Do you wonder does Dollar General take EBT (Food Stamps)? You’re not alone. EBT has become a way of life for many Americans, but there are still some big questions about how it works. So, I’ve done my research and created this post to help you decide if Dollar General takes food stamps and how you can use them at Dollar General.
To make sure you use your benefits at the best retailers, read our Does Dollar General Take EBT and Food Stamps review.
What is EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer?)
An EBT card is a debt-like food assistance benefit program administered through the US Department of Agriculture (USDA). It allows qualifying recipients to purchase groceries using funds from their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) account at approved retailers.
Does Dollar General Take EBT?
Dollar General is one of many US retailers that accept EBT, SNAP, WIC, and food stamps. Individual Dollar General Stores may have their own rules. Therefore, you should check with your local store to make sure you can use your EBT or food stamps before you start shopping.
Do you have questions about using your EBT or food stamps at Dollar General? Keep reading:
How do I get an EBT card?
The process to get an Ebt card varies from state to state. Some states have online applications, while others require that you go into a food stamp office to get an EBT card.
If you need food assistance from the government, you’ll want to apply for an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. It’s an electronic system that allows you to buy groceries using your EBT card. Here’s how to get one:
- Find out if you qualify for EBT. The first step is to apply for your state’s food assistance program, called food stamps, SNAP, or something similar. You can apply online at your state’s official website. If you’re eligible, they’ll send you a letter explaining the benefits offered by your specific program and telling you what documentation you need to submit to prove your eligibility.
- Complete the paperwork. Once you’ve received your letter, complete all the forms and mail them back per their instructions.
- Receive your EBT card in the mail. If your application is approved, it shouldn’t take too long before you start receiving benefits via the EBT card.
How EBT works with your state
EBT is a program that allows people to use their Electronic Benefits Transfer cards at stores in exchange for food benefits. It’s designed to help people who qualify for food assistance pay for groceries. The program issues EBT cards that are used at EBT-approved retailers.
A person with an EBT card can select food items from the store shelf and check out using the card. The cardholder will then receive a receipt showing what was purchased. The EBT system will reimburse the store, and the funds will come from the recipient’s benefit account.
EBT may offer a Link Card and an EBT Cash Card, depending on your state of residence. An EBT Link Card, also known as a SNAP card, can be used at authorized stores to purchase eligible food items only, while an EBT Cash Card can be used only to withdraw cash at ATMs and cannot be used to buy goods.
What can you buy with EBT?
The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) guidelines for EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) and food stamp usage state that they can buy the following:
- MilkProduce
- Canned goods
- Bread and cereal
- Snacks like cookies and candy
- Meat and poultry products
- Grated cheese and peanut butter
- Non-perishable juices, soups, and sauces
- Canned vegetables, fruits, and beans
The following items are excluded from using your EBT card at Dollar General:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Medicine
- Hot foods
- Tobacco
- Pet food
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Dollar General accept Apple Pay, Android Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay?
Yes, Dollar General accepts Apple Pay, Android Pay, Google Wallet, or Samsung Pay. You can pay with these contactless payment options at the cash register.
TIP: Apple Pay requires an iPhone 6 or higher, while Android Pay requires a device running 4.4 KitKat (or newer).
How much do items cost at Dollar General?
Most items cost $1 or $2 (Dollar General did away with prices ending in .98 in 2016). When it comes to household items like cleaning supplies and pet food, prices can go up to around $5.
How many locations are there?
As of 2016, there were over 10,000 locations across 43 states and Puerto Rico.
Can I use more than one EBT card per transaction?
Yes, you can use multiple EBT cards during a single purchase if you have them available. Just enter each card individually during checkout to pay for your order in full. Entering an EBT card number twice will not cause it to process twice unless you request it be processed twice by checking off “Split Order” during checkout.
Can I use my EBT card to buy alcohol?
No. EBT cards cannot be used to purchase any alcohol in any store.
DG accepts SNAP (food stamps/EBT) and WIC; however, you cannot use your card to purchase alcohol products and cigarettes.
Can you use an EBT card for Amazon purchases?
You can use your EBT card to purchase things on Amazon, but only if you use a gift card. You cannot use your EBT card to buy any other items. Also you cannot use your EBT card to purchase anything on eBay. In this case, you must have another form of payment to make a purchase.
Conclusion: Does Dollar General take EBT
The bottom line is that Dollar General does accept EBT and food stamps in-store, but not online or through the DG Go app. We hope this article has provided you with a helpful overview of the facts and has allowed you to arrive at a more informed decision.
