Wondering if you can use your SNAP EBT benefits at Dollar Tree? With food prices rising and budgets tightening, knowing where you can stretch your food stamp dollars can make a big difference. In short – yes, Dollar Tree does accept EBT payments both online and in stores. But there are some specifics on what types of items are eligible and how to go through the EBT payment process that are good to understand before you shop.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know as an EBT cardholder about accepting your benefits at Dollar Tree, including:
- What is EBT and how do the benefits work?
- Does Dollar Tree take EBT/food stamps in-store?
- What food items can you buy with EBT at Dollar Tree?
- How does paying with EBT at Dollar Tree checkout work?
- Tips for checking your EBT balance before shopping
- Can you use EBT for online Dollar Tree orders?
- Other dollar stores that accept EBT
Armed with this information, you’ll shop at Dollar Tree with confidence using your SNAP benefits. Let’s start by understanding the basics of EBT cards.
What is EBT and How Does it Work?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer. The EBT system allows state welfare departments to issue benefits via a payment card system, rather than issuing paper food stamps or vouchers. There are two types of EBT benefits programs eligible households may qualify for:
SNAP: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (also known as food stamps) to help low-income individuals and families buy nutritious food items. This covers basics like bread, dairy, fruits and vegetables, meats, etc.
Cash benefits: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides cash assistance benefits apart from SNAP that can be used more flexibly, like for essential non-food household items.
When you qualify and are enrolled in SNAP and/or TANF assistance programs, the amount you’re eligible for each month gets deposited into your EBT account. You then use your EBT card to make purchases using these benefits, entering a PIN to access your account balance, similar to using a debit card.
Now that we’ve got that down, let’s look specifically at using EBT benefits at dollar stores…
Does Dollar Tree Accept EBT Payments In-Store?
The good news is that Dollar Tree accepts EBT benefit payments across all of their retail locations. So if you receive SNAP benefits, you can use your EBT card at Dollar Tree to purchase a variety of basic grocery items. This includes staples like milk, eggs, cheese, cereal, pasta, juice, vegetables, and more.
If your EBT account also has TANF cash assistance funds deposited each month, you’ll be glad to know these can provide you even more purchasing power at Dollar Tree. Your EBT cash benefits can be spent on essential non-food items like soap, diapers, laundry detergent, school supplies for kids, and other household basics.
No matter what type of EBT you have, just look for the SNAP accepted signage when you enter your local Dollar Tree store to confirm they participate. Then when you check out, you simply use your EBT card as you would a debit card, selecting “EBT” and entering your PIN. It’s that easy – but do read on for some important details on what food items qualify and using EBT benefits online.
What Food Items Can You Buy With EBT at Dollar Tree?
Knowing what you can and can’t purchase with your SNAP EBT benefits is important for staying compliant when shopping at Dollar Tree.
Here are examples of eligible food items commonly purchased with EBT cards at Dollar Tree:
- Milk, cheese, yogurt
- Bread, tortillas, cereals
- Rice, pasta, beans
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, fish
- Juices, water
- Snack foods like chips, pretzels
- Seeds and plants that produce food
However, there are restrictions on using SNAP EBT funds under USDA rules, prohibiting certain items. Ineligible items you can’t purchase with EBT benefits at Dollar Tree include:
- Prepared hot foods
- Alcoholic beverages
- Pet food
- Household supplies
- Medicine, supplements
- Cleaning products
- Toiletries and cosmetics
- Other non-food items
Trying to buy any of the prohibited items with your EBT card won’t work. You would need to use another form of payment like cash or credit. Be sure to keep this list of eligible versus ineligible items in mind when EBT shopping at Dollar Tree.
How to Use EBT Payment at Dollar Tree Checkout?
Wondering what the EBT payment process looks like specifically when you’re checking out at Dollar Tree? Here is a step-by-step overview:
- Separate EBT-eligible items: As you shop, keep items eligible for SNAP EBT separate from non-eligible items. This makes checkout faster.
- Insert EBT card: When you’re ready to pay, insert your EBT card into the card reader at checkout.
- Select payment type: Choose whether you want to use SNAP or cash benefits by selecting EBT or Cash.
- Enter PIN: Type in your 4-digit PIN number to access your account.
- Verify total: The checkout total for your EBT-eligible purchases will display on the pin pad. Verify it’s correct.
- Pay for non-EBT items separately: If you have any non-eligible items, be prepared to pay for them individually with cash, credit card, etc.
And that’s it – the payment will be deducted from your SNAP or cash EBT balance for the eligible groceries! Just be sure to keep your receipt to track funds used each month.
Tips for Checking Your EBT Balance Before Dollar Tree Shopping
Before heading out to shop at Dollar Tree with your EBT card in hand, it’s always a wise idea to double check your SNAP or cash benefits balance first. The last thing you want is to fill your cart then find out at checkout your account is drained for the month.
Here are three easy ways to check your EBT balance:
- Call the hotline at 1-888-328-6399 to hear your most up-to-date balances
- Check online using your state’s EBT portal account
- Use the ebtEDGE mobile app on iOS or Android devices
Checking your balance only takes a minute using any of these methods. Jot down how much you have for budgeting while you shop. Many EBT services even allow you to set balance alerts so you never get caught short at the register.
Can You Use EBT for Online Dollar Tree Orders?
While Dollar Tree gladly accepts EBT benefit payments in their stores all across the country, using your SNAP or cash funds for online orders works differently.
Unfortunately, EBT cards cannot be used to pay directly for online orders placed through Dollar Tree’s website or apps. Your benefits can only be redeemed when shopping in person at Dollar Tree locations.
If you need to place a Dollar Tree order online for delivery or curbside pickup, you’ll have to use an alternate form of payment like a credit card. EBT usage online is tricky due to regulations, so brick-and-mortar retail places like Dollar Tree are still your best option for stretching those SNAP dollars!
Other Dollar Stores That Accept EBT Payments
In addition to Dollar Tree, there are a few other major dollar store chains to be aware of that participate in the SNAP EBT program. So your benefits can be used not only at Dollar Tree, but also these popular dollar stores:
- Dollar General – With over 19,146 locations across almost every state, Dollar General is another go-to discount store that accepts EBT benefit payments. You can purchase a variety of grocery items with your SNAP card here.
- Family Dollar – Family Dollar has over 8,300 stores nationwide focused on low-cost household essentials, snacks, frozen goods, and more. Most locations take EBT cards for food stamp-eligible grocery products.
- 99 Cents Only Stores – In the southwest states of California, Texas, Arizona, and Nevada, 99 Cents Only Stores are a local staple. These warehouse-style stores take SNAP EBT for groceries.
Check to see if your state or town also has any smaller independent dollar-type shops as well. Some may accept EBT but policies can vary, so calling ahead to ask is recommended if it’s your first visit.
Final Thoughts
Dollar stores like Dollar Tree provide a valuable source for discount groceries and essentials – especially for the EBT community. Thankfully, redeeming your SNAP food stamp benefits or cash assistance at Dollar Tree during checkout is a smooth process once you know the ins and outs.
As you saw in this guide, you can successfully shop using your EBT debit card at Dollar Tree retail locations across the country. Just remember what grocery items qualify, check your current balance ahead of time, and follow the proper checkout process for entering your EBT PIN.
Between all the staple foods, snacks, frozen goods, and even cleaning products that your benefits can cover at Dollar Tree, you’ll keep your kitchen stocked and household budget balanced all month long!
