Ordering food delivery can be super convenient, especially when you’re busy or just don’t feel like cooking. DoorDash is a popular app that lets you get food from your favorite restaurants delivered right to your door. But, did you know you might be able to use your food stamps (also known as SNAP benefits) to pay for your DoorDash order? This guide will explain how to do it.
Understanding SNAP and DoorDash
Yes, you can use your SNAP benefits to pay for eligible food items on DoorDash, but it’s not as simple as just entering your EBT card details. There are some important things to understand first.
Checking Your Eligibility
Before you can even think about using your SNAP benefits, you need to make sure you’re eligible. SNAP is a federal program that helps people with low incomes afford food. Eligibility requirements vary by state, but generally, you need to meet certain income and resource limits.
To find out if you’re eligible, you’ll need to apply for SNAP benefits in your state. You can usually apply online through your state’s social services or human services website. Make sure you look for the official government website and not a third-party site that may charge you a fee.
The application process usually involves providing information about your household size, income, and assets. Once your application is processed, you’ll receive a notice letting you know if you’ve been approved and how much in benefits you’ll receive each month. Keep an eye on this information and make sure to let your caseworker know if anything changes.
If approved, you’ll receive an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. Think of this card like a debit card that’s loaded with your SNAP benefits. You can use it to purchase eligible food items at participating stores. The important part is that only certain merchants accept EBT cards.
Finding Participating DoorDash Merchants
This is the key to using SNAP on DoorDash. Not all restaurants on the app accept SNAP. You need to find restaurants that are approved by the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and have been given the green light to process EBT payments.
Unfortunately, there isn’t a simple filter on DoorDash that will immediately show you only SNAP-eligible restaurants. You will have to do a little work, but it is generally not too time-consuming. However, keep an eye out for the following:
- Check the restaurant’s menu description. Sometimes, the description will indicate if they accept EBT.
- Search for specific grocery stores or restaurants. Grocery stores that participate in SNAP programs, like some local markets, are sometimes on DoorDash.
- Look for restaurant chains that are more likely to participate in SNAP.
Because it can change, do not rely on past experiences. Also, keep in mind that even if a restaurant *does* accept SNAP, it may not be available at all locations. Verify the option at the specific location you’re trying to order from.
Creating a DoorDash Account and Adding Payment Information
If you don’t already have one, you’ll need to create a DoorDash account. This is easy, you just need to provide your email address, create a password, and enter a little basic information about yourself.
Once you’ve set up your account, you’ll need to add your EBT card as a payment method. This is where it can get tricky, as not every account allows you to immediately add your EBT card.
- Open the DoorDash app and go to “Account”.
- Select “Payment Methods.”
- Click on “Add Payment Method”.
- Look for the option to add your EBT card information.
If you don’t see the EBT card option, don’t worry! Read the next section to see why this is likely and what your options are.
Troubleshooting Payment Issues
If you’re having trouble adding your EBT card, there are a few possible reasons. One common issue is that DoorDash might not support EBT cards in your specific area yet. Also, some restaurants might not be set up to accept EBT payments through DoorDash, even if they accept SNAP in their physical store.
If you’re having issues, don’t give up! Try the following steps:
- Double-check that your EBT card is activated and has sufficient funds.
- Contact DoorDash support. They can provide specific information about EBT card support in your area and assist with troubleshooting payment issues.
- Try ordering from a different restaurant. Some restaurants may accept EBT while others do not.
Here is some common troubleshooting and potential solutions:
| Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
| EBT Card Not Accepted | Contact DoorDash Support, Check Participating Merchants |
| Insufficient Funds | Check your EBT Balance |
| Technical Issues | Restart App, Check Internet Connection |
Patience and persistence are key when working through these issues.
Placing Your Order and Paying with EBT
Once you’ve found a participating restaurant and your EBT card is set up, placing your order is pretty straightforward. Choose your food, add it to your cart, and go to the checkout screen. The checkout screen will look much like the standard version.
During checkout, select your EBT card as the payment method. The app will then process your order. The EBT card will only cover eligible food items; any non-food items (like drinks that aren’t water or any other non-food products) and any fees (like delivery fees and tips) will need to be paid with a different payment method, such as a credit or debit card.
If the order goes through, you will receive confirmation that your order has been placed and you will see your delivery status. Then you can sit back, relax, and wait for your delicious meal to arrive.
Make sure you confirm what payment methods are allowed at the checkout screen before submitting your order.
Understanding Eligible Food Items and Fees
SNAP benefits have rules about what you can buy. You can use your EBT card to purchase most foods, including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread. Prepared foods (like hot meals) are *not* generally covered by SNAP, except in specific circumstances like the elderly, disabled, or homeless.
Here’s a quick rundown of the items you can usually purchase with SNAP:
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Meat, Poultry, and Fish
- Dairy Products
- Breads and Cereals
- Snack Foods (Chips, Candy, etc.)
You cannot use your EBT card to purchase alcohol, tobacco products, vitamins, medicines, or pet food. Additionally, DoorDash charges fees. You’ll have to pay for delivery fees, service fees, and tips for the driver with another form of payment, such as a debit or credit card.
Make sure you keep track of how much you’re spending, to stay within your monthly SNAP budget.
Using food stamps on DoorDash can be a helpful way to get meals delivered to you, but it requires a little research and understanding. By following these steps, you can find participating restaurants, add your EBT card, and make sure you’re only ordering eligible food items. Remember to check your local guidelines and always confirm the details with the DoorDash platform or customer support.