Amazon now allows SNAP participants to use their EBT cards to buy eligible food items online. This service includes a variety of products such as fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy, all available for delivery to your home.
Available nationwide, this initiative enhances grocery shopping convenience for SNAP recipients by enabling EBT payments on Amazon.com, Amazon Fresh, and Whole Foods Market without needing an Amazon Prime membership. This partnership with the U.S. government aims to make grocery shopping more accessible and convenient for those using SNAP benefits.
Overview of EBT Acceptance on Amazon
Amazon has embraced the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards as a method of payment for online grocery orders. This initiative is part of a USDA pilot program aimed at increasing accessibility to necessities for individuals relying on SNAP benefits.
Eligible customers across the United States can shop for groceries on Amazon.com, as well as on Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods Market where available.
How to Use EBT on Amazon
Here’s how one can use their EBT on Amazon:
Step 1: Account Setup
First, individuals need to create an Amazon account if they don’t already have one.
Step 2: Add SNAP EBT Card
Once the account is set up, they must add their SNAP EBT card information to their Amazon account. To do this, they should visit the SNAP EBT section on Amazon and follow the on-screen instructions.
Step 3: Shopping
When shopping, customers should look for the label indicating SNAP EBT eligibility. They can then add the eligible items to their cart.
Step 4: Checkout
During checkout, EBT cardholders select their SNAP EBT card as the payment method. It is important to note that delivery fees, service charges, and any non-food items must be paid for with another form of payment.
Eligible Items for EBT Purchase
The following are categories and examples of eligible products:
- Fruits and Vegetables: Fresh, frozen, canned, or packaged fruits and vegetables without added sugars or fats.
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish: A range of options including beef, chicken, pork, and seafood.
- Dairy Products: Milk, cheese, yogurt, and other dairy items.
- Breads and Cereals: Whole wheat bread, rice, pasta, and breakfast cereals.
- Snacks and Non-Alcoholic Beverages: Nuts, crackers, non-alcoholic drinks, and snack bars.
- Pantry Staples: Cooking oils, flour, herbs, spices, and vinegar.
To make shopping easier, Amazon labels items that are SNAP EBT eligible. Below is an outline of the SNAP benefits as per Amazon’s listing:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables | Apples, berries, carrots, potatoes |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish | Chicken breasts, salmon, ground beef |
| Dairy Products | Cheddar cheese, whole milk, Greek yogurt |
| Breads and Cereals | Brown rice, oatmeal, whole grain bread |
| Snacks and Beverages | Almonds, sparkling water, granola bars |
| Pantry Staples | Olive oil, black pepper, baking powder |
Items not eligible include alcohol, tobacco, pet food, household supplies, as well as hot foods or foods meant for immediate consumption. Users should look for the SNAP EBT Eligible label on products as they browse Amazon’s selection to ensure their purchase complies with the benefits program.
Geographical Availability of EBT on Amazon
As of 2020, a number of states were added to the program, broadening Amazon’s reach to SNAP beneficiaries. These states include:
- Colorado
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
Amazon continues to expand the service, with the intention of covering more areas. As such, beneficiaries are encouraged to keep updated with Amazon or the USDA for the most current availability.
Troubleshooting Common EBT Issues on Amazon
If customers have trouble using their SNAP EBT card on Amazon, they should first check that all items in their cart are EBT eligible, as Amazon marks specific grocery items for SNAP benefits.
If there are issues at checkout, be aware that Amazon’s interface may change, potentially causing confusion. Carefully reviewing the new layout can help find the correct options for using EBT. If the EBT card is refused, ensure it is active and up to date.
Users should:
- Check card balance: Ensure there are sufficient funds for the purchase.
- Verify card details: Double-check the card number and other details entered.
If issues persist, reaching out to Amazon’s customer service through the ‘Help’ section on their website can provide targeted assistance. Remember, during periods of high demand, such as a pandemic, response times may be prolonged.
- Amazon Fresh and Delivery Fees: For Amazon Fresh orders, customers using SNAP EBT without Prime membership may encounter service fees. These fees can range from $6.95 to $9.95 for orders under $100. However, orders over $100 and pickup orders have no delivery charge for EBT users.
Users should be aware that continued issues might arise from Amazon’s end, not the EBT card itself. In such instances, they can attempt to:
- Check for any notifications or alerts in their Amazon account which may explain the issue.
- Wait and retry as it might be a temporary technical glitch.
By methodically addressing these common issues, customers can often resolve EBT card usage problems on Amazon.
EBT and Amazon Prime Discounts
Amazon offers a significant discount on Amazon Prime membership to EBT and government assistance recipients. The discount allows eligible individuals to access Amazon Prime for a reduced fee of $6.99 per month instead of the regular price of $14.99 per month.
- Eligibility: To qualify, an individual must be a recipient of government assistance such as EBT.
- Benefits: The discounted membership includes:
- Free two-day shipping on eligible items
- Access to Prime Video
- Amazon Fresh delivery options
- Prime Pantry access
For more detailed information on how to take advantage of this offer, including the step-by-step process to sign up, check out our guide on How to Get an Amazon Prime EBT Discount.
For SNAP EBT customers, Amazon facilitates grocery shopping with equivalent delivery fees for Prime members. Here is a summary of the fees structure for Amazon Fresh deliveries:
| Order Total | Delivery Fee |
|---|---|
| Under $50 | $9.95 |
| $50 – $100 | $6.95 |
| Over $100 | Free |
Additionally, SNAP EBT customers have the option of free pick-up at Amazon Fresh locations across the United States. Interested customers need to start with a 30-day free trial to explore the services before committing to the subscription.
Amazon’s commitment to this program suggests that the company sees value in serving SNAP beneficiaries long-term and is aligned with the USDA objectives to provide food security for all eligible Americans. The trajectory indicates progress towards a more inclusive online marketplace.