Does McDonald’s accept EBT? (how it works, where + more)
People who use EBT may be looking for some fast food options and wondering if McDonald’s accepts EBT as a form of payment.
Below, you’ll find the answer to that and other questions you might have about McDonald’s and EBT!
Does McDonald’s accept EBT?
Unfortunately, McDonald’s does not accept EBT as an in-store or drive-thru payment method. However, if you receive TANF benefits, you can withdraw cash to use at McDonald’s. Additionally, some states, such as California and Arizona, offer restaurant meal programs for the homeless, disabled, and seniors.
Even though McDonald’s doesn’t accept EBT, there are some workarounds, and we’ll discuss those options below.
Does EBT work at McDonald’s?
In most states, you cannot use your EBT card to buy food from McDonald’s, although there are some exceptions, including through restaurant meal plans.
Also, restaurant meal plans are only available to people who are homeless, disabled, or elderly and need help getting food.
Currently, only Arizona and California have full restaurant meal plans, though Florida and Rhode Island have lite versions. No other states have decided to join the program.
Can you use your TANF benefits to buy McDonald’s?
TNAF is Temporary Assistance for Families in Need and is an option if you want to use this form of EBT to buy food at McDonald’s.
Also, with TNAF, the state will provide you with funds on your EBT card each month.
Best of all, you can withdraw money at ATMs, which you can use to pay rent, pay bills, and even buy fast food from restaurants like McDonald’s.
What payment methods does McDonald’s accept?
McDonald’s does offer customers a variety of other payment options. This includes cash, Arch gift cards, Visa, Mastercard, American Express and Discover cards.
Not to mention, McDonald’s also allows mobile payments, including Apple Pay and Google Pay.
What can SNAP EBT benefits be used to buy?
While you can’t swipe your SNAP EBT benefit card at McDonald’s, it’s still very useful to buy authorized food from a variety of stores, such as:
- Meat
- cereals
- fish
- vegetable
- dairy products
- fruit
- poultry
- whole grains
- Plants that produce food and various seeds
What can’t you buy with a SNAP-only EBT card?
SNAP has very specific rules about what you can and cannot buy, and the list of items you cannot buy includes:
- non food
- Alcohol
- drug
- vitamins
- tobacco
- Foods that are consumed immediately (such as fast food)
- household products
Where can you use your EBT card?
McDonald’s and other fast food restaurants are not allowed to pass SNAP EBTs, but you can use these food stamp benefits to buy groceries from many grocery stores, including:
- Aldi
- Albertson
- BJ’s Wholesale
- costco
- Sam’s Club
- Kroger
- food 4 less
- No public
- ralphs
- piggy swing
- save a lot
- Target
- walmart
- frugal
- trader joe’s
- Winn Dixie
- whole foods
- Jubilee Foods
In addition to those listed above, several other retail and grocery stores allow you to use your EBT card whether you are using SNAP benefits or TANF benefits.
Can you use EBT at any fast food restaurant?
Unfortunately, if you only receive SNAP benefits, you cannot use your EBT card at any fast food restaurants unless your state participates in the restaurant meal program.
Qualifying for a restaurant meal plan does give you the option to use your SNAP benefits at restaurants, and most fast food restaurants in these particular states accept EBT.
It’s always a good idea to check your state’s EBT rules, as each state has guidelines for who qualifies for available EBT assistance programs.
Who is eligible for EBT?
Rules on who is eligible for EBT vary slightly by state, but generally, anyone who lives between 100% and 130% of the poverty line and is a legal immigrant, asylum seeker, U.S. citizen, or refugee can enroll .
Your monthly income and household size are used to determine if you qualify for EBT, and if so, what type of benefits you should receive from the state.
Typically, your eligibility is checked annually to ensure you remain eligible for the scheme, and you must notify them immediately of changes that may affect eligibility.
Regardless, it’s best to check your state’s eligibility and requirements, as they may change, and some states offer more programs than traditional EBT food stamps to help those in need.
If you want to know more, you might also be interested in reading whether McDonald’s accepts Apple Pay, whether Aldi accepts EBT, and whether Sam’s Club accepts EBT.
in conclusion
Generally speaking, if you are only receiving SNAP EBT benefits, McDonald’s does not accept EBT, nor does any fast food restaurant.
If you get cash benefits through TANF, then if you want a quick snack, just go to an ATM and withdraw your money.
Among other things, states that participate in restaurant meal programs allow eligible people to order fast food at fast-food restaurants such as McDonald’s or Burger King.
Hopefully more states will welcome restaurant meal plans so that those most in need have more immediate and fast food options, especially those with disabilities and seniors.
