Toilet paper is a must-have in every household, but can you buy it with EBT? Unfortunately, not always. According to the Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP benefits are restricted to food purchases and can’t be used for things like beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, supplements, live animals, and household supplies. Even though some states have expanded the list of items you can buy with EBT, toilet paper is usually not included.
If you’re in need of toilet paper and can’t use EBT, there are still options. Many community organizations and food banks offer help with essential household items, including toilet paper, for those who are struggling financially.
Purchasing Toilet Paper with EBT
Not all states cover toilet paper with SNAP benefits. Therefore, it is recommended to check with the local SNAP office or the state’s Department of Social Services to confirm eligibility for purchasing toilet paper with EBT.
How to Purchase Toilet Paper Using EBT
If toilet paper is eligible for purchase with EBT, it can be bought at participating retailers that accept EBT cards. When making the purchase, it is important to inform the cashier that the payment will be made using an EBT card. The cashier will then swipe the card and enter the amount of the purchase.
EBT cards cannot be used to purchase toilet paper online or through delivery services. The purchase must be made in person at a participating retailer.
Retailers Accepting EBT for Toilet Paper
EBT cards can be used to purchase essential items such as toilet paper. However, not all retailers accept EBT for this purpose. In general, retailers that accept EBT for food purchases will also accept EBT for hygiene products like toilet paper.
Here are some major retailers that accept EBT for toilet paper:
- Walmart: Walmart is one of the largest retailers in the world and accepts EBT for eligible food and non-food items, including toilet paper. Walmart sells a variety of toilet paper brands, including Charmin, Scott, and Cottonelle.
- Target: Target is another major retailer that accepts EBT for eligible food and non-food items, including toilet paper. Target sells a variety of toilet paper brands, including Quilted Northern, Angel Soft, and Up&Up.
- Amazon: Amazon is an online retailer that accepts EBT for eligible food purchases through its Amazon Fresh program. While Amazon does not accept EBT for non-food items like toilet paper directly, customers can use their EBT card to purchase Amazon gift cards, which can then be used to purchase toilet paper and other non-food items.
- Costco: Costco is a membership-based warehouse retailer that accepts EBT for eligible food and non-food items, including toilet paper. Costco sells a variety of toilet paper brands, including Kirkland Signature, Charmin, and Cottonelle.
EBT benefits vary by state, and not all states allow EBT to be used for non-food items like toilet paper. Additionally, some retailers may have restrictions on the types of toilet paper that can be purchased with EBT. Customers should check with their local retailers and state agencies for specific guidelines on EBT purchases.
For example, in California, EBT benefits can be used to purchase toilet paper, but only if it is a type that is considered a “necessary personal hygiene product”. In New York, EBT benefits can be used to purchase toilet paper, but only if it is not scented or colored.
Check with your state’s EBT program to understand the specific rules and regulations regarding the purchase of toilet paper and other non-food items with EBT benefits.
To learn more about the range of items you can purchase with an EBT card please refer to our comprehensive guide ‘What You Can Buy with EBT’. This guide offers valuable insights into the types of products eligible for EBT purchases,