Electronic Benefit Transfers, or EBTs, are a system of distributing government benefits that have become a real help to those who make use of it in the United States. Services such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance distribute food stamps on cards similar to a debit card to purchase food and other eligible products at participating stores.
This card, which is loaded monthly with benefits, can only be used at specific stores participating in the program. Companies like Walmart are doing their part to help the community by participating in this program and welcoming EBT as one of their payment methods.
You definitely don’t just have to ask yourself questions like, “Does Walmart take Google Pay?”, “Does Walmart do Money Orders?” or “Do veterans get a discount at Walmart?” anymore. Because the answer is yes, Walmart also makes it easier for its customers to shop in these areas, in addition to helping them by accepting EBT.
What can you buy with EBT at Walmart?
The EBT system was created to replace the paper food stamp program that previously existed in the United States. With EBT, recipients can access their benefits more securely and conveniently, as they no longer have to carry paper coupons that can be lost or stolen. Thus, we are talking about a system directly related to food shopping.
At Walmart, EBT recipients can purchase food and several eligible products that are considered vital. Eligible foods include:
- Meats
- Fish
- Poultry
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Bread
- Cereals
- Dairy products
- Seeds for home growing
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Baby and toddler food
Non-food items that can be purchased with EBT at Walmart include soap, toilet paper, household cleaning products, and other essentials. Providing the opportunity for the card to be used for the widespread purchase of items needed in people’s daily lives.
So… What can’t be purchased at Walmart with EBT?
The products that cannot be purchased with EBT are those that are not considered a priority for a household. This includes alcohol, tobacco, pet products, and personal care items. However, this may well depend on the state aid laws that are in effect at the time of your purchase.
Can I buy the same things at all Walmart with EBT?
An important point to keep in mind is that the list of eligible products at Walmart with EBT can vary depending on the state you are in. For example, in some states, the purchase of homegrown seeds with EBT is active for users, while in some states, it is not.
It is, therefore, best to check the list of eligible products in your specific state to make sure that it exactly covers the purchase list with your EBT card. Thus avoiding a misunderstanding at home or, even worse, having the card withdrawn for non-compliance with the rules established in the aid granted.
Likewise, not all food products can be purchased at Walmart with EBT, such as prepared or ready-to-eat foods, like deli foods, or hot dishes, which are generally left off the list depending on the state.
However, some Walmarts label their products in the prepared foods area, indicating that they can be purchased with EBT, providing the opportunity to take advantage of the active benefit in this way.
How to shop at Walmart with EBT?
As one of the main participants in the food voucher credit payment program, Walmart seeks to make the EBT payment process simple. Thus, giving users the opportunity to spend this voucher and take home the food they need at the moment.
The first thing that is recommended for shopping at Walmart with EBT is that you verify the card and that it is active and with available funds. If you have any doubts about this, you can resolve them by calling the customer service number on the back of the card.
Normal purchase process
Once you have gone to the Walmart store, it is time to verify the products you want to buy, checking to make sure they are eligible as EBT-accepted grocery essentials.
When selecting the products, you will typically go to the cash register, where you will present your EBT card to the cashier.
Paying with the EBT card
The cashier or EBT card reader will ask you to enter your four-digit Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete the transaction. In the same manner, you will be asked to wait for the transaction to process.
If the transaction is processed successfully, you will be shown the total amount of the purchase. The amount will be automatically deducted from your EBT balance. If the balance on your card is not sufficient to cover the total amount of the purchase, you will be asked to pay the difference with another form of payment, such as a credit or debit card.
Is there a limit to the number of items I can purchase with my EBT card at Walmart?
Walmart imposes limits on the number of products that can be purchased with the EBT card, which may vary by product and will depend directly on state-specific regulations.
In general, EBT recipients can purchase any number of eligible products with their EBT card as long as they have funds available in their accounts. However, there are limits on the amount of certain products that can be purchased at Walmart with EBT. For example, in some states, there are limits on the amount of meat, poultry, and fish that can be purchased with EBT.
Normally, EBT recipients can purchase any amount of milk and juice, but there are limits on the amount of sports drinks, energy drinks, and coffee-based beverages that can be purchased with EBT.
References
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“Snap EBT Grocery Delivery PickUp.” Walmart, https://www.walmart.com/cp/snap-ebt-grocery-delivery-pickup/8040315?
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“Snap Online.” Walmart, https://www.walmart.com/cp/snap-online/1465096