If you’re looking for a convenient way to get groceries delivered, you might be considering Shipt. It’s a popular service where personal shoppers pick out your items and bring them right to your door. But, if you use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) for your groceries, you probably want to know: Does Shipt take EBT? This essay will break down everything you need to know about using EBT with Shipt, so you can shop with confidence.
The Simple Answer: Does Shipt Accept EBT?
So, the big question: **Does Shipt accept EBT?** **Unfortunately, at this time, Shipt itself does not directly accept EBT cards as a form of payment.** This means you can’t just enter your EBT card information at checkout like you would with a credit or debit card. However, don’t worry! There are still a couple of workarounds that might help you use your benefits with Shipt.
Understanding the EBT Landscape
To understand how EBT works with Shipt, it helps to know a little about EBT itself. EBT cards are issued by state governments and are used to distribute food assistance benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). These benefits help families and individuals with low incomes purchase groceries. There are some important things to keep in mind:
- EBT cards can only be used to buy eligible food items.
- Each state has its own rules about how EBT can be used.
- Online grocery delivery services are catching up to the EBT technology.
Understanding these basics will help you navigate the EBT and Shipt situation.
The Potential for Using EBT with Third-Party Services
While Shipt itself doesn’t accept EBT, some third-party services that work with Shipt may offer a way to use your benefits. These services can act as a middleman, helping you pay for your Shipt order using your EBT card. This is because they act as the retailer, and then they use Shipt to deliver the groceries. There are several companies that work with the government and provide EBT payment options online. This is not always available in every state.
Here’s how it generally works:
- You place your grocery order through the third-party service.
- You select items eligible for EBT.
- You use your EBT card to pay through that service.
- The third-party service processes the payment and then the order is sent to Shipt.
These services may charge fees. Be sure to factor these in when you’re budgeting for your groceries.
Stores That Accept EBT and Partner with Shipt
Another option is to shop at stores that accept EBT and partner with Shipt. Some stores that already accept EBT are partnering with Shipt, which opens a door for using your EBT benefits indirectly. You would shop on the store’s website or app (not the Shipt app), using your EBT card at checkout. Since Shipt is the delivery partner, your groceries will still arrive at your door by a Shipt shopper.
The stores that accept EBT and partner with Shipt vary by location. It’s best to check on the Shipt app or the store’s website to see what the options are in your area. Some examples of the stores you can shop at are:
- Target
- Meijer
The stores that partner with Shipt may change so check your local stores.
The Shopping Process and EBT Eligibility
When shopping with either the third-party method or a store that accepts EBT, the shopping process itself is similar. You’ll browse the store’s online catalog or app, add your items to your cart, and proceed to checkout. Here are some things to know:
The categories eligible for EBT purchase is limited. SNAP recipients can only buy food items such as:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Seeds and plants
The items that don’t qualify are any non-food items, such as:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Vitamins and supplements
- Hot foods (ready-to-eat)
- Household supplies
Make sure your cart only includes eligible items when using EBT.
Checking for EBT Availability in Your Area
Since EBT availability with Shipt or Shipt-partnered stores can vary by location, it’s important to do some research. Here’s how to find out what options are available in your area:
Check the Shipt App: Open the Shipt app and see which stores are available for delivery in your area. If a store accepts EBT, it should be clearly indicated. Then, you can shop at that store from within their app or website and have it delivered by a Shipt shopper. You can also check what payment options are available with the store you choose.
Contact Local Stores: Call your local stores directly to ask about their EBT and Shipt policies. This can save you a lot of time and frustration. Here is a quick table for you to find out:
| Store | Does it accept EBT? | Is it a Shipt Partner? |
|---|---|---|
| Target | Yes | Yes |
| Kroger | Yes | Yes |