The expansion of the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot Program has left many users wondering how to use EBT cash online. After all, these benefits use the same Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system that SNAP does.
However, there are some big differences between the SNAP and EBT cash programs that sometimes make it hard to understand where and how you can use these important benefits.
In this article, we’re going to explain the differences between the two programs. We’ll explore different ways you can use EBT cash online and where you can shop with those benefits.
Understanding EBT
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) is a system that facilitates the electronic distribution of government benefits to eligible individuals and families in need. This system allows the government to distribute food and cash benefits to a plastic EBT card, which looks and works similar to a debit card. This card is loaded with funds that can be used to purchase essential items such as food, groceries, and other necessities.
However, there are two different sides to EBT: the food side and the cash side. In order to figure out how to use EBT cash online, you need to understand the difference.
SNAP Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program that offers nutrition assistance to low-income individuals and families. SNAP benefits are a significant component of the EBT program. Eligible participants receive funds on their EBT cards each month, which they can use to buy qualifying food items from approved retailers, including grocery stores and farmer’s markets. SNAP benefits aim to help individuals and families access nutritious food and alleviate food insecurity.
Cash Benefits
Cash benefits can also be loaded onto your EBT card. Usually, these funds come from programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
TANF is another government program that provides financial assistance to low-income families. This program provides cash and those benefits are also distributed through the EBT system. However, TANF is broader in scope and can include cash assistance, job training, childcare support, and other services to help families achieve self-sufficiency. Recipients can access their TANF cash benefits using their EBT cards at ATMs and authorized retailers, making it easier to cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and transportation.
USDA Online Purchasing Pilot
Over the last several years, we’ve seen a tremendous expansion in the ability to spend EBT benefits online. That’s because of the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot that the USDA initiated in April 2019.
This program was mostly aimed at making SNAP benefits more accessible for low income shoppers. That’s why there are so many places to spend SNAP benefits online but fewer places you can spend EBT cash. Cash benefits weren’t included in the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot expansion.
However, there are some ways that you can use EBT cash online. The coverage just isn’t as comprehensive.
Where Can I Use EBT Cash Online?
The new purchasing program enables many grocer retailers to accept SNAP payments but not all of them accept EBT cash. The vendors that accept EBT cash may vary by state, but we have found some that will accept EBT cash payments online for curbside pickup, delivery or both.
Please note that this may not work in all areas. It appears that some states have not yet enabled EBT cash for online purchases yet. When in doubt, contact your state office in charge of EBT for details.
Acme
When you shop online at Acme, you may have the option to use your EBT cash benefits. Acme allows EBT cash for online payments including delivery fees and more. This convenient service makes it easy for you to access essential items while using your EBT benefits, all from the comfort of your home.
There are more than 150 Acme locations in the following states:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- Pennsylvania
Albertsons
You can use EBT cash online when you shop from Albertsons! This grocer will accept EBT cash for products, delivery fees and more when you place your order on their website.
Albertson’s has more than 350 locations across the following states:
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Idaho
- Louisiana
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- North Dakota
- Oregon
- Texas
- Utah
- Washington
- Wyoming
Balducci’s Food Lovers
When you shop online at Balducci’s, you may have the convenience of using your EBT cash benefits. Balducci’s Food Lovers gladly accepts EBT cash for online payments, including delivery fees and additional expenses.
Balducci’s has eight locations in the following states:
- Connecticut
- Maryland
- New York
- Virginia
Carrs
When you shop on the Carrs website, you may have the option to use your EBT cash benefits. Carrs is happy to accept EBT cash for online payments, including covering delivery fees and more.
There are 11 Carrs locations in Alaska.
Fresh Direct
FreshDirect is an online grocery delivery service primarily serving the New York metropolitan area. They offer a wide range of fresh food items, including fruits, vegetables, meat, seafood, dairy products, and pantry staples. Additionally, FreshDirect provides a variety of prepared meals and organic food options. The service is known for its convenience, offering next-day delivery directly to customers’ homes.
You can use EBT cash online when you order from FreshDirect. However, you can’t mix EBT cash and EBT food orders. You have to use one or the other.
Whichever payment method you choose, they will not charge any deliver, tax or surcharge fees on orders that are delivered to the 10454 or 10455 zip codes.
Haggen
When you shop at Haggen, you may be able to use EBT cash benefits on their website. As an Albertsons Company, Haggen gladly accepts EBT cash for online payments in states that have authorized it. You may be able to use your benefits for delivery fees and additional expenses.
Haggen has 15 locations in Washington State.
Jewel-Osco
You may be able to use EBT cash online when you shop from Albertsons! This grocer accept EBT cash for products, delivery fees and more as long as you live in a state that has made this payment option available.
There are more than 180 Jewel-Osco locations in the following states:
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
Kings Food Markets
Kings Food Markets may also accept EBT cash online as long as your state has authorized it. You can use those cash benefits to buy products, pay delivery fees and more.
There are approximately 20 Kings Food Markets locations in the following states:
- Connecticut
- New Jersey
- New York
Pavilions
Pavilions might also offer the option of using EBT cash benefits online, provided your state has authorized it. They have more than 25 locations in California.
Randalls
Randalls may also allow you to use EBT cash online for your purchases, delivery fees, and more. There are more than two dozen Randalls locations in Texas.
Safeway
Safeway may also allow you to use EBT cash online, depending on whether your state has authorized it. With this service, you can use your EBT cash benefits to purchase items, cover delivery fees, and more when you shop in the app or on their website.
There are more than 900 Safeway locations in the following areas:
- Alaska
- Arizona
- California
- Colorado
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Maryland
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Mexico
- Oregon
- South Dakota
- Virginia
- Washington
- Washington DC
- Wyoming
Shaw’s
Shaws may also accept EBT cash online as long as your state has authorized it. You can use those cash benefits to buy products, pay delivery fees and more.
There are more than 125 Shaws locations in the following states:
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- New Hampshire
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
Star Market
Star Market may also offer the convenience of accepting EBT cash online, provided your state has authorized it. With this service, you can use your EBT cash benefits to make purchases, cover delivery fees, and more.
There are more than 20 Star Market locations in Massachusetts.
Tom Thumb
Tom Thumb may also offer the convenience of using your EBT cash benefits for online shopping, depending on your state’s authorization. This unique service allows you to use your EBT cash to purchase items, cover delivery fees, and more.
There are more than 60 Tom Thumb locations in Texas.
United Supermarkets
United Supermarkets may also provide the option of using EBT cash benefits online, depending on your state’s authorization. With this service, you can utilize your EBT cash benefits to make purchases, pay for delivery fees, and more when you shop online.
There are more than 50 United Supermarkets locations in Texas.
Vons
Vons may also offer the convenience of accepting EBT cash online, depending on your state. With this service, you can use your EBT cash benefits to make purchases, cover delivery fees, and more.
There are over 190 Vons locations in California and Nevada.
Walmart
You can use EBT cash online when you shop from Walmart in certain states. For example, Los Angeles County lists Walmart as the only provider that can allow you to purchase non-food items with EBT online through CalWORKS.
You Cannot Use EBT Cash Online Everywhere
It might also be helpful to know that there are some major retailers who accept SNAP EBT for orders but do not accept EBT cash online at this time.
You might be surprised to find that the following retailers will not let you use EBT cash online:
So, can you spend cash EBT online? Yes, but while not every retailer has caught up with the changing times, you may find that more and more online retailers begin accepting EBT cash in the future.
How to Use EBT Cash Online
Using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cash online is a convenient way to shop for groceries and other essentials if you’re a beneficiary of government assistance programs. Most tutorials will only explain how to use SNAP and not EBT cash, but the process should be the same.
Here’s a guide on how to do it.
- Check Eligibility and Participating Stores: Not all online stores accept EBT cash. Check if your state allows the use of EBT online and identify participating retailers. Websites like Albertsons, Walmart, and the other providers on this list may accept EBT cash online.
- Create an Account: If you don’t already have one, create an account on the retailer’s website or app. This typically involves providing your email address and creating a password.
- Link Your EBT Card: During the account setup or at the checkout, you will have an option to add your EBT card as a payment method. Enter your EBT card number and follow the prompts to link it to your account.
- Shopping: Browse and add eligible items to your cart. Eligibility for items varies based on program regulations. For SNAP, for example, you can buy food items but not hot meals or non-food items. Even with EBT cash, you cannot buy cigarettes, alcohol, or other prohibited items.
- Checkout: When you’re ready to checkout, select your EBT card as the payment method. You may need to enter your card’s PIN to complete the transaction. Some retailers might require a secondary form of payment for items not eligible for EBT. Retailers who accept both SNAP and EBT Cash will give you the option to select one or the other.
- Review and Confirm Your Order: Ensure that all the details of your order are correct, including the delivery address and the items in your cart. Confirm your order.
- Delivery or Pickup: Choose delivery or pickup, depending on what the store offers. Some stores provide free pickup options, while others might charge a delivery fee that cannot be paid for with EBT cash.
- Keep Track of Your Balance: It’s important to keep track of your EBT cash balance. You can usually do this through the retailer’s website or app, or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
- Customer Service: If you encounter any issues or have questions, most retailers have a customer service number or help section on their website.
Remember, the availability and specifics of using EBT cash online can vary by state and retailer, so it’s a good idea to check local regulations and specific store policies.
What Can I Buy with EBT Cash Online?
When using EBT cash benefits online, it’s important to understand what items are eligible for purchase. EBT cash, part of the Electronic Benefit Transfer system, is often more flexible than SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
It’s important to note that the eligibility of these items can vary based on state regulations and the specific rules of the EBT cash program. Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, hot foods ready for immediate consumption, and non-essential items like entertainment products are typically not eligible for purchase with EBT cash. Always check with your local EBT program for the most accurate and up-to-date information on eligible purchases.
Here’s an outline of what you can typically purchase with EBT cash online:
Food and Groceries
EBT cash can be used to buy a wide variety of food items, making it easier to maintain a balanced diet. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, which are essential for a healthy diet; meat, poultry, and fish, providing necessary proteins; dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt for calcium and vitamin D; and breads and cereals, which are good sources of fiber.
You can also purchase snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages. Seeds and plants that produce food can be a cost-effective way to grow your own healthy produce. For the most part, these are the same items that you can purchase with SNAP food benefits.
Household Supplies
EBT cash can often be used to purchase essential household supplies. This includes cleaning products like detergents, disinfectants, and soaps, which are crucial for maintaining a clean and healthy living environment.
Personal care items such as toiletries, hygiene products, and diapers also fall under this category. Paper products like toilet paper and paper towels are also typically eligible, helping to cover basic household needs.
Clothing & Accessories
EBT cash allows for the purchase of clothing items for adults and children, including essentials like shoes, outerwear for different seasons, and undergarments. Clothing is a basic necessity, and the flexibility of EBT cash can help ensure that individuals and families can dress appropriately for the weather, work, school, or special occasions.
Health & Wellness Products
EBT cash can be used for various health and wellness products. This includes over-the-counter medications, which are important for treating minor ailments like colds, allergies, or headaches.
First aid supplies such as band-aids, antiseptics, and gauze are also eligible, helping to manage minor injuries at home. Other health-related items may include vitamins and supplements.
Pet Food & Supplies
For many, pets are considered part of the family, and EBT cash can sometimes cover the cost of pet food and essential supplies. This ensures that pets are well-fed and taken care of, which can be a significant relief for families facing financial challenges.
School Supplies & Books
Education is crucial, and EBT cash can often be used to purchase necessary school supplies like notebooks, pens, pencils, and art supplies. Textbooks and other educational resources are also typically eligible, supporting students in their academic pursuits.
Miscellaneous Items
Depending on specific program rules and state regulations, EBT cash can sometimes be used to purchase a variety of other items. This might include toys for children, electronics for home use, and even furniture or home furnishings. These items, while not essential, can significantly improve the quality of life and provide some comfort in difficult times.
Relief Recap
There are many ways you can use EBT cash online! This article has listed several places where you can use EBT cash online, as well as how to do it and what you can buy. Whether you’re shopping for groceries, ordering food delivery, or even paying for eligible Walmart purchases, the digital world offers a range of possibilities for making the most of your EBT benefits online.
Catherine Hall
Catherine Hall, LMSW is a therapist at a small group practice in New York City. She earned her master of social work degree at New York University.
KW
Saturday 3rd of September 2022
@Chris, She already said that.