The search “does Dairy Queen take EBT” is common among SNAP recipients seeking to use benefits at fast-food restaurants, and this guide explains when and where Dairy Queen accepts EBT through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), how to distinguish grocery purchases from restaurant meals, and practical tips to maximize SNAP value.
1. Does Dairy Queen Take EBT?
The answer is yes, but not all Dairy Queen locations accept EBT. You can only use your EBT card at certain Dairy Queen stores if those locations participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
The RMP is an exception under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), designed to support specific groups of people, such as seniors, individuals with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness, who may not be able to prepare meals at home.
Through RMP, eligible participants can use their EBT benefits to buy prepared meals at authorized restaurants, including some Dairy Queen locations.
Currently, the RMP is available in a limited number of states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, and Rhode Island.
To avoid confusion, it’s important to distinguish between two different ways of using your EBT card:
- Buying groceries at SNAP-authorized stores: You can use your EBT card to purchase items intended for home preparation at grocery stores and supermarkets authorized by SNAP.
- Purchasing prepared meals at restaurants: Under standard SNAP rules, hot foods and ready-to-eat meals are not eligible for EBT payment.
However, if a restaurant, including some Dairy Queen locations is enrolled in the RMP, eligible participants can use their EBT card to pay for prepared meals.
>>> Read more: How to Get Free Food with No Money (11+ Best Ways)
2. Tips for Using EBT at Dairy Queen
After learning that Dairy Queen only accepts EBT at select locations participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), the next step is to understand how to maximize your EBT benefits when dining or shopping at Dairy Queen.
Knowing how to use your EBT card wisely not only helps you manage your budget more effectively but also ensures compliance with SNAP rules, preventing potential payment declines at checkout.
Combine EBT with promotions or discount codes
If your nearby Dairy Queen accepts EBT, you can combine your EBT card with ongoing promotions, coupons, or discount codes to stretch your food budget further.
However, it’s essential to follow the correct process to ensure your payment complies with SNAP guidelines:
Apply discounts before swiping your EBT card
When using Dairy Queen coupons, discount codes, or special offers, ask the cashier to apply the discount first.
This way, your EBT card will only be charged for the net amount of SNAP-eligible items, helping you save more on your balance.
Understand split tender (combined payments)
Under SNAP rules, EBT cannot be used to pay for taxes, service fees, or ineligible items.
If your order includes hot foods (not SNAP-approved) or alcoholic beverages, you’ll need to split the payment, pay for eligible items with your EBT card and cover the rest with cash, credit, or debit.
Leverage state-specific promotions
Some states offer exclusive discounts for RMP participants. If your local Dairy Queen supports this, take advantage of in-store coupons, Dairy Queen app promotions, or third-party platforms like RetailMeNot to maximize your savings.
Expand EBT benefits further by participating in Lifeline Program
In addition to using EBT at Dairy Queen, you can extend your benefits by enrolling in Lifeline, a federal assistance program that helps reduce your monthly phone and internet bills.
Lifeline, managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), provides monthly discounts on phone or broadband services.
By reducing your utility costs, you’ll have more flexibility to allocate your EBT funds toward food purchases at Dairy Queen and other retailers.
Here’s how to enroll in the Lifeline program:
- Visit the Lifeline Support website
- Check eligibility, SNAP recipients are usually automatically eligible
- Submit your application online
- Select a participating provider to receive your benefits directly
AirTalk Wireless is one of the leading providers under the Lifeline program. With AirTalk Wireless, you can enjoy:
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- Free monthly service: Enjoy unlimited talk & text plus high-speed data every month.
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- No contracts, no hidden fees: 100% free if you qualify through Lifeline.
- Seamless enrollment: Quick and easy application process online.
- Extra Support: Dedicated customer service to help you at every step.
By choosing AirTalk Wireless, you’ll save money and gain access to essential communication tools for work, education, healthcare, and more.
3. Food Places That Take EBT Near You
Finding restaurants and stores that accept EBT is now easier than ever, if you know how to use the right tools and search effectively for EBT-approved locations near you.
For SNAP recipients or those eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), knowing where to shop or dine can help you save time and make the most of your benefits.
Here are three simple and effective ways to find nearby food places that accept EBT:
Use Google Maps
One of the easiest ways to locate EBT-friendly restaurants is by using Google Maps:
- Go to Google Maps and type in keywords like:“restaurants that accept EBT near me”, “SNAP Restaurant Meals Program near me”
- The search results will display restaurants, fast-food chains, and grocery stores that may accept EBT.
- Some locations even highlight “EBT Accepted” in their business description or display a visible sign on their profile, making it simple to identify eligible places.
Use the USDA SNAP retailer locator
The USDA SNAP Retailer Locator is an official tool from the U.S. Department of Agriculture designed to help you find SNAP-authorized locations.
- Visit the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator.
- Enter your address, city, or ZIP code to view nearby authorized retailers.
- Results include grocery stores, supermarkets, and, in some states, restaurants approved under the SNAP program.
Check your state’s RMP List
If you live in a state that offers the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) such as Arizona, California, Michigan, or Illinois, you can visit your state’s official RMP website to:
- View an interactive online map showing the exact locations of restaurants that accept EBT.
- Download the latest list of RMP-approved restaurants and participating grocery chains.
Using these resources ensures that you’re always aware of the nearest options where you can pay with your EBT card.
>>> Check out more: Restaurants That Accept EBT: Where To Use EBT At Restaurants
4. FAQs
Does Dairy Queen accept EBT for cakes?
One of the most common questions among EBT cardholders is: “Does Dairy Queen Accept EBT for Cakes?”
- For cakes intended for home consumption, many Dairy Queen locations may accept EBT, as these items are generally classified as grocery products and often meet SNAP eligibility guidelines.
- However, for prepared cakes meant to be eaten immediately at the restaurant, EBT is typically not accepted, unless the Dairy Queen location participates in the RMP.
Does Cold Stone Take EBT?
The short answer is no. Cold Stone Creamery does not accept EBT for in-store purchases since the chain does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). However, there is one exception:
- Certain Cold Stone packaged products such as ice cream tubs and Cold Stone-branded coffee pods are sold at grocery stores and supermarkets.
- If these products are labeled “SNAP EBT eligible”, you can use your EBT card to purchase them at any SNAP-authorized retailer.
For example, Target and Walmart often carry Cold Stone products that qualify for EBT payments.
Final Words
The EBT policy at Dairy Queen is not consistent across the entire system. Some locations may accept EBT cards through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), while many others do not support it yet. Therefore, instead of wondering “does Dairy Queen take EBT”, it’s best to check directly with your nearest store to get the most accurate information.