With increasing numbers of people doing their grocery shopping online these days, it is no wonder that the majority of SNAP recipients would wonder whether they can shop online using their benefits. The reply is yes—with some guidelines and regulations. This article explains how SNAP online grocery shopping works, which retailers are participating, how to get paid, and how to maximize your benefits.
How SNAP online shopping works
SNAP web shopping enables shoppers to purchase goods on the internet with their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards at participating retailers’ websites or mobile applications. The pilot first was implemented with the 2014 Farm Bill and eventually expanded nationwide to all the 50 states and the District of Columbia.
The most important features of SNAP online shopping are:
- Secure PIN entry: Online purchasing is just the entry of your own 4-digit PIN, as with purchasing in the store.
- Eligible items only: ONLY SNAP-eligible food purchases can be made with EBT dollars. The other items (household goods) and fees (delivery) must be paid separately.
- Split tender transactions: Pay using a separate method of payment (e.g., credit/debit card) when you are purchasing non-SNAP eligible items in your basket and non-SNAP eligible items together with the SNAP eligible items.
Where can you use SNAP benefits online?
Larger store chains and retail outlets partially enable you to use SNAP EBT when you shop online. The very popular among them are discussed below:
1. Amazon
- Qualifying services: Walmart Grocery, Walmart Pickup, and Walmart Delivery.
- How it works: Link your SNAP EBT card to your Walmart account and then buy items that have been marked “SNAP EBT Eligible.”
- Delivery fees: Free shipping on orders of $35 or more for non-members. Walmart does not have a membership fee for SNAP customers but charges $9.99 on orders less than $35.
2. Walmart
- Availability: Found in all 50 states and accepts SNAP EBT for delivery and pickup.
- Process: Sign up your EBT card on Walmart.com or through the app and subsequently choose “EBT Card” during checkout.
- Fees: Free pickup for orders of $35 or more; delivery charges begin at $7.95.
3. Other retailers
- ALDI, Kroger, and Safeway: Chains in your local area also have online SNAP, most often by Instacart or their websites.
- Farmers markets: A few do use EBT online or in the market with programs like “Double Up Food Bucks” to make their benefits go further.
To see a full list of authorized stores, go to the USDA’s SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot webpage.
What can be purchased with SNAP online?
Online, SNAP benefits can be used to purchase the same foods as in the supermarket, such as:
- Fresh vegetables and fruits, meat, milk, and bread.
- Chips and other foods and soft drinks and other beverages which are not alcoholic.
- Seeds which produce food items (e.g., tomato bushes).
Exceptions include Hot meals, alcohol, vitamins, and other non-foods (e.g., cat meal) are not available for purchase.
Pay for fees and non-eligible foods
Since SNAP won’t be covering delivery fees, service fees, or non-food items, you’ll need an alternate payment method. You can use:
- EBT cash benefits: If you have cash benefits on your EBT card (like TANF), use it to pay.
- Debit/Credit cards: Add a card to your account for making payment splits.
- Gift cards: Some stores (like Amazon) will accept gift cards for fee payments.
Online guidance on using SNAP Benefits
1. Track your balance: Track your balance via the MyDSS Mobile App, dial EBT customer service (1-888-328-2666), or examine receipts.
2. Arrange deliveries: Arrange to drop on your benefit deposit date (by initial letter of last name).
3. Spouting discounts: Retailers may provide free delivery or discount for SNAP recipients (such as in DoorDash’s initial attempt at DashPass).
4. No inactivity: Expired if not redeemed within 9 months.
It is convenient and easy to shop with SNAP, especially for those who have mobility or transportation challenges. While there are restrictions, knowledge of the policies—i.e., where to shop, payment methods, and what to accept—is still the best way to maximize rewards on your benefits. For further details, go to the USDA’s SNAP website or inquire from your local SNAP office.
Through the vehicle of online food buying, SNAP participants are better positioned to buy healthy food within program limits.
Read more: Can infant Christmas items be purchased with SNAP benefits and what do Food Stamps cover?
