EBT Cash Benefits
For Retails Stores

Start Accepting EBT Cash for your Store

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Understand How to Accept EBT Cash Benefits at Your Retail Store

Retailers can accept EBT cash benefits in certain states while they apply to become SNAP retailers. EBT cash benefits allow eligible SNAP recipients to essentially use their EBT card like a debit card for important purchases not covered under the standard SNAP program at various retailers, including convenience stores, grocery stores, pharmacies, QSRs, and other specialty retailers. Find out if your store qualifies to accept EBT cash benefits and learn more here.

What is the difference between
EBT, SNAP, EBT cash benefits and D-SNAP?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal nutrition
program administered by USDA-FNS that helps eligible consumers purchase
healthy foods using their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.

SNAP

an FNS program that provides healthy foods for eligible people

EBT

an electronic system that enables SNAP participants to use their benefits

EBT Cash Benefits

cash benefits to pay for childcare, housing, transportation and more

D-SNAP

benefits similar to SNAP created in response to the pandemic

EBT Cash Benefits FAQs

EBT cash benefits are often misunderstood. Here are answers to the most commonly asked questions to clear up some of the confusion.

  • What are EBT cash benefits?
    EBT cash benefits are attained through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program, a federally funded program ran by individual states. These benefits essentially allow the EBT card to be used like a debit card. EBT cardholders can get cash while checking out or withdraw cash from an ATM* with their EBT card to pay for rent, utilities, childcare costs, etc.
  • How are EBT cash benefits accepted?
    EBT cash benefits are accessed with an EBT cash benefits card, which allows recipients to get cashback at the register or withdraw funds from an ATM*, unlike EBT SNAP cards.
  • How can my customers use EBT cash benefits?
    EBT cash benefits are designed to provide temporary funds for housing, childcare, food, transportation, job expenses, and more to help people get back on their feet.
  • How can I accept EBT cash benefits at my store?
    If your state qualifies for EBT cash benefits, you can accept them at your store just like regular EBT cards. To process these benefits, you can get set up with an EBT processor like goEBT while you apply to accept EBT at your store. If you are not approved to accept EBT, EBT cash benefits recipients can still use the cash they withdraw from their card at your store.

*Ask your ATM provider to learn more.

Find out if your store is located in a state that allows you to accept EBT cash benefits

Get Started in a SNAP with EBT Now

While you get started on your EBT application, EBT cash benefits recipients can still use their cash at your store until you become an approved EBT processor who can accept their EBT cash benefits Card. In the meantime, you can get started with goEBT or even receive personal assistance with your USDA SNAPP retailer application through goEBT’s EBT NOW program.

To get help with your USDA SNAP application, fill out this form and a goEBT representative will reach out to you.

We make EBT a SNAP!

To get help with your USDA SNAP application,
fill out this form and a goEBT representative will reach out to you.

The Difference between EBT Cash Benefits and SNAP for Retailers

EBT Cash Benefits

  • Helps with life expenses
    Can be used for housing, transportation, job expenses, childcare, and more.
  • Provides immediate help
    Temporary program designed to help families get back on their feet.
  • Redeemable anywhere
    Benefits can be redeemed at virtually any store.

SNAP Benefits

  • Helps provide healthy foods
    Can be used for fresh foods (meats, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, breads), non-alcoholic beverages, and snack foods.
  • Gives access to basic needs
    Program designed to help families meet basic needs, like access to proper nutrition.
  • Redeemable in select markets
    Benefits can be redeemed at c-stores, grocery stores, select restaurants, and farmers markets.

Start accepting EBT Cash Benefits
at your store now

If your state participates, you can accept EBT cash benefits at your store now while your SNAP retailer application is being processed.

goEBT can help you get started. Once your FNS application is approved, just let us know and we’ll activate EBT on your terminal that day.