15 EBT Benefits Beyond Grocery Discounts You Need to Know About
- 2 hours ago
- 5 min read
If you have an EBT card and use it only for grocery runs, you could be losing out on a dozen other benefits that come with it. While the SNAP benefits give you access and pay for discounted household items, you can also get discounts in transportation, entertainment, education, and even legal help. Learn about 15 (some known, some lesser known) additional benefits of being a EBT card holder.
SNAP or Food Stamps or EBT?
Food stamps, SNAP, and EBT are terms that are often used interchangeably. While all of these are terms used in the context of food accessibility, there is a difference. It is important to know that especially when you are looking for more information on the application, eligibility, and benefits.
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP is the federal food assistance program that supports low-income individuals and families to buy food. In 2024, the program made healthy food accessible for 41.7 million individuals monthly, of which the majority were children, senior adults, or individuals with disabilities.
Food Stamps Program
“Food stamps” is a name many people still use, but it is no longer the official name of the program. When this program was introduced in 1939, it was paper and coupon-based, which is why it was called food stamps. In 2008, it was renamed as SNAP and updated to use EBT cards instead of paper coupons.
Electronic Benefits Transfer
Electronic Benefits Transfer or EBT is the electronic system through which individuals in the program now receive and use the benefits. Each month, SNAP benefits are added to the EBT card to use at approved retailers. It can be used for household items while some items are restricted and that is determined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
EBT Card Benefits and Discounts
You might be sitting on other benefits that come through the SNAP program or as an EBT card holder, explore these 15 benefits as when needed. If you are also on Medicaid, you could be eligible for 10 more discounts.
1 - Education Benefits
You could be eligible for fee waivers or reduced cost for your SAT and ACT test applications. Some colleges also give application fee waiver if you are in the SNAP program.
SNAP Employment and Training Program provides multiple career training programs that allow you to build skills and gain experience in the industry or career you want.
2 - Entertainment
Local events and festivals could have free or discounted tickets for EBT cardholders. Your EBT card could also make you eligible for discounts on summer camps or sports program for kids and youth. It is always a good idea to ask when buying tickets for these events or check in with your local SNAP office to know local benefits and discounts.
3 - Internet and Cellphone Service Plans
Lifeline is a federal program that lowers the cost of phone and internet services for consumers in the SNAP program. It reduces the cost by almost $9 per month from providers like AT&T, T- Mobile, TruConnect, Verizon and a few other providers.
Providers like AT&T and Verizon also have their own programs like Access, Verizon Forward that you can look into if you are already with one of these providers.
4 - Instacart+
You can also use your EBT card to order and get your groceries delivered on the Instacart app. It applies on EBT eligible items when you shop, and you can get them delivered on the same day or schedule it.
If you use your EBT card for your Instacart orders for 6 months, you could be eligible for a discount on Instacart+ membership at $4.99 monthly.
5 - Legal Help
A lesser-known benefit is access to free or discounted legal assistance from organizations.
Services like LegalZoom provide low-cost tools and resources for legal documentation, wills, cases.
6 - Lyft Rides
An initiative, Lyft Up provides free or discounted cab rides to job interviews, new jobs, or SNAP appointments.
You can also get discounted rides for essential services or grocery shopping if you are a senior or a person with disability.
7 - Museum Passes
Your EBT card can get you free or discounted tickets to museums, art galleries, and children's museums.
This is possible through the Museums For All initiative, find the museum that is a part of it, show your photo ID and EBT card, get admission for $5 or less.
8 - Prime Membership
EBT cardholders like Medicaid card holders get a discount on Amazon Prime membership. Usually, prime memberships cost $14.99 but if you upload your EBT card or other proof of benefits you can get it for $6.99 per month.
You also get access to Prime Videos where you can binge movies, TV shows, and children's shows on your down time.
9 - Public Transportation
You could also find low-cost bike share memberships, subway and bus passes.
Many cities offer discounts like 50% in New York City, Washington D.C., Los Angeles, Pittsburgh and more.
In some cities, you can use your EBT card to pay for public transport fares.
10 - Restaurant Meals Program
This initiative allows certain restaurants to accept EBT cards from SNAP recipients. Cardholders may also receive a 10% discount.
You do not need to apply separately for this program. You may automatically qualify if your household includes only seniors or people with disabilities, or if you are experiencing homelessness.
11 - Shipt
Your EBT card is also eligible for grocery shopping on Shipt where you can get groceries delivered to your home if you do not have access to transportation.
SNAP participants also get discount on the Shipt membership and can get membership for $4.99 per month.
12 - Veterinary Services
While owning and caring for pets is very fulfilling, it can be costly too. You can find free or low-cost pet care services at your local animal shelter or non-profit clinic.
You can also find free neuter or spay services through organizations like American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
Wellness services or dental services for pets are available through Animal Humane Society's Pet Clinics for a lower cost.
13 - Walmart+
If you are at a Walmart store, you can upload your EBT card on their app to pay. You can also scan items while shopping to check if they are EBT eligible.
Like Medicaid, as an EBT card holder, you could be eligible to get 50% discount on the Walmart+ membership where you can order groceries.
14 - YMCA
You can access gyms equipment, sports facilities, workout classes at YMCA for free discounted membership prices if you are an EBT card holder.
Call your local YMCA to find out programs, discounts or free membership.
15 - Zoo Passes
Lastly but not the least, if you get SNAP benefits, you could access your local zoo for free or reduced cost.
Check in with the zoo you are visiting if they have discounts for EBT card holders and family.
Managing your SNAP benefits
Using apps like ebtEDGE app makes it easy for you to track your balance, transactions, and manage your card. Don’t wait to take advantage of the benefits available to you and start using your SNAP benefits as soon as possible. Every little saving adds up, whether it’s on your prescriptions, internet bill, or groceries.