If you’re using an EBT card (Electronic Benefit Transfer), you’re probably wondering what you can actually buy with it. EBT helps families and individuals with low incomes get food. It’s like having a debit card specifically for groceries! But, just like any debit card, there are rules about what you can and can’t buy. This essay will break down what foods you *can’t* purchase using your EBT benefits, so you can make smart choices when you shop.
Hot Foods and Prepared Meals
One of the biggest restrictions is on hot foods and prepared meals. This means you can’t just walk into a grocery store and grab a rotisserie chicken to eat right away, or order a hot sub from the deli. The idea is that EBT is for helping people buy the ingredients to cook meals at home. The program wants to support healthy eating by giving you the tools to prepare your own food, even if it’s a basic meal!
Think about it this way: EBT is designed to help with groceries. If you were to use it for hot prepared meals, you would be eating at a restaurant. Because of the rules that govern EBT, it is not allowed for things like this. However, there are some exceptions. You can sometimes buy things like cold subs, or other things that you can refrigerate and eat later, as long as they aren’t heated or prepared to be eaten right then and there.
Here are some examples of what you *cannot* buy:
- Hot pizza from a pizza place
- Food from a buffet
- A prepared deli meal
- Coffee shop meals
This can be a little tricky because sometimes stores have special offers. However, remember that hot meals and food prepared to eat right away generally aren’t covered by EBT.
Non-Food Items
EBT is specifically for food, which means you can’t buy anything that isn’t meant to be eaten. This includes a wide range of products, even if they’re in the grocery store. So, while you can buy the ingredients for a meal, or things that you might need to eat a meal with, some other things in a grocery store are not allowed.
This rule covers a huge list of items. Think of anything you might need to keep your home running, like cleaners, or soap. While these products are essential, and certainly can help you create a good home, they are not food products. Some of the restrictions may seem obvious, while others might surprise you. In the end, it is helpful to keep this general rule in mind: is it something that can be eaten?
For example, here are some things you *cannot* purchase with your EBT card:
- Cleaning supplies (like bleach, soap, etc.)
- Paper products (like paper towels or toilet paper)
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements (unless approved by a doctor with a prescription)
So, when you’re shopping, always remember to separate your food items from your non-food items.
Alcohol and Tobacco
This one is pretty straightforward. You cannot purchase alcohol or tobacco products with your EBT card. This rule is in place to ensure that the benefits are used to purchase food and other essentials, and not for things like alcohol and tobacco. It’s against the law to use EBT benefits for these things.
This is another instance where it is helpful to think about the intention of EBT. It is meant to provide nutritional value for people who need help buying their own food. While adults are certainly allowed to make their own choices about what they buy, EBT is not the mechanism that supports the consumption of alcohol and tobacco. This includes, for example, beer, wine, and liquor, as well as cigarettes, cigars, and any other tobacco products.
These are very important restrictions to remember. Don’t try to purchase these products with your EBT card, because the card reader will flag the purchase and not allow it to go through. You could also face other repercussions if you violate these rules. Here is a quick list:
- Beer
- Wine
- Liquor
- Cigarettes
- Cigars
- Chewing tobacco
If you’re looking to buy these products, you’ll need to use another form of payment.
Non-Edible Items (Besides the Basics)
Beyond just food items, EBT doesn’t cover some other things that you might find in a grocery store. The intent of the program is to provide you with funds for groceries, not other things. In general, it’s best to assume that if it’s not meant to be eaten, you can’t buy it with EBT. This may include many of the items that are shelved with food in the store.
Here’s a quick table to illustrate some additional exclusions. Remember, this is not an exhaustive list. The best rule to follow is: Is this food, or something that you would use to eat it? If it’s not, it’s very likely not covered by EBT.
| Category | Examples of What You *Cannot* Buy |
|---|---|
| Health and Beauty | Makeup, shampoo, toothpaste |
| Household Goods | Forks, spoons, knives |
| Medicine | Over-the-counter medication (unless approved with a prescription) |
It’s easy to make mistakes when you are shopping. However, it’s best to keep these other rules in mind.
Conclusion
Knowing what you can and can’t buy with your EBT card is super important. You *can’t* use it for hot foods, non-food items, alcohol, tobacco, or non-edible items. EBT benefits are meant to help you get nutritious food for yourself and your family. By understanding these rules, you can make the most of your EBT benefits and shop with confidence! If you’re ever unsure about whether an item qualifies, it’s always a good idea to ask a store employee to make sure. They are there to help!