If you’ve got an EBT card, you’re already getting important help putting food on the table—but most people don’t realize just how far those benefits can go. There are programs, apps, and hidden perks that can double your food budget, help cover other essentials, and even get you discounted or free services.
Here’s how to make the most of every dollar on your EBT card.
1. Double Your Food Budget with Matching Programs
One of the easiest ways to stretch your food benefits is through matching programs like Double Up Food Bucks. When you use EBT to buy fresh fruits and vegetables at participating stores or farmers markets, these programs give you extra money to spend—usually dollar-for-dollar up to a daily or weekly limit.
Even if your state doesn’t offer Double Up by name, similar programs like Market Match or Fresh Bucks may be available. These programs vary by state and location, so check our Double Up Food Bucks page to see what’s offered near you.
2. Count Your Household the Right Way
Many people miss out on benefits—or get less than they should—because they accidentally count the wrong people in their SNAP household. According to USDA rules, your household includes:
- Everyone you live with AND buy/prepare food with
- Spouses and children under 22 must be included, even if they prepare food separately
If you have roommates and you don’t share food, they shouldn’t be counted. Being careful with this detail can make a big difference in your benefit amount.
3. Earn Cash Back on Your EBT Purchases
Some cashback apps work even if you use EBT! Popular options like Ibotta, Fetch, and Receipt Hog let you earn rewards just by uploading your grocery receipts.
Ibotta’s SNAP Rewards program is especially useful. You can:
- Turn it on in your app settings
- Submit a valid EBT receipt (from an eligible store)
- Get bonus offers just for SNAP users
Many people have used the money they earn this way to help cover things EBT doesn’t, like diapers or toiletries.
4. Report All Eligible Expenses
SNAP calculates your benefit amount based on your income after deductions—and some of those deductions can be pretty big. To make sure you’re getting everything you qualify for, be sure to report:
- Housing costs (rent, utilities)
- Childcare or dependent care
- Medical expenses (if you’re elderly or disabled)
- Child support payments
- Self-employment expenses (if applicable)
Any increase in rent or drop in income should be reported right away—it might boost your monthly allotment.
5. Shop Smarter and Save More
You can stretch your benefits even further by using smart shopping tools and strategies:
- Salvage and discount grocers (like Grocery Outlet) offer huge savings on name-brand items
- Flipp app helps you compare weekly ads from local stores so you can shop the best deals
- Always check unit prices to find the best value for your money
If you’re careful about where and how you shop, your EBT dollars can go much further.
6. Use Your EBT Card for Extra Discounts
Your EBT card also unlocks discounts on more than just food. Here are some extras you might qualify for:
- Amazon Prime for half price through Amazon Access
- Walmart+ Assist membership discount
- $10–$20 internet plans through ISPs like Comcast and AT&T
- Free or reduced admission to museums, zoos, aquariums, and more through programs like Museums for All
You can find more EBT-related perks by visiting our EBT resource page.
Relief Recap
Getting the most out of your EBT card means more than just using it at the grocery store. When you understand the full range of programs, discounts, and tools available to you, those benefits can go twice as far—or even further. You don’t have to spend extra money to get extra value. Just knowing what’s out there can make a world of difference.
