Have you ever finished up grocery shopping at Walgreens and wondered if you could use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to pay? With over 9,000 Walgreens locations across the United States, understanding EBT payment policies is key.
So does Walgreens take EBT cards? The short answer is yes – some Walgreens locations accept EBT card payments, but not all. Acceptance varies by state laws and individual store policies. There is no list available online and the only way to confirm if your local Walgreens accepts EBT is to call the store directly or ask in-person.
In this detailed guide we will cover everything you need to know as an EBT cardholder about using your benefits at Walgreens, including:
- What is an EBT card and how does it work?
- What food items can be purchased with EBT at Walgreens?
- Policies on using EBT online and for delivery orders.
- Steps for paying with your card in-store.
- How to find other grocery stores that accept EBT near you.
- Eligibility and background on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Let’s start by understanding the basics of EBT cards and how Walgreens acceptance works.
What is an EBT Card and How Does it Function?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. These cards allow recipients of government assistance programs, like SNAP or WIC, to authorize transfer of their benefits to pay for food purchases.
The EBT system came into effect nationwide by 2004, replacing the old paper coupon method. Today EBT cards function similarly to debit cards. They can be swiped at point-of-sale terminals with a personal identification number (PIN) to complete transactions.
However, EBT cards can only be used to purchase eligible grocery items as determined by SNAP rules. They are not valid for buying non-food items or products like alcohol, medicines, and tobacco.
Now let’s take a closer look at Walgreens’ policies…
Does Walgreens Accept EBT Card Payments?
As mentioned, Walgreens does allow EBT card payments, but only at select store locations. Acceptance varies depending on the state laws where the store is located and individual policies of store managers.
There is no published list available from Walgreens regarding which of their 9,000+ pharmacy locations accept EBT.
The only way to determine if your nearby Walgreens store takes EBT is to:
- Call the local store directly and ask, or
- Visit the store and inquire with a cashier before shopping
If the store does accept EBT cards, you can use your SNAP food stamps benefits to purchase any grocery items that are eligible under the federal SNAP rules. This includes basics like bread, milk, cheese, vegetables, cereal, snacks, etc.
However, you won’t be able to use EBT for pharmacy items like prescription medications or Walgreens merchandise that falls outside federal guidelines.
Now let’s take a look at exactly what food items can be purchased with EBT if your local Walgreens does accept benefits…
What Food Items Can Be Purchased With EBT at Walgreens?
If your Walgreens location welcomes EBT payments, there are a variety of staple foods you can purchase with your SNAP benefits, including:
- Dairy products like milk, cheese, yogurt
- Breads and cereals
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, fish
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic drinks
Keep in mind many Walgreens locations have downsized grocery sections that mostly stock dairy, snacks, cereal, canned goods, and limited fresh items.
You likely won’t find a full assortment of produce, meat, etc. So it’s best to call your neighborhood store ahead and ask exactly what EBT-eligible grocery offerings they currently have in stock.
If your goal is to do all your SNAP shopping at Walgreens along with picking up prescriptions and personal items, you may have difficulty finding sufficient eligible foods. In that case, visiting a larger grocery store in addition to Walgreens would be best.
Okay, so now we know the EBT-eligible items…but what can’t be purchased with SNAP benefits?
What Can’t Be Purchased With EBT Cards at Walgreens?
There are rules around what items are prohibited from being bought with EBT cards under SNAP regulations.
At Walgreens locations that accept EBT, these non-eligible items include:
- Tobacco products
- Alcoholic beverages
- Hot deli foods eaten in-store
- Pet foods
- Cleaning supplies
- Household paper goods
- Cosmetics and personal hygiene items
- Over-the-counter medications and supplements
Also, as mentioned above, prescription medications filled at the pharmacy cannot be paid for using EBT benefits. And no Walgreens merchandise like beauty products, toys, seasonal goods fall under SNAP rules.
For any non-food items, an alternative form of payment would be required, such as:
- Cash
- Credit/debit card
- Walgreens gift card
This includes prescriptions or other pharmacy items picked up along with grocery purchases. Your EBT card can only cover the actual food itself.
So what’s the process like for using your EBT card in Walgreens?
Using Your EBT Card for Payment In-Store
The process for paying with your EBT card at Walgreens checkout is quite straight-forward:
- Shop for your eligible grocery items and take them to the register when ready. Inform the cashier you’ll be paying with EBT.
- When the cashier finishes ringing up all purchases, swipe your EBT card through the point-of-sale terminal.
- Enter your 4-digit PIN when prompted.
- Verify the total EBT payment amount and select Approve. This will authorize just the amount for the SNAP-eligible foods.
- Any non-food items would need to be paid for separately with another payment type the store accepts.
- Take your receipt showing the new balance on your EBT card once the transaction completes.
It works just like paying with a debit card! The key things to remember are having your PIN handy to input when asked and separating food stamps-eligible goods from other merchandise or pharmacy items during checkout.
By the way, Walgreens unfortunately does not enable using EBT benefits for online grocery orders or pharmacy pickups at this time…
Walgreens EBT Card Use for Online and Delivery Orders
It’s important to note Walgreens currently does not accept EBT payments for any online orders or pharmacy pickups.
The store is not part of the USDA pilot initiative that enables retailers to accept online EBT payments in certain states. So SNAP recipients cannot place Walgreens grocery delivery orders or use EBT to pay for prescription pickups.
You must visit the physical Walgreens location in person and pay for purchases with your EBT card directly at checkout when picking up items. This policy may change in future if Walgreens joins the USDA online EBT program.
Finding Other Stores That Accept EBT Near You
Given many Walgreens have reduced snack and grocery selections beyond dairy, you may need to supplement with shops that offer affordable fresh meat, produce, and household essentials.
The good news is there are likely some grocery stores, supermarkets, or superstores near you that welcome EBT payments! Here are some tips for locating retailers that accept SNAP:
- Check your state SNAP agency’s website for lists of authorized EBT retailers near you.
- Use the USDA SNAP Store Locator Map and enter your zip code or city/state.
- Search online for major chains like Walmart, Kroger, Safeway, etc near you along with “EBT” or “SNAP accepted”.
- Call or visit local stores in-person and ask customer service about EBT policies.
- Look for stickers on entrances or at registers indicating EBT card acceptance.
Chances are you’ll have some solid options for places to spend your food stamps benefits. Pairing those retailers with the option to also grab essentials like milk and bread during a Walgreens visit gives convenience.
More On the SNAP/Food Stamps Program
For those unfamiliar with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or its past name, food stamps, here’s a quick overview…
SNAP provides food purchasing assistance for low-income individuals and families via an EBT debit card. State agencies distribute benefits monthly which can be spent on eligible foods at participating retailers.
Eligibility for SNAP is based on household size, income limits, and asset thresholds. Applying for benefits starts through your state SNAP program office.
So in summary:
- SNAP aims to help eligible households buy healthy foods.
- Monthly benefits are loaded onto an EBT card to pay participating stores.
- Not all items can be purchased with SNAP EBT funds.
- Apply through your local state SNAP agency to qualify.
Check if you may be eligible for SNAP by researching state-specific requirements. Using an EBT card alongside stores like Walgreens that accept benefits makes life a little more affordable!
Final Takeaways on Walgreens’ EBT Card Policies
In conclusion, the key things to remember about using your EBT benefits at Walgreens include:
- Acceptance varies – some locations allow it, some don’t. Call or ask in-person.
- You can only buy SNAP-eligible groceries like milk, fruit, cereal with EBT funds.
- Other Walgreens merchandise must be paid for separately.
- EBT can’t be used for any Walgreens online orders or pharmacy pickups.
- Find other grocery retailers that accept EBT to supplement your shopping.
- Apply through your state to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and receive an EBT card.
We hope this breakdown gives you confidence for maximizing your SNAP benefits during Walgreens trips! Reach out to your local store with any other questions specific to their EBT card acceptance policies or eligible grocery offerings.
