Does Walmart Take EBT(Food Stamp)

Yes, Walmart does accept food Stamp, Walmart take EBT payments (food stamps). These food stamps are for all the grocery items that are "SNAP-eligible," which you buy in-store, at its close to 5000 outlets, and the ones you buy online on Walmart.com in specific locations.

The Walmart brand was one of the pioneers in accepting food stamps as payment for the groceries customers purchased from its stores.

Walmart's stores allow SNAP transactions that enable all the beneficiaries to get easy access to food and ensure their families have adequate food supplies.

In 2017, the Walmart brand began taking EBT payments for store and curbside pickups.

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 Walmart cash cards.

Is Waltmart an Approved WIC Retailer?

WIC is available in all 50 States, 34 Indian Tribal Organizations, America Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Each State is responsible for authorizing stores to accept WIC checks. At a minimum, the State will consider the prices of foods, the business integrity of the store’s owner including if the owner has been disqualified from the SNAP, and the variety and quantity of foods available in the store.

Nearly 46,000 stores are currently authorized to accept WIC checks.It depends on your specific city and state as to whether Costco is a WIC approved retailer.

Shopping at Walmart with EBT

If you haven’t shopped at Walmart yet, you probably don’t own its membership card. If you’re among the non-members, you won’t be able to enter the Walmart warehouses.

You’ll have to purchase a Walmart membership first. Making purchases in person is only possible for Walmart members.

You can shop at Walmart, but only if you’re with a member or you have someone else’s membership card.

During the Coronavirus pandemic, food stamps were valuable in helping Walmart satisfy the growing demand for online deliveries of food supplies. It made this possible through its collaboration with the online purchasing program of USDA.

Essentially, SNAP beneficiaries have an excellent avenue here that helps them access various most nutritious food options, and Walmart then delivers the supplies to homes.

Usually, all the SNAP beneficiaries who live in states lacking online EBT payments must pay for their supplies using their EBT cards after checking out the supplies they have picked when they are at the store or picking up their supplies.

What items can you buy with your food stamps at Walmart?

The best thing about using your food stamps at Walmart is that they allow you to make EBT payments to buy various ebt eligible items. Walmart offers you many food products that qualify to be included in the SNAP program.

Our list below gives you a sneak peek into some of the items you can use ebt at walmart to purchase with your food stamps!

  • Dairy products
  • Cooking oil
  • Vegetables
  • Bread and Cereal
  • Beverages (Non-alcoholic)
  • Fruits
  • Meat and Seafood
  • Snack food
  • Spices

What items can’t you purchase with your food stamps at Walmart?

As much as there are many items you can buy with your food stamps, many are restricted too! These prohibited items include:

  • Alcohol
  • Healthcare products
  • Pet food
  • Toiletries
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Tobacco
  • Gas
  • Clothing

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 Walmart?

Effectively using your food stamps at Walmart stores or on their Walmart.com website requires your EBT card to be valid and have enough balance to redeem your SNAP benefits.

If you need to check your EBT card balance, use the ConnectEBT app.

When using your EBT card in-store, use it the same way you usually use your credit or debit cards. Here are the steps to follow!

1. Load your cart with grocery items that are SNAP-eligible.

2. Inform the cashier that you will pay for your items using your EBT card.

3. Here, the cashier rings up your purchases and scans your EBT card.

4. Enter your PIN to wrap up the purchase.

On the other hand, to use your food stamps when buying items from the Walmart app or the Walmart.com website, follow the steps!

1. You are required to first create an account on the app or website.

2. Log in to your account and select a payment method.

3. You can add your EBT card information if your local Walmart outlet takes online EBT payments.

4. Fill in all your card information and save these details.

5. After 24 hours, you can build your cart and head to the checkout.

6. While at checkout, on select payment method screen, select EBT card as your payment option to pay with your EBT card.

7. Finally, click on "Continue" and key in your 4-digit pin to complete your purchase.

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.

Can you use your food stamps for online purchases at Walmart?

Yes, it does! You can use your EBT card to pay for an online purchase by signing in to your Walmart pickup and delivery account. Then, select "Payment Methods" to pay.

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 Walmart accept EBT cards?

Yes, it does! Walmart currently allows you to make EBT card purchases at all the spots selling food and grocery items.

2. Can you use EBT Online at Walmart?

Walmart currently accepts EBT Food and EBT Cash for all online transactions done across 44 U.S. states. Only Alaska, Arkansas, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine, and Montana do not allow using EBT online at Walmart.

3. Can I Buy Gas with my EBT Card?

No, But you can make an ATM withdrawal with your EBT card and take cash out of your “Cash Account” and use that to buy gas.

Be sure you understand the cash withdrawal limits on your EBT account before doing this as it might not be worth the savings.

4. Can I Use My EBT Card for Grocery Delivery?

No, you can't use your EBT card to make your grocery delivery order at Walmart.

Conclusion

In the form of food stamps, SNAP benefits have helped many Americans fight hunger and alleviate poverty. Walmart has made it easier for disadvantaged Americans to enjoy SNAP's perks using food stamps.

Use our post to know what your food stamps can buy and how to reap maximum benefit.