Does Instacart Take EBT(Food Stamp)

Instacart takes food stamps (EBT, SNAP benefits) at participating retailers in some areas. Customers can add their EBT information to their Instacart accounts and use it when checking out.

You cannot use your EBT card on Instacart to pay for delivery or other fees, nor can it be applied to tips. Several retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Amazon, allow online EBT purchases.

Which stores you can use depends on your address. Keep reading to find out how you can add an EBT card to your Instacart.

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.

Shopping at Instacart with EBT

You don’t need a store membership to use EBT on Instacart, but you do need an Instacart account.

Add your EBT card as a payment method in your account.

You will need another payment method for anything EBT can’t cover, such as fees and tips.

What States Does Instacart Take EBT?

USDA says SNAP online purchasing is available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia, but not every retailer takes part in every state. USDA lists Instacart as a SNAP eCommerce platform provider, so availability depends on the store and your address.

Check the USDA list of stores accepting SNAP online for your state, then see which stores accept EBT in the Instacart app for your address.

How do you use EBT at Instacart?

Follow these steps to use your EBT card to pay at Instacart!

1. Open your Instacart app or your website.

2. Click on the three lines located in the upper left corner of your Instacart app. For the website, click the downward-facing arrow beside "Hi, [your name]" and click "Your Account" in the dropdown.

3. On the app, tap "Your account settings."

4. On your account page, scroll down and click on the option that reads "Payment methods."

5. Tap or click "Add" next to "EBT SNAP card."

6. Enter your name and EBT card number.

7. Tap or click "Save."

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.

Which Grocery Stores on Instacart Accept EBT?

Though there are lists of grocery stores in your area on Instacart, you'll have to check if they can take EBT in your state. Grocers that have accepted EBT SNAP through Instacart include:

Most of these stores are limited in particular states to allow customers to use EBT SNAP on purchases. Check the Instacart app for your address to see what’s available now.

Items you can buy with food stamps at Instacart?

EBT cards typically cover the cost of essential groceries that have nutritious value. Here is a list of EBT eligible items available on EBT food packages at Instacart:

Things you can't buy EBT at Instacart

Some restrictions are placed on the items you can buy using your EBT card. Some of the products that are prohibited include:

Using EBT Card for Unapproved Food Items

SNAP can only pay for eligible food. If an item isn’t eligible, the store will ask you to pay for it another way.

Intentionally misusing benefits, such as selling them, is different. It can count as an intentional program violation, with these federal penalties:

• A 12-month disqualification for the first violation
• A 24-month disqualification for the second violation
• Permanent disqualification for the third violation

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.

Separate your items at checkout, or ask the cashier to charge only the eligible food to your EBT card and pay for the rest another way.

Is the Return Policy Different for EBT Purchases?

Return policies are set by each store, so ask before you buy. Items bought with SNAP generally can’t be refunded in cash.

A store may exchange the item or credit your EBT account instead.

FAQs

1. How do I sign up to use my EBT SNAP benefits on InstaCart?

To use your EBT card, you must add it as a payment method within your account settings. According to government regulations, you must link a separate credit or debit card to your Instacart account to cover fees, bottle deposits, taxes, delivery tips, and other non-EBT SNAP-eligible items.

2. Can I use EBT SNAP for grocery delivery or pick-up orders on InstaCart?

Yes, EBT SNAP-eligible Instacart customers in the U.S. can pay for online grocery orders containing eligible items with a valid EBT card, in whole or in part, from participating stores in select states.

Conclusion

Instacart has made grocery shopping a lot easier and more convenient for EBT SNAP benefit recipients.

Check which stores near you accept EBT on Instacart before you build your order.