How To Use Your SNAP EBT Card

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or food stamps, can help you put food on the table when times get tough. Unlike in the past, though, you won’t be receiving food stamps in the mail you can use at the grocery store. Instead, you’ll receive your SNAP benefits electronically to an EBT (electronic benefits transfer) card.

SNAP benefits are loaded onto your EBT card monthly. And while you’ll receive help with setting up your EBT account once your card arrives, here’s a closer look at how it functions.

Where to Use Your EBT Card

If you’ve ever swiped a debit or credit card at the grocery store, an EBT card functions similarly. To play it safe, look at the store entrance to see if it has a sign saying it accepts EBT payments. Luckily, many stores now participate in this program, such as grocery stores, convenience stores, gas stations, and even some farmers’ markets if you’re looking for healthier foods.

Beyond those stores, you may be able to use your EBT card at places like Walgreens, CVS, Target, and Walmart. Again, you’ll want to check before shopping, so you don’t have any issues at checkout.

While EBT cards come in handy for in-person purchases, many states now allow you to use them to make online purchases. This is particularly helpful during the COVID-19 pandemic if you want to shop safely from the comfort of your home without worrying about getting sick. To confirm if your state allows online purchases with EBT cards, contact your local SNAP office once you receive your card.

What You Can Buy With Your SNAP EBT Card

You can buy many items with your SNAP EBT card. The program is meant to help supplement families’ nutrition, so most items will be necessities to keep your family fed.

Here’s a list of what can be purchased using your SNAP EBT card:

• Meat
• Poultry
• Fish
• Dairy products
• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Cereal
• Pasta
• Bread
• Rice
• Non-alcoholic beverages
• Snacks
• Desserts
• Seeds/plants that can be used to grow your own produce
• Spices
• Flavor extracts
• Oils
• Fats
• Condiments

What You Cannot Buy With Your SNAP EBT Card

Once again, SNAP is meant to help you purchase nutrition-related necessities for your household. As such, you cannot use your EBT card loaded with SNAP benefits to purchase any of the following:

• Alcoholic beverages
• Tobacco products
• Cleaning supplies
• Health/beauty products
• Household supplies
• Vitamins
• Supplements
• Medication
• Hot or prepared foods that are ready for consumption
• Live animals

SNAP Replaces Damaged Food

If your area experiences a power outage or a disaster that causes your food to spoil, SNAP will replace that food, so you don’t waste any benefits. To replace the spoiled food, you’ll need to file a claim within 10 days of the incident.

Replacing a Lost or Stolen SNAP EBT Card

If you lose your SNAP EBT card or it gets stolen, contact your local SNAP office immediately. Since it can take seven days to get a replacement card, don’t delay.