The electronic benefits transfer card (EBT card), or Food Stamp card, works basically like a debit card. The program deposits funds that are only used for a limited number of foodstuffs and retailers.
A nutritional plan has been recommended for SNAP recipients by the USDA. This plan emphasizes fresh vegetables, fruits, canned foods, and other healthy edibles. It also encourages purchases from grocery stores.
As a beneficiary, knowing what basic things to buy using your EBT should not be a difficult task. You can use the SNAP-ED program to help you plan and prepare healthy meals while using SNAP funds. Read on to know what you can and cannot use the EBT card to purchase.
How do I renew my Food Stamps?
Before heading to renew your food Stamp, below are some to the documents required
- Date of birth
- Proof of identity
- Immigration status or citizenship
- Income and employment status
- Proof of household income (child support payments, pay stubs)
- Criminal background (Optional: Parole, probation, felony conviction)
- Social Security Number
Get the form and submit it. You can submit it online, through the mail, or physically.
Online renewal
- Visit the website Georgia Gateway
- Login with your information or create an account (if new)
- Submit the application after filling in the required information.
Mail or physical renewal
- Go to any nearby DFCS office using your zip code or location by city and country.
- Confirm the address. This is because some of the offices have a separate physical and mailing address.
- Complete your form and mail it to the office.
Your request will be processed for about 30 days after submission. You will be sent a renewal letter which includes the date of submission.
Early renewal is done on the 15th of the month. However, you can still submit even after the submission date, but you will have an interruption in your benefits. You can contact the local office near you through the mail or by calling with any complaint.
Note: Complaints should be made within 10 days after you receive your eligibility notice.
Can You Use EBT Card/Food Stamps To Purchase Hot Food?
Households eligible for SNAP benefits, even with little or no income, are given assistance when purchasing foods to help them stay on budget. This program is administered at the state level and funded by the Department of Agriculture in the United States.
EBT can only be used for purchasing:
- Diary produce
- Fruits and vegetables
- Cereals and breads
- Non-alcoholic beverages and snack foods
- Meat and fish
- Plants or seeds that would produce food for the household.
You cannot use your EBT card to purchase food that is to be eaten in a restaurant or food that is sold “hot.” This rules out prepared delivery foods and rotisserie chicken. However, if the state restaurant is using the benefits given to them by SNAP, and if the food is prepared and hot, that is even the best time to purchase it.
To fully be a participant of the Restaurant Meal Program, you must be a resident in a state that has RMP and every household member must be eligible in at least one of these criteria below
- Disabled
- Should be at least 60 years
- Homeless
Note: You can also represent your spouse if eligible for the RMP
In the United States, there are currently only seven states participating in the restaurant meal program. They are: California, Illinois, Arizona, Virginia, Michigan, Maryland, and Rhode Island.
Not all restaurants and countries participate in the Restaurant Meal Program. Always call to confirm if the location accepts EBT.
What foods can I buy with EBT SNAP benefits?
A definition of food given by the food and nutrition field is, “Any food or product for consumption.” This also includes plants and seeds to produce for household consumption (SNAP users). The SNAP benefits can only be used for the purchase of edible food.
Here are things you can use your EBT / SNAP to purchase
- Bottled water and Non-alcoholic beverages
- Diary
- Poultry
- Fruits and vegetables
You cannot use the EBT / SNAP to purchase,
- Vitamins and medicines
- Food that will be consumed in the restaurant premises
- Wine, Beer, cigarette, tobacco and liquor
- Already prepare Hot Food
- Other inedible products like paper, soaps, pet foods, and other household staples.
One of SNAP’s benefits is that you can also purchase your baby’s food, like juices, infant formula, baby food in jars and boxes, and cereals.
How do I request a replacement card?
For a damaged, lost, or stolen card, contact EBT Customer Service at (800) 997-2555. You can also request a replacement through the mail or visit any local office near you.
Requesting a new card will automatically deactivate the old card. It is not necessary to change your PIN except if your card was stolen. However, a new one will be given to you if you still want to change it.
A replacement card does not replace the old benefits. All the benefits in the old card will still continue automatically in the replaced card.
Is there a fee for replacing my EBT card?
Requesting a card replacement requires a $5 fee from your benefits. If there are no benefits left on your card, the fee will still be deducted later, after a renewal is made.
However, you won’t be charged in these situations;
- A card went missing in the mail.
- If it was a defective card
- You change your name and social security number
- You were given a card replacement based on domestic violence or disability reasons.
Talk to your investigator or manager if you have gotten more than four cards replaced within a year. This is because the DTA may investigate you for fraud. Selling benefits and cards is illegal and may cost you the benefits.
What apps accepts EBT cards?
If you have a challenge and cannot go to the grocery store, there are many online stores and retailers that allow you to use the EBT card for orders, deliveries, and pickup.
Online shopping is made available for EBT users through apps like Walmart, H-E-B, Albertsons, Kroger, Hy-Vee, Shoprite, Safe Way, and Stop & Shop. You can also use your EBT to order on Instacart.
Walmart:
Walmart accepts payments with SNAP EBT when you complete an online grocery shop with them. You simply have to visit Walmart.com or download the app, create an account and start ordering. Only customers residing in Montana and Alaska are allowed to pay on pickup with the EBT card.
Walmart also offers free pickup for orders above $35 (you will be charged a pickup fee if your order falls below that). However, you can only purchase eligible food items with the card.
Target
Target has plans to start up the payment system with EBT so that customers using the card can only purchase eligible groceries. This would be done on the website Target.com
Instacart will also provide you grocery through Price Rite, ALDI, Stop & Shop, Market 32, Handforth Supermarket, and Price chopper
Where can I pay with EBT for fast food?
As a SNAP user, you will be able to locate fast food outlets that can sell them to you using your benefits. However, because SNAP benefits are different for each state, you should check with the local restaurant and the law of the state where you reside to know if the benefit will be accepted.
Here are some fast foods that will sell to you with your SNAP benefits
- Burger King
- Subway
- Taco Bell
- KFC
- Domino’s Pizza
- Jack in the Box
- Dennis
- McDonald’s
- Jambalaya Juice
- Wendy’s
- Papa Murphys
- El Pollo Loco
- Carl’s Jr
- Blimps
- Dairy Queen
Currently, in the United States, there are only seven states that operate a program for SNAP beneficiaries. You can also use the funds to purchase some drinks that meet the strict standards of SNAP and USDA.
In summary:
As long as you have benefits on the card, there is no restriction on how frequently you can use your EBT card to purchase food in a given month. Using your EBT card to purchase food has no cost or fee. Should your EBT card be lost