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If you rely on SNAP (food stamps) benefits, you could receive a $50 reimbursement from Expensify during the coronavirus outbreak. Here’s how it works.
UPDATE: As of this writing (April 15, 2020), Expensify has run out of funds for this reimbursement. They are doing their best to catch up with current requests, and will only accept new participants as funding becomes available. Check the current status of this program here.
What is Expensify?
Expensify is an expense-management app that also works as a charity. Reimbursement funds are collected from Expensify cardholders, users and direct contributions. Those contributions are used to combat real-world problems like homelessness, hunger and climate change.
How can I get the $50 SNAP reimbursement?
In order to receive the reimbursement, you will need to shop with your EBT card and upload an eligible receipt. Here are the step-by-step instructions.
Step 1: Shop with your food stamps benefits.
You will need to go to the store and buy your food. Remember, the goal of the program is to reimburse eligible families for essential goods and food.
Step 2: Download the Expensify app. It’s free.
You can download the app on iOS or Android.
Step 3: Join the /hunger campaign.
You will need to join the Expensify.org/hunger policy. You can do that by clicking this link.
You will need to make sure that your Expensify account is complete. You need to list your first and last name on the account.
Step 4: SmartScan your receipt.
Use the app’s SmartScan feature to take a picture of your receipt. The system will need to confirm that you paid with a food stamps (SNAP, EBT) card in order to qualify for the reimbursement.
When you scan the receipt, you will be asked to complete certain data fields.
- Merchant name is the name of the store you shopped at.
- Total is the amount you spent, unless you spent more than $50. If you spent more than $50, just write $50.
- Category is “volunteer reimbursement”
- Class should be “Expensify.org/hunger”
- Description should be “purchase with SNAP card.”
- Receipt image must be legible. The total must be easy to read.
Step 5: Submit it to email.
Submit your expense report. You can do this from the web browser or the mobile app. When you click the “submit report” button, confirm that the you are sending the report to volunteer@expensify.org.
Step 6: Add your payment information.
Your reimbursement will be issued directly to your bank account, so you’ll need to set up your payment information . Log into your account and click settings, then account, then payments, then personal bank accounts. Click the “add personal bank account” button and follow the prompts.
Step 7: Wait for your reimbursement.
Expensify will reimburse you as soon as they can. It could arrive as soon as the next day, but will be reviewed within one week. Your payment may be delayed or denied if you do not complete all the steps as required.
What else do I need to know?
Expensify is limiting this reimbursement to $50 per family.
Please do not submit multiple receipts or attempt to commit any fraud through this system. This is an incredible service that they are offering, and they want to make sure they are able to help as many people as possible.
Valerie Green says
I look forward to seeing how this works. Thank you!
Tim says
I want to cancel starz
Amber says
Is there any help for pregnant women I’m currently 6 months jobs are very scarce and it’s discouraging because although employers aren’t supposed to discriminate I know a few who have done this. I currently receive EBT and can just now apply for cash assistance. My baby is on her way and I have nothing I worry day and night. Some nights I get no sleep and just fill out online applcations. If you know of anything that can help me it would be greatly appreciated 🙏
Hannah Benge says
Because we are understaffed, we can’t help with individual requests. However, I definitely recommend calling 211 for help in your area! Keep hope! -Hannah
Cora says
Are you currently understaffed and not able to except personal requests at this time? I am at a standstill with what I can do. Even the smallest amount of help would mean the world to me. I am a fourth grade teacher and a mother of a five-year-old. 15 months ago I got sick and December of last year I had to take medical leave. I’m about to lose my home, my car, my sons pet, and I may possibly lose my son at the next court hearing if I can’t find the Financial resources to take him to school etc. My credit has dropped significantly, even after working hard to raise it when my husband left I have no financial resources or clue of what I can do at this point, if there are even any options. I receive benefits from North Carolina’s Food & Nutrition program but I don’t know what else to do, I’ve spent hours researching possible options. Due to my illness I have extreme fatigue, concentration issues, and worsening memory, as well as, my lack of general knowledge of available resources has not been very helpful. I am losing hope.
Thank you sincerely for your tips and help thus far,
CTW
Hannah Benge says
What help do you need specifically? I can point you in the right direction. We have options for rent assistance or mortgage assistance. You should start with calling 211 to see what resources are in your area. We only provide resources and help with answers, so we can’t help with financial assistance of any type but I’m happy to find any resources I can for you to help! I’m sorry you’re going through so much. -Hannah
Debra Breeden says
I am currently unemployed. This is the worst time in the history of the world to be looking for a job !!! I had a good job for 17 years. When I lost that job go got a part time spot at a fast food rest. But was let go when they had for close the dinning room. And cut the staff to 5 people per shift like the government asked.
I am about to lose my home as well. I am still waiting for my stimulus check. As well as my federal income tax refund. And for my unemployment to start !!!! Ouch !!! Help !! The closest food pantries have been closed and with no car or bus I .can not go to any others for the food I need.
I will be. 58 in August. Old enough to be in pain most of the time. But not old enough for. Social security or other senior citizen programs. Such as food assistance or delivery. I am too old to have minor children in the home to qualify for several other programs like Section 8 or Homes for Humanity homes or help with my rent.
I will be homeless as soon as the government allows evictions again. I love in Michigan and homeless too often means illness and/or death.
I have worked since i was 15 years old. Always paid my bills and went on unemployment for the first time. I am not disabled just an older soul.
So now I am facing homelessness , unemployment, starvation and god forbid. The Corunna virus.
This is overwhelming !!!! I am learning the welfare system as quickly as I cam to try to survive. But there is only so much the church or charities can do for me..!!!! Please help me.
Thank you. Debby
Teresa Moore says
Thank you for putting this much needed website together. I watched a few of your EBT related videos on YouTube yesterday. I was quite excited and thankful to find out about such information. I have been an ebt cardholder for over 5 years and was unaware. I would like information on help with rent arrears and rent assistance going forward because I am disabled and going thru metastatic cancer. I have huge medical bills. Keep up the good work!