Can You Use an EBT Card on DoorDash?
Understand how to effectively use your EBT card for grocery delivery via DoorDash. Get clear guidance on its application and limitations.
Understand how to effectively use your EBT card for grocery delivery via DoorDash. Get clear guidance on its application and limitations.
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card distributes government assistance, primarily Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. DoorDash connects consumers with various merchants for delivery services. EBT cards can be used on DoorDash for eligible grocery deliveries, not restaurant orders, offering a convenient way to access essential food items.
EBT card usage on DoorDash is restricted to grocery deliveries from participating stores. It cannot be used for restaurant orders or other non-grocery merchants. Acceptance depends on whether the specific grocery retailer on DoorDash has enabled EBT as a payment option.
To use an EBT card on DoorDash, it must be a valid SNAP EBT card, designed for food purchases. Other EBT benefits, like cash assistance or Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), may not be accepted for grocery orders. Users should ensure their EBT card is active and has sufficient SNAP balance. The system verifies the card’s validity and available balance during checkout.
To use an EBT card for grocery purchases on DoorDash, add it as a payment method within the application or website. Navigate to account settings, then “Payment Methods” or “Wallet.” Select “Add EBT Card” or “Add SNAP EBT.” This requires entering the EBT card number and, in some cases, the expiration date, similar to adding a debit or credit card.
Once the EBT card is linked, users can place a grocery order. Select a participating grocery store that accepts SNAP EBT payments through DoorDash. As items are added to the cart, the platform distinguishes between eligible and ineligible items. At checkout, select the EBT card for the SNAP-eligible portion. Any remaining balance for non-eligible items, such as delivery fees, service fees, or tips, must be paid using an alternative payment method, like a debit card, credit card, or DoorDash gift card.
EBT purchases on DoorDash follow Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) rules for eligible food items. SNAP benefits cover most food items for the household, including fruits, vegetables, meats, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, and snack foods. This also includes seeds and plants that produce food for the household.
Certain categories of items are excluded from EBT purchases. These include hot, prepared foods ready for immediate consumption, such as rotisserie chickens or deli hot meals. Non-food items like alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medicines, cleaning supplies, paper products, household supplies, and pet food cannot be purchased with EBT benefits. Delivery fees, service charges, and any tips for the delivery driver are non-food expenses and must be covered by a separate payment method.