Amazon accepts food stamps (SNAP EBT benefits) across different outlets such as Amazon Pantry, Amazon Fresh, Amazon Grocery, and products on Amazon.com that are SNAP-eligible.
It is also important to know that Amazon also provides an exclusive discount for purchases on Amazon Prime membership for the people under the SNAP program. Keep reading to know what else Amazon allows other than food stamps.
Amazon allows you to make EBT payments online. All customers with a valid SNAP EBT card in all states except Alaska and Hawaii can use food stamps at Amazon
Food Stamp Benefits
EBT cards are a form of government assistance that has been around since the early 2000s. They’ve had many different names, and they were a part of the supplemental nutrition assistance program.
The federal government provides food benefits through these.
1. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program/SNAP Benefits
SNAP is just the upgraded version of food stamps. Instead of physically carrying them around, people can now have their food stamps accepted using an EBT card.
2. Temporary Assistance For Needy Families/TANF Benefits
TANF is another use of EBT cards. The federal government allows flexible use of an EBT card for needy families so they can purchase essential household items in addition to food.
Plus, with TANF, you could withdraw money from an ATM, like you usually would, with visa cards or debit cards. Now you can use this cash to make additional purchases similar to Amazon cash cards.
Shopping at Amazon with EBT
If you haven’t shopped at Amazon yet, you probably don’t own its membership card. If you’re among the non-members, you won’t be able to enter the Amazon warehouses.
You’ll have to purchase a Amazon membership first. Making purchases in person is only possible for Amazon members.
You can shop at Amazon, but only if you’re with a member or you have someone else’s membership card.
Items can you buy with food stamps at Amazon?
EBT food items must meet the set health standards to allow access to proper nutrition, and Amazon must adhere to these standards when it lets you use the EBT program.
The EBT items you may find on Amazon include:
- Dairy products
- Cooking oil
- Vegetables
- Bread and Cereal
- Juice, Water and soda
- Canned and frozen fish and meat
- Dairy products.
- Fruits
- Meat and Seafood
- Snack such as chips and nuts
- Spices
- Canned and frozen fresh fruits and vegetables
Items can't you buy with EBT at Amazon?
There are restrictions on what you cannot buy with your food stamps at Amazon, and SNAP EBT payments do not work for items that are not SNAP-eligible.
These Non- eligible items include:
- Foods that are usually hot at the point of sale
- Alcohol such as Wine and beer
- Healthcare products
- Supplements, vitamins, and medicines
- Pet food
- Toiletries
- Cleaning supplies
- Cigarettes and other tobacco products.
- Gas
- Clothing
- Hygiene items
- Cosmetics
Using EBT Card for Unapproved Food Items
If you’ve somehow managed to make an unapproved food purchase, there are still consequences. The government won’t let you off the hook.
Here’s all that could happen if you find yourself in this situation.
- A 3-month ban for the first unapproved purchase
- A 1-year ban for the second unapproved purchase
- A 2-year ban for the third unapproved purchase
How Do I Buy Items From Both Lists?
If your purchase includes approved and non-approved EBT items it’s totally doable but you need to be organized.
I suggest separating items in your cart and making 2 separate purchases.
How do you use EBT at Amazon?
Follow these steps to use EBT food stamp at Amazon!
1) Head over to Amazon’s EBT SNAP Page.
The first step to using EBT on Amazon is to head over to the Amazon SNAP EBT website. Then, select “Add your SNAP EBT card” from the drop-down menu that appears.
2) Go to Your Amazon Account and Sign in.
On the screen that appears, log in to your Amazon account and click on the "Create your Amazon account." After creating your account, you must sign in using your email address and password.
3) You Need to Link Your Snap EBT Card to Your Account.
After you have logged in, you must link your Amazon account to your EBT card after logging in. You will then be required to click on the " Continue " option after entering your SNAP EBT card number. You may be required to enter your delivery zip code from time to time.
4) Shop for Amazon Groceries Online.
As soon as your EBT card has been loaded with cash, you can begin buying food online. You can therefore buy groceries online through Amazon Grocery, Amazon Pantry or Amazon Fresh. Adding your SNAP EBT card, you get FREE access to Amazon Fresh as an EBT cardholder.
5) Enter Your PIN to Check Out.
At the checkout, select the " EBT " option as your payment method, then you need to enter your EBT Card’s 4-digit PIN to complete your transaction. An important thing to point out and remember when your shop on Amazon.com is that you cannot use your EBT card to pay for shipping or delivery expenses.
It is always essential to keep your receipt during your shopping, and it will help prevent mischarges and show you the latest balance on your EBT card.
Is the Return Policy Different for EBT Purchases?
No, By Law store will have to honor same return policy that exists on regular purchases to all EBT purchases. This policy even extends to food and grocery items.
So if you’re not completely satisfied with an item, you can bring it back to Costco at ANY time for a full refund or exchange.
FAQs
1. Does Amazon Offer Free Grocery Delivery for SNAP EBT Orders?
All SNAP EBT orders qualify for free shipping when you meet the minimum order requirements, and this is why many shoppers prefer to stock up on a big order of food products to enable them to be eligible for free shipping.
2. Which States Can Use SNAP EBT on Amazon?
Customers with a valid SNAP EBT card in all states except Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, and Montana can use their SNAP benefits on Amazon. Amazon does accept ebt card.
3. Can I use SNAP EBT funds to pay for shipping or delivery?
USDA requirements usually prohibit you from using your SNAP EBT funds to cater to shipping or delivery fees.
Conclusion
Amazon Takes food stamps, it usually stocks various EBT-eligible food products across Amazon outlets such as Amazon Grocery, Amazon Pantry, and Amazon Fresh.
As long as the items are qualified in the selected state, Amazon will usually allow customers to make EBT card payments online on the Amazon.com website. Happy Shopping!