rates can significantly lower your expenses.
- Use Multiple Payment Methods:
As EBT does not cover delivery fees, you may need to add a secondary payment method, like a credit card, to your online accounts. Services such as Instacart and Amazon have adopted this requirement to help cover additional costs not eligible for EBT, such as delivery fees or bottle deposits.
- Choose the Right Retailers:
Opt for retailers that accept EBT online and may offer free delivery options. Large retailers like Amazon and Walmart and various Instacart supermarkets allow EBT payments for eligible food items purchased online.
Conclusion
Integrating EBT benefits with online shopping has significantly expanded access and convenience for SNAP recipients. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and others are participating in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, allowing individuals to shop for groceries from home, reducing barriers related to transportation and time.
Users can maximize their benefits by understanding eligible purchases, managing EBT digital transactions, and leveraging available promotions for free delivery. This advancement modernizes the shopping experience and ensures that low-income families have better access to nutritious food, promoting overall well-being and food security in the digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are refunds processed for online purchases made with an EBT card?
Refunds for online EBT purchases are credited back to your EBT account. Retailers must return funds to the original account; cash, store credit, or gift cards are prohibited. Refunds usually take a few hours to process, depending on the retailer.
Can I use my EBT card to pay for delivery fees or other charges when shopping online?
SNAP benefits cannot cover delivery fees, service charges, or tips. Your EBT card can only be used for eligible food items. Additional costs must be paid with another payment method, like a credit or debit card.
Are there restrictions on using my EBT card for online purchases across state lines?
You can use your EBT card for online purchases across states, provided the retailer accepts EBT and delivers to your location. Verify delivery availability before ordering, as some retailers may ship to only some areas.
