Getting food stamps, also known as SNAP benefits, can be a big help if you need assistance buying groceries. Walmart is a super popular place to shop, and luckily, they accept food stamps! This guide will walk you through how to use your EBT card (that’s the card food stamps come on) at Walmart, making sure you can get the food you need without any hassle. Let’s get started!
What Can I Buy With Food Stamps at Walmart?
When you’re using your food stamps at Walmart, it’s important to know what you can and can’t buy. Food stamps are designed to help you purchase nutritious foods for your household. This means you can get a lot of stuff!
Generally, you can purchase a wide variety of grocery items. Think of all the things you’d find in the grocery section of Walmart. This includes:
- Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned)
- Meats, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Breads, cereals, and other grains
- Snack foods like chips and cookies (though try to pick healthier choices when you can!)
- Non-alcoholic beverages like juice and soda.
You can also buy seeds and plants that produce food. This is great if you want to start a small garden! However, there are some things you can’t buy.
You can use your EBT card to buy eligible food items at Walmart. This covers almost all the food you would want to buy at a grocery store, so you can easily find the food you need and use your benefits to do so.
Finding EBT-Accepting Walmart Stores
Almost all Walmart stores across the United States accept EBT cards. But it’s always a good idea to double-check, especially if you’re visiting a new location. The good news is that it’s easy to confirm.
You can easily check if a Walmart location accepts EBT online. You can use the Walmart website or app to search for stores. Just enter your zip code, and the search results will tell you which locations are near you. It’s usually noted in the store’s information if they accept EBT.
Another option is to call the store directly. Look up the phone number for the Walmart you plan to visit and give them a quick call. Ask if they accept EBT. It’s a simple way to confirm.
If you’re at the store and still unsure, look for signs posted at the entrance or near the checkout lanes that indicate EBT acceptance. This will give you the answer. The signs are usually very clear.
Using Your EBT Card at the Checkout
Once you have your groceries, the checkout process is straightforward. Using your EBT card is similar to using a debit or credit card. Don’t be nervous; it’s easy!
First, gather all the eligible food items you want to buy and put them on the conveyor belt or into your cart. When you’re ready to pay, tell the cashier that you’ll be using your EBT card. The cashier will ring up your items and then ask for your payment method.
At this point, you’ll swipe your EBT card in the card reader. You will be prompted to enter your PIN (Personal Identification Number). This PIN protects your benefits, so make sure to keep it secret. It’s a good idea to memorize it and never write it down where someone could see it.
After entering your PIN, the transaction will process. If you have any non-food items, like paper towels or diapers, you’ll need to pay for those separately with cash, a debit card, or a credit card.
Splitting Purchases: Food and Non-Food Items
You can’t use your EBT card to pay for non-food items. This can be a bit tricky, but Walmart makes it easy. You can split your purchase into two separate transactions, one for food items and one for non-food items.
When the cashier rings up your items, they’ll know which ones are eligible for EBT. The cashier will then separate your groceries into two groups: food and non-food items. The total cost of the food items will be charged to your EBT card. The remaining amount (non-food items) will need to be paid using another payment method.
You can pay for your non-food items with a debit card, credit card, or cash. It’s helpful to have a different payment method ready. Another way to do this is to have the cashier scan all of your eligible food items first. Then, you can use your EBT card. Once that transaction is complete, you can pay for the remaining items using a different payment method.
Here’s a quick example:
| Item | Price | Payment Method |
|---|---|---|
| Apples | $3.00 | EBT |
| Bread | $4.00 | EBT |
| Shampoo | $6.00 | Cash/Card |
| Diapers | $10.00 | Cash/Card |
In this scenario, your EBT card would cover the $7.00 of food costs (apples and bread). Then, you will have to pay the $16.00 of non-food items separately.
Checking Your EBT Balance
Knowing how much money is left on your EBT card is essential for budgeting and making sure you don’t overspend. There are several ways to check your EBT balance at Walmart.
The simplest way is to check your balance when you’re shopping at the register. During checkout, after you swipe your card and enter your PIN, the register will usually display your remaining balance. This is super convenient!
You can also check your balance at the customer service desk. Simply ask a customer service representative to check your balance for you. They can easily look it up in their system.
Many states also have websites or phone numbers where you can check your EBT balance. You can search online for your state’s EBT portal or contact your local social services agency for information. These resources often give you an easy way to check your balance from home. Here is a quick look at how to check your balance:
- Use the register after you swipe your card.
- Visit the customer service desk and ask a representative.
- Look up your state’s EBT portal online.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Even though using your EBT card is generally easy, there are a few things to keep in mind to avoid any problems. One common mistake is accidentally trying to buy non-food items with your EBT card.
Always remember to separate your food and non-food items at the checkout. This ensures your transaction goes smoothly. Another mistake is not having enough funds on your card. Always check your balance before you shop to ensure you have enough money to cover your purchases. You can check your balance easily, so there is no need to be worried.
Protect your PIN by never sharing it with anyone. It is also important to make sure your card is secure. Treat your EBT card like you would treat a debit card. Be careful when you swipe it and always keep it in a safe place.
Lastly, make sure you understand what items are eligible for food stamps. If you’re unsure, just ask the cashier. They can help you figure out what you can and can’t buy. It’s always better to ask than to be unsure!
Conclusion
Using your EBT card at Walmart is easy and straightforward. By understanding what you can buy, how to use your card at the checkout, and how to split your purchases, you can shop confidently and get the groceries you need. Remember to check your balance regularly and keep your PIN safe. Following these tips, you can use your food stamps at Walmart to help your family get the food they need, every time you go shopping!