Yes, You Can! Everything to Know About Can You Use Food Stamps at Walmart Online

Are you wondering, can you use food stamps at Walmart online? Good news! In today’s world, where so much shopping happens from our phones or computers, it’s super helpful to know if you can use your food stamp benefits (also called SNAP or EBT) for online grocery shopping. This article will walk you through exactly how it works at Walmart, what you can buy, and what to expect.

The Big Answer: Using Your EBT Card Online at Walmart

Let’s get right to it! A common question people have is, “Can you use food stamps at Walmart online?” Yes, you absolutely can use your food stamp EBT card to pay for eligible groceries when shopping online at Walmart.com for pickup or delivery. This program helps make healthy food more accessible for families by letting them shop from home.

How Online EBT Shopping Works at Walmart

Shopping for groceries online at Walmart with your EBT card is pretty straightforward, much like using a regular debit card. You’ll browse for items, add them to your cart, and then choose how you want to get your groceries.

First, you need to make sure your Walmart.com account is set up with your EBT card. You’ll add it as a payment method, just like you would a credit card. Once it’s linked, when you check out, you’ll see the option to use your EBT card for eligible food items.

Remember, EBT benefits are usually split into two parts: SNAP (food stamps) for groceries, and sometimes cash benefits for other things. When you shop online, the system will automatically try to use your SNAP benefits for approved food items first.

Here’s a quick look at the steps:

• Create a Walmart.com account if you don’t have one.
• Add your EBT card as a payment method.
• Shop for groceries online.
• Select “Pickup” or “Delivery” at checkout.
• Choose EBT as your payment method for eligible items.

What You Can Buy with EBT Online

When you use your EBT card online at Walmart, you can buy most of the same food items you would normally purchase in the store with your SNAP benefits. This includes fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snack foods.

Think about all the basic groceries your family needs to make meals. Those are usually covered! This makes it really convenient to fill your pantry without having to physically walk through the aisles.

It’s important to remember that only certain items are approved by the SNAP program. Non-food items or hot, prepared foods are generally not allowed.

Here are some common items you can buy:

1. Fresh produce (fruits, vegetables)
2. Meat, poultry, and fish
3. Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)
4. Breads and cereals
5. Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages

What You Can’t Buy with EBT Online

While your EBT card covers a lot of groceries, there are some things you cannot buy with your SNAP benefits, whether you’re shopping online or in the store. These rules are set by the government, not by Walmart.

The main idea is that SNAP benefits are for “food for the household.” This means things like paper towels, soap, shampoo, and even pet food are not covered by your food stamp benefits. You’ll need to use a different payment method for these items.

Sometimes people get confused about hot, prepared foods. Even if it’s food, if it’s hot and ready to eat, you generally can’t buy it with SNAP.

Adding Your EBT Card to Your Walmart Account

To start using your EBT card for online orders, you first need to link it to your Walmart.com account. This is a crucial step that makes checkout super easy later on. Don’t worry, it’s a simple process similar to adding any other payment method.

You can usually do this in your account settings under the “Payment Methods” section. There will be an option to add an EBT card. You’ll need to enter your card number and maybe your name as it appears on the card.

Once your card is added, it will be saved securely for future purchases. Just make sure to keep your PIN safe and never share it with anyone.

When you’re ready to check out, you’ll be able to select your EBT card as the payment for the eligible food items in your cart. Any non-food items will need to be paid for separately with another payment method, like a debit or credit card.

States Where Walmart Online EBT is Available

The ability to use EBT online is part of a special program. This means it might not be available everywhere at the exact same time. However, Walmart has been one of the biggest participants in expanding this service, so it’s now available in most states across the U.S.

The program is often called the “SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot.” Because it’s a federal program, states need to opt-in and get approved to participate. Walmart then works with those states to offer the service.

If you’re unsure if it’s available in your area, the best way to check is to visit Walmart.com and start an order, or look up your state’s SNAP program website for current information.

1. Visit Walmart.com and enter your zip code.
2. Start building a grocery order.
3. Proceed to checkout and look for the EBT payment option.
4. If you see it, it’s likely available in your area!

Understanding Delivery Options and Fees

When you shop online at Walmart using your EBT card, you’ll usually have a couple of options for getting your groceries: pickup or delivery. For pickup orders, you typically won’t have any extra fees. You just drive to the store, and they bring your groceries out to your car.

However, if you choose delivery, there might be fees involved. These delivery fees, along with any tips for the driver, cannot be paid for with your SNAP EBT benefits. This is because SNAP is specifically for food purchases.

So, if you opt for delivery, you’ll need a separate payment method—like a debit card, credit card, or even your EBT cash benefits if you have them—to cover those extra charges. This is important to remember when budgeting for your online order.

Tips for Smooth EBT Online Shopping at Walmart

To make your online grocery shopping with EBT at Walmart as smooth as possible, there are a few handy tips to keep in mind. These can help you avoid surprises and make the most of your benefits.

Always double-check your cart before checkout. The Walmart website and app are usually good at showing which items are EBT-eligible, but it’s good to be aware. If you have both eligible and non-eligible items, you’ll be prompted to pay for the non-eligible ones with another payment method.

It’s also a good idea to keep track of your EBT balance. You can usually check this online through your state’s EBT portal or by calling the number on the back of your card. Knowing your balance helps you plan your shopping trips and avoid running out of funds unexpectedly.

• Regularly check your EBT balance before shopping.
• Separate eligible food items from non-eligible items in your cart to see the split clearly.
• Have a backup payment method ready for delivery fees or non-SNAP items.
• Consider using the “pickup” option to avoid delivery fees if possible.

Remember that prices and item availability can change, just like in a regular store. If an item you ordered is out of stock, Walmart will usually offer a substitution or remove it from your order, and your EBT charge will adjust accordingly.

Using your food stamp benefits online at Walmart is a fantastic way to shop for groceries conveniently. By understanding how the program works, what you can buy, and how to manage delivery options, you can make online shopping a smooth and helpful part of your routine. It’s a great step forward in making healthy food more accessible for everyone!