If you’re using an EBT card (Electronic Benefit Transfer), which is like a debit card for food assistance, you probably already know it helps you buy groceries. But, you might be wondering, “What foods can I not buy with EBT?” It’s important to know the rules to avoid any problems at the checkout. Let’s dive in and learn what’s allowed and what’s not!
Non-Food Items
The main thing you can’t buy with your EBT card is anything that isn’t food. This includes things like toilet paper, cleaning supplies, and pet food. Basically, it’s anything that’s not meant to be eaten by a human. Using your EBT for non-food items could mess up your benefits.
Think about your grocery store trip. You’ll likely see aisles that have non-food products. Here are some common things you cannot buy:
- Household supplies (like laundry detergent or dish soap)
- Health and beauty products (like shampoo, makeup, or vitamins)
- Pet food
- Alcohol and tobacco products (like cigarettes)
- Over-the-counter medications
If you try to purchase these items with your EBT card, the transaction will most likely be declined, and you’ll have to use a different form of payment. That can be embarrassing, so it’s best to know the rules upfront.
Sometimes, people accidentally try to buy non-food items with their EBT card because the items are in the same area as the food products. Always double-check your cart before you go to the checkout to avoid any issues.
Hot Foods and Foods Prepared On-Site
Sometimes, your EBT card can’t be used for food at restaurants.
While EBT is great for groceries, it’s a bit different when it comes to restaurants. The rules have changed and may depend on where you live. In some states, if you’re eligible, you can use your EBT to buy meals at participating restaurants through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). But, it is not available in every state.
In many situations, you can’t use your EBT card to buy hot, prepared foods, like a rotisserie chicken. This is because EBT is mainly designed for groceries that you cook at home.
So what do you need to know?
- Prepared foods, such as meals at restaurants and prepared deli foods, may not be allowed depending on the store and your location.
- Hot foods are normally excluded.
- Check to see if your state offers the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
If you’re unsure, it’s always best to ask the store or restaurant if they accept EBT for a particular item or meal. Keep in mind that policies can change, so it’s always a good idea to stay informed about the rules in your area.
Here are some examples:
| Food Type | Allowed with EBT? |
|---|---|
| Raw chicken | Yes |
| Rotisserie chicken | Maybe (check local rules) |
| Sandwich from a deli | Maybe (check local rules) |
Vitamins, Supplements, and Medicines
EBT doesn’t cover everything in the health aisle.
While it’s great that EBT helps you with groceries, you can’t use it to buy certain health-related items. This includes things like vitamins, supplements, and medicines that aren’t prescribed by a doctor.
Things like protein shakes and meal replacement drinks that are labeled as supplements often can’t be purchased with EBT. Also, any over-the-counter medications, such as pain relievers or cold medicine, are not covered. This means you’ll have to pay for these items using another payment method.
It can be confusing because some health items look like food, but they’re classified differently. For example, while you can buy orange juice with EBT, you cannot buy a vitamin C supplement.
If you are unsure whether an item can be purchased with EBT, it is always best to check with the store beforehand or ask a store employee. It’s important to note that the rules can sometimes vary, so it’s always good to double-check.
Luxury Foods and Non-Essential Items
EBT is for the basics, not the fancy stuff.
EBT is intended to help families afford the essential foods they need. This means that items considered “luxury” or “non-essential” are generally not covered. For example, you can’t buy alcohol, even if it’s sold in a grocery store, using your EBT card.
You might also not be able to purchase things like expensive seafood or pre-made party platters. EBT is designed to help people afford basic, nutritious foods. However, you will likely be able to purchase all types of fruits and vegetables.
Here are some examples of foods that may be restricted. These can vary by state:
- Alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, liquor)
- Luxury foods (like caviar)
- Some pre-made meals
Always keep in mind the purpose of EBT when shopping. It’s meant to help you access healthy food, not to buy treats or expensive items.
Items That Could Have Unexpected Restrictions
Not everything is as straightforward as it seems.
Sometimes, certain items might have restrictions you wouldn’t expect. Things that seem like food might not be allowed. For example, energy drinks are often not allowed because they are considered a supplement or “supplement-like” product, and those are not covered.
Consider this:
- Birthday cakes can be an issue; if they’re decorated with non-edible decorations, they might not be covered.
- Pre-made ice cream cakes might be restricted as well.
- Some products can be marketed differently at different stores, so if you’re not sure, check with the store first.
Always read the labels and look carefully at the ingredients. If something seems borderline, it’s better to ask the store staff to be sure. This helps you avoid any surprises at the checkout.
When in doubt, check with the store or a program administrator to make sure you’re using your EBT card correctly.
For example, if you want to buy a birthday cake, make sure the store will allow you to use your EBT for it, because the decorations may contain items that aren’t food.
Conclusion
So, now you have a better idea of “What foods can I not buy with EBT?”. Remember that EBT is for buying food to prepare at home, like fruits, vegetables, meats, and other groceries. You can’t use it to buy non-food items like cleaning supplies or pet food. And be careful about hot foods, supplements, and luxury items, as those can have restrictions. By knowing the rules, you can use your EBT card with confidence and make sure you’re getting the groceries you need.