Montana’s Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) system is an electronic system that allows Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants to pay for food using SNAP benefits. Residents of Montana with EBT cards often have access to a variety of discounts and free or reduced-price services. These discounts are designed to encourage healthy living and provide access to cultural and educational opportunities.
Several programs across the state offer benefits beyond the grocery checkout line. Museums, educational institutions, and public transportation services are among the entities that often provide reduced admission prices or fare discounts to EBT cardholders. This not only eases the financial burden on low-income families but also aims to enhance their quality of life by providing more diverse experiences and opportunities.
Food Purchase Discounts
Participating markets and grocery stores offer discounts on purchases made with Montana EBT cards. For example, discounts typically range from 5% to 10% off select items or total purchase amounts.
Educational Benefits
Institutions of higher learning and training centers may provide reduced tuition rates or fee waivers for EBT cardholders. These benefits aim to support individuals in enhancing their job prospects through education.
Recreational Access
State parks, museums, and cultural sites often provide discounted or free admission to visitors with a Montana EBT card. For instance, a family may receive 50% off regular admission prices.
Utility Assistance
The Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) provides financial assistance to eligible EBT cardholders to manage their heating and electricity bills. Assistance amounts vary based on income, family size, and utility costs.
Amazon Prime’s EBT Discount Program
Affordable Access to Amazon Prime
Residents holding a Montana Access Card are now eligible for an exceptional offer: the Amazon Prime EBT Discount. This initiative allows individuals with an EBT Card to enjoy the myriad benefits of Amazon Prime membership at a significantly reduced cost.
Prime Membership at a Discount
- Regular Cost: Amazon Prime is typically available at $14.99 monthly.
- EBT Card Holder Offer: Eligible EBT cardholders can access Amazon Prime for just $6.99 per month, slashing the standard rate by more than 50%.
Amazon & USDA Partnership
As part of a USDA pilot program, Amazon stands among the selected vendors approved to accept food stamps online. This collaboration facilitates the delivery of groceries through Amazon Pantry to various regions, promoting easier access to essential items.
Benefits of Amazon Prime Membership
Amazon Prime isn’t just about fast shipping. Here’s a glimpse of what members can enjoy:
Rapid and Free Delivery
- Expansive Selection: Fast, complimentary shipping on over 50 million items.
- Same-Day Delivery: Available in certain metro areas, offering free delivery on over a million products.
- Prime Now: In selected locations, enjoy free 2-hour delivery on daily necessities and groceries.
Entertainment Galore
- Movies and TV Shows: Instantly stream a vast selection of movies and TV series at no extra cost, compatible with various devices including Smart TVs, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, mobile phones, and more.
More Exclusive Benefits
- Grocery Shopping Online: Use your EBT Card to order groceries via Amazon Pantry, with delivery options in eligible states.
- Music Streaming: Access over two million songs and thousands of playlists without ads.
- Unlimited Reading: Dive into a wide array of books, magazines, and more across any device.
- Audible Originals: Unlimited listening to captivating audio series from Audible.
- Twitch Prime: Enjoy complimentary game content monthly, exclusive discounts, and more.
- Photo Storage: Secure unlimited photo storage, keeping all your memories in one place.
Discounted Cell Phone Services
| Cell Phone Provider | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| Cellular One | 800-934-3996 |
| Triangle Communications | 800-332-1201 |
| Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative | 800-452-2288 |
| Sagebrush Cellular | 800-636-6680 |
Discounted Home Phone Services
| Home Phone Provider | Contact Number |
|---|---|
| 3 Rivers Communications | 800-796-4567 |
| Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative, Inc. | 866-541-5000 |
| Central Montana Communications | 800-332-1201 |
| CenturyLink | 800-407-5411 |
| Frontier Communications | 800-921-8101 |
| Hot Springs Telephone Company | 406-741-2751 |
| Interbel Telephone Cooperative | 406-889-3311 |
| Lincoln Telephone Company | 406-362-4216 |
| Mid-Rivers Telephone Cooperative | 800-452-2288 |
| Nemont Telephone Cooperative | 800-636-6680 |
| Northern Telephone Cooperative | 888-785-3723 |
| Project Telephone Company | 800-636-6680 |
| Range Telephone | 406-347-2226 |
| Ronan Telephone Company | 406-676-2751 |
| Southern Montana Telephone Company | 406-689-3333 |
| Triangle Communications | 800-332-1201 |
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP)
The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) introduces an opportunity for EBT Cardholders to access reduced-cost internet services. Here’s what the ACP offers:
Monthly Internet Discount
- Save Monthly: Eligible households enjoy a $30 reduction on their internet bill each month, making connectivity more affordable.
One-Time Device Discount
- Tech Savings: Benefit from a one-time discount of $100 towards the purchase of a laptop, desktop, or tablet, facilitating access to the necessary technology for work, school, or leisure.
Additional Savings
- Combine and Save: Maximize your savings by combining the $30 ACP internet credit with your Lifeline phone service. This option offers a comprehensive way to reduce your monthly expenses on both phone and internet services.
Museum Discounts
| Museum | Address | Contact Number |
|---|---|---|
| Missoula Insectarium | 218 East Front Street, Missoula, MT 59807 | 406-317-1211 |
| Families First Children’s Museum | 225 West Front St., Missoula, MT 59802 | 406-541-7529 |
| Montana Natural History Center | 120 Hickory St., Suite A, Missoula, MT 59802 | 406-327-0405 |
| spectrUM Discovery Area | 812 Toole Avenue, Missoula, MT 59802 | 406-728-7836 |
| Children’s Museum of Bozeman | 202 South Willson Avenue, Bozeman, MT 59715 | 406-522-9087 |
| Wise Wonders Children’s Museum | 110 North 29th Street, Billings, MT 59101 | (406) 702-1280 |
Be sure to check out our other articles about Montana Food Stamps and EBT.