Navigating Online Groceries: Can You Use Food Stamps Online Walmart?

Grocery shopping has changed a lot, and more and more people are finding it super handy to shop online. But if you rely on food stamps (which are now called EBT benefits), you might wonder if this modern convenience is available to you. So, can you use food stamps online Walmart to get your groceries delivered or picked up? Let’s dive in and find out exactly how it all works.

The Big Answer: Using Your EBT Card at Walmart.com

Many families depend on EBT benefits to put food on the table, and it’s great news that technology is making things easier. So, to answer your big question directly: Yes, you absolutely can use food stamps online at Walmart for eligible grocery items, both for pickup and delivery! This means you can do all your food shopping from your computer or phone, which can save you a lot of time and effort.

What Exactly Are “Food Stamps” and EBT?

First off, let’s clear up some lingo. “Food stamps” is the old name for what’s officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. These days, instead of physical stamps, you get your benefits on an electronic card, called an EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card. It works a lot like a debit card.

Your EBT card is loaded with funds each month to help you buy food. When you swipe it or enter the card details online, the money comes directly from your benefit balance. It’s a secure and easy way to access your food assistance.

The EBT card is specifically for buying food items. This includes things like fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and cereals. It’s designed to help you get nutritious groceries for your household.

What your EBT card covers:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meats, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
• Breads and cereals
• Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
• Seeds and plants that produce food for the household

It doesn’t cover things like hot, ready-to-eat foods, alcohol, tobacco, pet food, or household supplies.

How to Link Your EBT Card to Your Walmart Account

Getting set up to use your EBT card online at Walmart is pretty simple. The first thing you’ll need is a Walmart.com account. If you don’t have one, it’s free and easy to create. Just head to their website or download the Walmart app.

Once you’re logged in, you’ll want to add your EBT card as a payment method. Think of it like adding a debit or credit card to an online shopping account.

Here are the steps to link your EBT card:

1. Log in to your Walmart.com account.
2. Go to “Account” then “Payment Methods.”
3. Look for an option to “Add new payment method” or “Add EBT card.”
4. Enter your 16-digit EBT card number and the expiration date.
5. You might also be asked for the PIN associated with your card to verify it.
6. Save your card, and it should now be linked to your account!

After your card is linked, when you go to check out your groceries, you’ll see your EBT card as one of the payment choices. Just make sure to select it for your food-eligible items.

What You Can Buy Online with Your EBT Card at Walmart

When you’re shopping online with your EBT card, you can pretty much buy the same types of food items you would normally buy in the store. This includes all the basics like fresh produce, meats, dairy, and pantry staples. Basically, if you can buy it with your EBT card in a physical Walmart store, you can likely buy it online too.

Walmart’s online system is smart and knows what counts as an EBT-eligible item. As you add things to your cart, it keeps track of which items can be paid for with your food benefits.

Here’s a quick look at what’s generally allowed versus not allowed with EBT:

If you have items in your cart that aren’t covered by EBT, like cleaning supplies or a new toy, you’ll need a different payment method for those specific things. The system will separate them out for you at checkout.

Understanding Delivery and Pickup Options with EBT

One of the best parts about online shopping at Walmart is choosing how you get your groceries. With your EBT card, you have access to both convenient options: grocery pickup and grocery delivery.

When you choose grocery pickup, you shop online, pick a time slot, and then drive to your local Walmart. A friendly associate will bring your order right out to your car. This option is often free, which is great because EBT benefits generally can’t be used to pay for service fees.

Grocery delivery means your order is brought straight to your doorstep. This can be a huge help if you don’t have a car or can’t easily get to the store. Just remember, while your EBT card covers the cost of eligible food items, it typically won’t cover delivery fees, tips, or any service charges.

So, if you opt for delivery, you’ll need a separate payment method (like a debit card, credit card, or even another type of EBT card for cash benefits) to cover these extra costs. It’s important to keep this in mind when you’re checking out.

Dealing with Mixed Orders (EBT and Non-EBT Items)

It’s totally normal to buy both food items and non-food items in the same shopping trip. Maybe you need some milk, but also some paper towels or shampoo. When you’re shopping online at Walmart, their system is set up to handle this with ease.

When you go to checkout, Walmart’s website or app will automatically separate your cart into two groups: items eligible for EBT (your food items) and items not eligible for EBT (like household goods or personal care products).

You’ll then be prompted to pay for the EBT-eligible items using your EBT card. After that, you’ll use a different payment method for the non-EBT items. This could be a debit card, credit card, or even another form of cash benefits if you have them.

The process is really smooth. You don’t have to make two separate orders or worry about what goes where; Walmart’s checkout system guides you through each step. Just make sure you have a second payment method ready if you plan to buy things beyond food.

What if Your Order Changes or Gets Canceled?

Sometimes, things happen with online orders. An item you wanted might be out of stock, or maybe you need to change your pickup time. Here are a few common scenarios:

• If an item you ordered is out of stock, Walmart might offer a substitution. You can usually choose whether to accept the substitute or not.
• If an item is simply removed from your order because it’s unavailable and no suitable substitute exists, you won’t be charged for it.
• If you cancel your entire order, the money that was held on your EBT card will be returned to your balance.

For EBT payments, any refunds usually go back onto your EBT card within a few business days. It’s not an instant cash refund, but the benefits will reappear on your card for future purchases. It’s a good idea to check your EBT balance a day or two after any changes or cancellations to make sure your funds have been returned.

If your order was a “mixed order” (meaning you paid with both EBT and another card), then the refund for EBT items goes back to your EBT card, and the refund for non-EBT items goes back to your other payment method.

This process is pretty standard across online grocery platforms, so you can generally feel confident that your benefits will be managed correctly even if your order needs adjusting.

Tips for a Smooth Online EBT Shopping Experience

To make sure your online grocery shopping with EBT at Walmart goes as smoothly as possible, here are some helpful tips:

• Check your EBT balance first: Always know how much you have available on your card before you start shopping. You can usually check your balance online, by phone, or sometimes on your receipt from a previous purchase.
• Create a shopping list: Just like shopping in person, having a list helps you stay organized and avoid forgetting important items.
• Look for “pickup” to avoid fees: If you don’t want to pay delivery or service fees, choosing the “pickup” option is your best bet, as EBT won’t cover those charges.
• Have a backup payment method: If you plan to buy anything besides food, or if you choose delivery, make sure you have a debit or credit card ready for those extra costs.

Don’t be afraid to try the “substitutions allowed” option if you’re okay with it. This can prevent items from being removed from your order entirely if your first choice isn’t available. Walmart tries to find similar items at the same or lower price.

Make sure your contact information on your Walmart account is up to date, especially your phone number. This way, if there are any issues with your order, the store can easily reach out to you.

Finally, double-check your cart and selected payment methods before you hit that “place order” button. A quick review can save you time and hassle later on.

So, there you have it! Using your food stamps (EBT benefits) to shop online at Walmart is not only possible but also a really convenient way to get your groceries. It opens up a world of flexibility, allowing you to shop from home, choose between pickup and delivery, and manage your budget efficiently. By following these steps and tips, you can enjoy the ease of online grocery shopping and make the most of your benefits.