For those wondering about dining out, does El Pollo Loco take EBT? The answer is yes, at select locations across California. This guide provides a complete overview of where and how to use your EBT or P-EBT card at El Pollo Loco, plus tips to maximize your benefits.
1. Does El Pollo Loco Take EBT?
Yes, El Pollo Loco accepts EBT payments at selected locations in California and a few other states. However, not all restaurants participate, so you should check whether the location is enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) before visiting.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), part of the CalFresh initiative, gives qualified individuals the convenience of buying ready-to-eat meals at participating restaurants using their EBT cards. It’s designed specifically for people who are elderly, disabled, homeless, or otherwise unable to cook their own meals.
Many El Pollo Loco locations in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego, and other California counties are part of this program.
It’s also essential to understand the difference between EBT for groceries and EBT at restaurants to avoid confusion:
EBT for grocery purchases (SNAP Grocery Purchases)
- Widely accepted: You can use your EBT card to buy eligible food items at supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, and many retail locations.
- Not valid for hot or prepared meals: Under the standard SNAP program, EBT cannot be used to buy hot foods or prepared meals for immediate consumption unless the restaurant participates in the RMP.
EBT at restaurants (RMP Transactions)
- Only available at approved restaurants: EBT can only be used at restaurants that officially participate in the RMP, including select El Pollo Loco locations.
- Eligibility requirements: To use your EBT card at a restaurant under the RMP, you must meet at least one of the following conditions:
- Be 60 years or older
- Be disabled
- Be homeless
- If a restaurant does not participate in the RMP, your EBT card cannot be used to pay for your order.
2. Does El Pollo Loco Take EBT in California?
Through the Restaurant Meals Program, El Pollo Loco welcomes EBT payments at select locations across California. The RMP, part of CalFresh (California’s SNAP), allows eligible EBT cardholders to buy hot, prepared meals at approved restaurants.
The program, launched in 1978 to support seniors and people with disabilities, expanded in 1996 to include individuals experiencing homelessness.
Initially piloted in San Francisco County, the RMP now operates in 18 California counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Alameda, Sacramento, San Diego, Ventura, Sonoma, and more.
Steps to pay with your EBT card at approved restaurants:
- Find an RMP-approved location: Look for the “Restaurant Meals Program” logo or check the official CDSS list.
- Notify the cashier: Inform them before placing your order.
- Eligibility verification: Your card will be swiped to confirm your RMP eligibility.
- Complete payment: Transactions are processed instantly without extra fees.
El Pollo Loco participates in California’s RMP, but not all locations accept EBT. Key areas with multiple participating branches include:
- Los Angeles County: Inglewood, West Hollywood, Downtown LA, and surrounding areas.
- Orange County: Anaheim, La Palma Ave, Euclid St, Tustin Ave, Beach Blvd, and Santa Ana Canyon Rd.
- Riverside County & Inland Empire: Yorba Linda, Beaumont, Cathedral City, Corona, Eastvale, Lake Elsinore, La Quinta, and more.
3. What Can You Buy with EBT at El Pollo Loco?
Does El Pollo Loco take EBT food?
Yes, El Pollo Loco does accept EBT food (CalFresh/SNAP) at select locations in California that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This means you can use your EBT card to pay for prepared meals, but only at restaurants enrolled in the RMP and if you belong to an eligible group.
Does El Pollo Loco Take EBT cards and P-EBT?
Many customers often ask whether El Pollo Loco accepts both EBT cards and P-EBT. To understand this, you need to know the difference between the two:
Regular EBT (CalFresh/SNAP)
- A long-term government food assistance program.
- Benefits are loaded onto your EBT card each month and can be used to buy groceries at SNAP-approved retailers or pay for prepared meals at restaurants participating in the RMP, including some El Pollo Loco locations.
P-EBT (Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer)
- A temporary program launched during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Provided nutritional support for children who lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to school closures.
- Works similarly to SNAP, but not all restaurants accept P-EBT.
Although EBT and P-EBT operate on the same electronic payment system, not all El Pollo Loco locations accept both. Certain locations exclusively process CalFresh/SNAP EBT payments and are not set up to accept P-EBT cards.
Before visiting a restaurant, you should:
- Call the location directly to confirm acceptance, or
- Check the official El Pollo Loco website and the California RMP directory for up-to-date information.
4. Tips for Using EBT at El Pollo Loco
If you plan to use your EBT or P-EBT card at El Pollo Loco in California, knowing how to maximize your benefits will help you save money and enjoy your meals more effectively.
Since not every location participates in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and promotions may vary, follow these tips:
Check if your local El Pollo Loco accepts EBT
Not all El Pollo Loco locations are RMP-approved, so verify before visiting:
- Google Maps: Search “El Pollo Loco near me” and check the business profile for EBT details.
- USDA SNAP Retailer Locator: Enter your ZIP code and filter by restaurants participating in the RMP.
Checking in advance saves time and ensures your EBT benefits are used at eligible locations.
Combine EBT with promotions and discount codes
Stretch your SNAP benefits by pairing EBT with available deals:
- Check El Pollo Loco’s website or mobile app for weekly specials and digital coupons.
- Join the Loco Rewards Program to earn points and receive exclusive discounts.
- Browse third-party coupon sites or local deals for participating branches.
This strategy lets you enjoy more food while spending less.
Order smart to maximize your EBT balance
Make your benefits go further by choosing value-packed options:
- Pick combo meals instead of single items for better value.
- Opt for family meals when dining with others to save on cost per serving.
- Stick to RMP-eligible menu items to avoid payment issues.
- Check if your location offers in-store pick-up discounts when ordering online.
By following these tips, you can maximize your savings, use your EBT more efficiently, and enjoy delicious El Pollo Loco meals without overspending.
5. How to Expand Your Benefits with EBT
EBT doesn’t just help you save on groceries or enjoy prepared meals at participating restaurants like El Pollo Loco, you can maximize your monthly savings by combining it with other federal assistance programs, especially the Lifeline Program.
The Lifeline Program, managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), offers free or discounted phone and internet services to eligible low-income households.
If you already qualify for SNAP or CalFresh, there’s a high chance you’re also eligible for Lifeline.
By combining EBT benefits with Lifeline, you can significantly lower your monthly expenses:
- Lower communication costs: Get free or discounted mobile plans, including talk, text, and data.
- Affordable internet access: Stay connected to education, telehealth, job portals, and essential online services.
- Fast approval: If you already receive SNAP, you’re usually automatically eligible for Lifeline.
Adding Lifeline alongside your EBT benefits is a smart strategy to stretch your budget further. By reducing communication costs, you can allocate more money to essentials like food, rent, and transportation or even enjoy healthy meals at EBT-approved restaurants such as El Pollo Loco.
Especially, if you apply for Lifeline through an authorized service provider, such as AirTalk Wireless, you may receive beyond discounted plans:
- Discounted or free devices from trusted brands at top tier quality:
- Apple (iPhones, iPad)
- Samsung (Samsung Galaxy phones, Galaxy Tabs)
- Motorola
- Nokia (Flip phone, smartphones)
- And more
- Unlimited talk, text
- International calling to 200+ destinations
- Unsurpassed network capabilities offering unbeatable fast service
- Timely and reliable service
- Friendly, multilingual representatives
Final Words
If you’ve been wondering “does El Pollo Loco take EBT,” the answer is yes but only at select locations participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
To make the most of your savings, consider combining your EBT benefits with the Lifeline program, which helps reduce monthly phone and internet costs. Start maximizing your benefits and enjoy more value today.