Buying groceries can be a real hassle, especially when you’re busy. That’s where services like Shipt come in handy! Shipt lets you order groceries online from stores like Target and then have them delivered to your door. But if you’re using SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, you might be wondering: **Does Shipt take EBT?** Let’s dive in and find out how this works.
Can You Directly Pay for Shipt Orders with EBT?
The short answer is no, at least not in the traditional sense. **You cannot directly use your EBT card to pay for the Shipt membership or delivery fees.** However, that doesn’t mean you can’t use your SNAP benefits to get groceries delivered through Shipt. It just requires a few extra steps and knowing what’s allowed.
What Items Are EBT-Eligible on Shipt?
So, since you can’t pay for everything with your EBT card on Shipt, what CAN you buy? Generally, if it’s a food item that’s eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits in a regular grocery store, it’s also eligible through Shipt. This includes things like:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snacks like chips and cookies (though not all snacks are eligible, so check!)
Non-food items are a different story. It’s important to be aware of what’s allowed, so you don’t accidentally try to use your EBT card for something it can’t pay for.
Non-eligible items typically include:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tobacco products
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food
- Household supplies (like cleaning products)
Always double-check the Shipt app or website, or the store’s specific EBT policy for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
How to Use SNAP Benefits with Shipt
Okay, so you can’t directly use your EBT card on the Shipt app. So how DO you use your benefits? You’ll need to do some shopping at a store that accepts EBT for online grocery orders, like Target. Then you can link your Target account to your Shipt account to make sure you get your delivery. You’ll also need to do this to pay for your order:
Here’s a general idea of the process, but remember details can change, so always check the store’s current policies:
- Shop online with a participating store (like Target) that accepts EBT for online orders.
- Select the EBT payment option when you check out on the store’s website or app.
- You might need to enter your EBT card number and PIN.
- Choose Shipt as your delivery option during checkout.
- Pay for the non-EBT eligible items with a different payment method (credit card, debit card, etc.)
Keep in mind that the Shipt membership and delivery fees won’t be covered by your EBT, so you’ll need another way to pay for those.
Some stores may offer free delivery with a certain amount spent, or you can pay for delivery when you use your EBT.
Finding Stores That Accept EBT for Shipt Deliveries
Finding the right store is the first step. Not every store that partners with Shipt accepts EBT for online orders. You’ll need to check specifically which stores in your area allow this payment method for online orders. Target is a big player, but other stores might offer it too.
The easiest way to find out is to:
- Visit the Shipt website or app.
- Enter your address to see available stores.
- Check the store’s information to see if they accept EBT for online orders.
- You might also find this information on the store’s own website or app.
Checking directly with the stores is always a good idea because policies can change. Sometimes, smaller stores might also accept EBT, so don’t rule out other options besides the big names.
Paying for Shipt Membership and Delivery Fees
As mentioned earlier, EBT typically can’t be used for the Shipt membership fee or the delivery fees. So, how do you handle those costs? You’ll need to pay them using another form of payment, like a credit card or debit card. If you don’t have a credit or debit card, you might need to find other options.
Here’s a table to show the different costs of using Shipt:
| Cost | Payment Method | Can EBT be Used? |
|---|---|---|
| Shipt Membership | Credit card, debit card | No |
| Delivery Fees | Credit card, debit card | No |
| Groceries (EBT-eligible items) | EBT card (through participating stores) | Yes |
Also, be aware of potential service fees or tip costs that you need to account for.
Sometimes stores will have a special deal that takes off the delivery fee when you spend a certain amount. It’s always a good idea to compare prices between different stores and delivery options to find the most affordable choices.
Other Things to Consider
When using Shipt and SNAP benefits, there are a few other things to keep in mind to make your experience smooth:
- Check Your EBT Balance: Always know how much money is available on your EBT card before you start shopping.
- Read the Fine Print: Understand the terms of service for both Shipt and the store you’re ordering from, especially regarding refunds, returns, and substitutions.
- Be Careful with Substitutions: If an item you ordered is out of stock, the shopper will usually offer a substitute. Review the proposed substitution and be aware that the price may change.
- Tip Your Shopper: Although not required, tipping your shopper is a nice way to show your appreciation for their time and effort. It’s also important for them!
By being prepared and informed, you can use Shipt effectively with your SNAP benefits and make grocery shopping a lot easier.
Remember, policies can change. If in doubt, it is always best to check directly with the store, or Shipt’s customer service for the most up-to-date information.
Conclusion
So, while you can’t swipe your EBT card directly on the Shipt app, you CAN use your SNAP benefits to buy groceries and have them delivered. The key is to order through a participating store (like Target) that accepts EBT for online orders. You’ll need a separate way to pay for the membership and delivery fees. By understanding the rules and knowing the available options, you can take advantage of the convenience of Shipt while still using your SNAP benefits to get your groceries. Happy shopping!