Can I Pay My Phone Bill With My EBT Card?

Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards are used to distribute government assistance, such as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for food purchases and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) cash assistance. While EBT cards are a common method for accessing these funds, they are not designed or permitted for directly paying phone bills. Their use is limited by the type of benefit they carry.

Understanding EBT Card Usage

EBT cards deliver SNAP and TANF benefits. SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, are strictly for purchasing eligible food items to be prepared and eaten at home. These benefits cover groceries, seeds, and food-producing plants, but explicitly exclude non-food items such as alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, hot foods, or household supplies like phone bills. An EBT card loaded with SNAP benefits cannot be used for telephone services.

TANF provides cash assistance, offering more flexibility than SNAP. Funds are deposited monthly onto an EBT card and can be used for a broader range of necessities, including rent, utilities, clothing, transportation, and other basic household items. While phone service can be considered a necessity, direct payment using an EBT card at a phone company is not supported. Recipients often withdraw cash from an ATM using their EBT card and then use that cash to pay for their phone bill.

Federal Programs for Communication Assistance

Federal programs help low-income households afford communication services, serving as alternatives to direct EBT payment for phone bills. The Lifeline program, established by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), aims to make phone and internet service more affordable. Eligible consumers can receive a monthly discount on qualifying telephone, internet, or bundled services. This discount can be up to $9.25 per month, with an enhanced discount of up to $34.25 per month available for eligible consumers living on Tribal lands.

The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) previously provided a discount on internet service and a one-time device discount. The ACP offered up to a $30 monthly discount on internet service, or up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. It also included a one-time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or tablet. However, the ACP stopped accepting new applications on February 7, 2024, due to a lack of additional funding from Congress.

Determining Eligibility for Assistance

Eligibility for the Lifeline program is based on household income or participation in federal assistance programs. A household can qualify if its income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines (FPG). Participation in programs such as SNAP, Medicaid, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Federal Public Housing Assistance, or the Veterans Pension and Survivors Benefit also establishes eligibility.

To confirm eligibility, applicants need to provide documentation. This may include proof of income, such as tax returns or three consecutive pay stubs, or proof of participation in a qualifying federal assistance program. Identity and address verification are also part of the process, often requiring government-issued identification. The Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) website, lifelinesupport.org, is the central resource for eligibility requirements.

Applying for Communication Assistance

Once eligibility is determined, several methods exist to apply for the Lifeline program. The most common approach is through the National Verifier, Lifeline’s centralized online application system. Applicants can also submit a paper application by mail to the Lifeline Support Center, or apply directly through a participating phone or internet service provider.

The application process involves providing personal information and submitting required documentation to verify identity, address, and eligibility. If information is automatically verifiable through databases, online decisions can be made within minutes. If manual review is necessary, a decision may take seven to ten business days. Upon approval, consumers have about 90 days to choose a participating service provider and sign up for qualifying service.