Does Walgreens take EBT? The short answer to this question is yes; they will continue to be accepted, depending on the state.
The purpose of this post is to describe how to check if Walgreens accepts EBT. We will show you the basics of applying for the card and where you can buy the card from.
Does Walgreens take EBT?
Yes, they will continue to be accepted, depending on the state. Each state has its own rules for taking EBT cards for purchases. For example, Florida accepts vouchers for food identification; however, it does not accept them for medications. Nebraska accepts EBT cards for anything in the store. But California does not accept them at all. Instead, they use their own CalFresh program to augment the benefits of the state’s WIC program. Other states like New York support Medicaid and the Women and Infant Children program (WIC). Make sure you check your state’s rules before planning your grocery trip at Walgreens as a customer using an EBT card can differ from where you live.
What is EBT, and how do I get an EBT card?
EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, transfers government benefits, like food stamps or cash assistance, directly to recipients’ bank accounts. More than 42 million Americans receive their benefits through EBT.
EBT originally stood for “Electronic Benefits Transfer” but was changed to “Benefits Transfer” to get rid of the negative connotations associated with the word “transfer.”
There are several different types of EBT cards, each designed for specific programs. The most common type is used for SNAP (formerly known as food stamps), issued by the state. Other EBT cards distribute cash assistance, health insurance, and other government benefits.
To apply for an EBT card, you’ll need to fill out a program application form, available at your local Social Security office or county Department of Social Services office. These offices can also direct you to locations that can help you open an EBT account if you’re homeless or don’t have a permanent residence.
Once your application has been approved and processed, you’ll be mailed an EBT card. If you don’t receive your card within two weeks, contact your local Social Security office.
How to find a Walgreens that takes EBT
Many people want to know how to find a Walgreens that takes EBT. There are many different ways you can do this, but in this article, I will show you how that has worked best for me in the past.
The first thing that you need to do is head over to their website. You can find it at Walgreen with find a store feature that you can use right on their homepage. This tool is excellent if you already know what state the stores are located in because all you will need to do is pick the state, and it will give you a list of all of the locations for that state.
You can use this tool if you need to find a Walgreens that takes EBT but don’t know what state they are located in. All you will need to do is enter your zip code into the box and click on submit, and it will give you a list of all of the Walgreens near your area.
What can I buy with an EBT card?
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federally funded program that helps low-income individuals and families purchase food. If you have been approved for SNAP, you will receive a plastic EBT card. This allows you to buy groceries at participating stores.
Here’s what you can buy with your EBT card:
- Food and drinks non-alcoholic beverages including water, juice, milk, and soda
- Baby formula and baby food
- Most foods like bread, fruits, vegetables, and meats (including fish, shellfish, and poultry)
- Frozen foods
- Canned foods
- Dried beans and legumes
- Seeds and nuts (in-shell peanuts)
- Nondairy desserts like puddings
- Hot foods that are ready to eat
There is a list of items you cannot buy using your EBT card. This is because the federal government does not approve of them.
Here is a list of things you cannot buy with an EBT card:
- Cigarettes, tobacco, and any other form of tobacco or smoking paraphernalia
- Any alcoholic beverage or product
- Any kind of non-food items such as pet food, household supplies, vitamins and medicine, newspapers, magazines, and phone cards
- Diapers or baby wipes (pampers and Huggies are ok)
- Gasoline or any substances used to make any fuel (such as kerosene and charcoal lighter fluid)
- Lottery tickets or other gambling products
- Any illegal drugs
- Any item considered hazardous to public health and safety, such as explosives and toxic chemicals
Conclusion: Does Walgreens take EBT
According to the company’s website, this service is only available in select states. The program has expanded since the 2011 article. To find out if your state accepts EBT, you should check with the state director of public assistance. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can be used at various supermarkets and restaurants across the country. These venues include Dollar General and Target stores, gas stations, and most major supermarket chains.
