Does Walgreens Accept EBT?

Walgreens is the second largest drugstore in the US, behind CVS. Since the retailer has outlets almost on every corner, you may be wondering whether you can use EBT to shop at your nearest store.

Walgreens accepts EBT as a payment option in some of its stores. However, other outlets do not accept EBT payments due to the applicable laws in their respective states.

Since Walgreens does not list the stores that accept EBT on its website, the only way is to call the nearest store and ask. You can get the contacts of the Walgreens stores closest to you by entering your zip code or state in the store locator on the Walgreens website.

How To Use EBT Cards At Walgreens?

Although you can use your EBT card to make payments in select Walgreens stores, the retailer does not accept it as a payment option for online purchases. This is because Walgreens is not a signatory of the online USDA EBT pilot program.

When shopping in-store, here’s how to use an EBT card at Walgreens:

Once you finish shopping, proceed to the checkout register.
Sort your items to ensure that they are eligible for EBT payment. The cashier can help you do that.
Swipe your card at the point of sale once the cashier scans your items.
Enter your 4-digit PIN.
Confirm that the amount is correct and approve the payment.
Get a copy of the receipt.

What Items Can You Purchase With EBT At Walgreens?

The following is a list of items you can purchase with an EBT card at Walgreens.

Dairy products.
Fruits.
Vegetables.
Meat (lamb, chicken, steak).
Fish.
Bread.
Cereals.
Soft drinks.
Energy drinks.
Desserts.
Baby formula.
Frozen dinners.
Coffee.

Below are the items you cannot purchase with your EBT card.

Alcohol.
Cigarettes or tobacco.
Hoot food prepared for immediate consumption.
Prescriptions.
Vitamins and supplements.
Cleaning products.
Pet foods.
Diapers.
Soaps.
Hygiene items.
Household supplies such as paper products.
Cosmetics.

How To Get EBT Cards?

If you want to apply for an EBT card, you must first meet the eligibility guidelines, including the following.

Gross monthly income – your household’s income before applying any deductions must be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line. For example, if you live in a family of three, the poverty line for calculating the SNAP benefits for the federal fiscal year 2023 is $1,920 per month. Therefore, if you use 130 percent to calculate the poverty line for your family, you’ll get $2,495 in benefits per month or $29,940 per year.
Net income – your total household income after applying all deductions must be at or below the poverty line.
Your assets must fall within certain limits – for example, if your household does not have a senior citizen aged 60 or older or a person living with a disability, your assets should not exceed $2,750. However, if you live with the people mentioned above, your assets should be $4,250 or less.

If you want to apply for an EBT card, you must fill out an application and submit it in person. You can do this at your local SNAP office.

You can find the local SNAP office and your state’s application form on the USDA National Map. When applying for your EBT card, bring the following:

Proof of identity – can include a driver’s license, state-issued ID card, or birth certificate.
Proof of income – your most recent pay stubs, bank records, tax records, or unemployment benefits letter.
Medical expenses records – if you’re caring for a disabled family member or incur regular medical expenses, you’ll need to provide appropriate documentation.
Proof of residence or address – a utility bill with your name as the customer listed, a current lease, or a rent receipt may be sufficient proof.
Household expenses or shelter deduction – to determine whether your household falls below the federal poverty line. You can provide documents such as mortgage statements, rental receipts, tax records, and other utility bills.
Proof of any disabilities – if you have a disabled person in your family, you may provide their medical records or a letter from their doctor stating their disability.

After submitting all the necessary documents, you are then invited for an interview at your local SNAP office within thirty days. As part of the review process, the interview helps the SNAP reviewer verify your identity and fill in any information gaps by asking for more information or documentation.

FAQs

Can someone use my EBT card for me?

Yes. You can nominate someone as your authorized representative to make purchases on your behalf when unavailable.

Can you return food bought with EBT at Walgreens?

Yes. You can return food items bought with EBT within 30 days of purchase. Remember to carry a valid form of identification such as a driver’s license, military ID, or State ID.