If you’re using an EBT card (Electronic Benefit Transfer), also known as a food stamp card or SNAP card, it’s important to know what you can and can’t buy. EBT cards are meant to help people buy food, but there are some restrictions. This essay will break down what you *cannot* purchase with your EBT card so you know the rules. Understanding these rules will help you make the most of your benefits and avoid any problems at the checkout line.
Non-Food Items
You can’t use your EBT card to buy non-food items. This is pretty straightforward, but it’s one of the most common things people are unsure about. Think of your EBT card as a “food only” credit card. It’s designed to help people put food on the table, so things that aren’t food are off-limits.
Household Supplies
Many things you need around the house aren’t considered food, which means your EBT card can’t cover them. This includes everything from cleaning products to paper goods. Imagine you’re making a shopping list, and anything that isn’t something you eat or drink, probably can’t be bought with EBT.
- Laundry detergent
- Dish soap
- Cleaning supplies (like bleach or window cleaner)
- Paper towels and napkins
- Toilet paper
These are necessary for keeping a home clean and functioning, but they’re not food, so you’ll need to find another way to pay for them. Remember that even if a store sells food and non-food items, your EBT card can only be used on qualifying food items.
Even things like trash bags and foil wrap, while related to food storage, aren’t considered food items. The EBT program is focused on what you eat, not what you use to manage your kitchen. This is important when you’re planning your shopping trip and making sure you have enough money to cover all your needs.
Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco Products
Another area where your EBT card is restricted is alcohol and tobacco. The rules are clear: these items are never allowed. It doesn’t matter if it’s beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or chewing tobacco. These items are considered non-essential and not part of the program’s goals.
This is the same regardless of the type of store. You can’t buy these items with your EBT card, whether you’re at a grocery store, a convenience store, or a liquor store. The cashiers are trained to prevent these purchases, and the point-of-sale systems are set up to block them.
This rule is not only for the products themselves but also for any accessories, like cigarette lighters or rolling papers. It is also against the rules to use your EBT to purchase items with alcohol, such as cooking wines or some cocktail mixes that might have alcohol content in them.
Keep in mind that you cannot buy these things with your EBT card, even if you have some cash back on the same card. This separation helps maintain the integrity of the program and ensures that funds are used for food purchases only.
Vitamins, Medicine, and Supplements
You can’t buy vitamins, supplements, or medicine with your EBT card, unless they are considered food. This includes things like over-the-counter drugs and vitamins, which are designed to improve health. However, there are some exceptions.
If a supplement is labeled as a “food” by the FDA, you might be able to buy it. This can get a bit tricky, so it is best to pay attention to the packaging. Some foods are fortified with vitamins, and these are generally allowed. But vitamins themselves usually aren’t.
Here is a quick breakdown of things you can and cannot buy with your EBT:
| Item | EBT Allowed? |
|---|---|
| Multi-vitamins | No |
| Prescription Medications | No |
| Protein Powder (if labeled as food) | Sometimes |
| Cough drops | No |
If you’re unsure about an item, it is always best to check with the store clerk before you get to the register. Don’t be embarrassed to ask; it’s better to be sure than to have to put items back at the checkout.
Hot Foods and Prepared Meals
Generally, your EBT card can’t be used to buy hot foods that are ready to eat. This means no buying a hot rotisserie chicken, or a freshly made pizza from the deli section, unless you are using a special program. Some stores have implemented programs that permit you to buy hot food, but this is up to the discretion of the establishment.
This rule is in place to help ensure that people are getting nutritious groceries. However, there are always exceptions! The main rule is: the food needs to be a raw product, or a cold item, for you to buy it with your EBT.
- At grocery stores, you can generally buy cold deli salads, such as coleslaw.
- Canned soup is typically allowed, but soup from the hot bar is not.
- You can use EBT to purchase ingredients to make your own hot food.
- Some participating restaurants allow SNAP benefits to be used.
It’s a good idea to check with the store if you’re unsure about something. Again, the point is to support purchases of food to cook at home to promote a healthy diet.
Knowing these restrictions helps you plan your grocery trips, so you don’t have to put things back at the register and so you can make the most of your benefits.