Does Grubhub Take EBT? The Truth Behind Food Delivery Payments
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It is a common question for many households. You have your EBT benefits and want to order food. You might wonder if you can use your card for your favorite takeout. People often ask, “Does Grubhub take EBT?” or “Can I use EBT on Grubhub?”.
Let’s find out the truth about food delivery payments.
Does Grubhub Take EBT?
This is a straightforward question with a slightly complex answer. Here is what you need to know about Grubhub’s payment rules.
Current policy of Grubhub regarding EBT payments
The direct answer is no. Grubhub does not currently accept EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards as a direct payment method.
This applies to both SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits and TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) cash benefits.
When you go to the checkout page on Grubhub, you will not see an option to enter your EBT card details. Their payment system is only set up for standard commercial transactions, like credit cards, debit cards, or PayPal. It lacks the programming to process EBT. It also cannot split a payment between EBT-eligible and non-eligible items, which is a key feature of SNAP-approved grocery systems.
Why Grubhub does not accept EBT?
The main reason links directly to federal SNAP rules. SNAP benefits are designed to help families buy groceries to prepare meals at home. Federal law restricts the use of SNAP funds for hot, prepared foods.
Since Grubhub primarily delivers restaurant meals, these items are hot and ready to eat. This makes them ineligible for SNAP purchase. This rule was established to ensure SNAP funds are used for purchasing food staples for home consumption.
This policy promotes nutrition and helps stretch food budgets further. Restaurant meals are considered a convenience, not a staple grocery item. This is the same reason most fast-food places cannot accept EBT for their main menu items.
Exceptions or state-based programs and why they don’t apply to Grubhub
You might hear about some states having a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). We will discuss that more in a moment. However, RMP requires specific contracts between the state, the restaurant, and the payment processor.
Grubhub, as a third-party delivery service, does not participate in this program. Its business model is built on convenience delivery from a wide range of restaurants. It is not set up to be a direct SNAP retailer. The complex logistics and state-by-state rules make it difficult for delivery platforms to join.
If you receive SNAP benefits, you may also be eligible for other government assistance.
Alternatives When Grubhub Doesn’t Accept EBT
You still have great options for using your EBT card to get food delivered. You just have to use different services for different types of food.
Other delivery apps/ platforms that accept EBT for eligible grocery items
Some delivery apps do accept EBT, but with a catch. Services like Instacart, and in some areas, Uber Eats and DoorDash, accept EBT for grocery delivery. They partner with approved SNAP grocery retailers like Safeway, Aldi, or Walmart. You can order eligible items like fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy from these stores through the app.
When you use an app like Instacart, you link your EBT card to your profile. As you shop, the app sorts your cart. It shows you which items are SNAP-eligible. At checkout, you can apply your EBT funds to those items. You cannot use your EBT card for the delivery fees, service fees, or driver tips. You must use a separate credit or debit card for those charges.
How to use your SNAP/EBT benefits for online grocery shopping instead
Using EBT online for groceries is simple. First, check which local grocery stores accept EBT for online pickup or delivery. Many major chains now participate. You can visit the USDA’s SNAP Retailer Locator to see a list of approved online stores.
From there, you can visit the store’s website, like Walmart or Kroger, and create an account. In the payment settings, you will find an option to add your EBT card. It works just like adding a credit card. You can shop for your groceries and then select your EBT card to pay for the eligible food items at checkout.
State programs like the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and where they apply
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a state-run option. It allows certain SNAP recipients to buy hot, prepared meals at approved restaurants. This program is specifically for recipients who are elderly, disabled, or homeless and cannot easily prepare meals.
RMP is only available in select states like California, Arizona, Michigan, and a few others. It is important to understand that this is not a mainstream program. It is a targeted exception. Even if you qualify and live in an RMP state, you must find a restaurant that is also state-approved.
This is a very small number of restaurants. They will usually have a sign in their window. You must buy the food in person at the restaurant; you cannot use RMP through a delivery app.
Your EBT Benefits Can Unlock a Free Phone
Your EBT card is a key to more than just food benefits. It proves your eligibility for other helpful programs that can save you money.
How SNAP Eligibility Connects to Lifeline
Since you are eligible for SNAP, you also automatically qualify for the federal Lifeline program. This federal program helps make communications services more affordable for low-income consumers. Your SNAP participation is one of the simplest ways to show you qualify for Lifeline. You do not need to submit extra financial proof. Your active EBT card is the only evidence you need.
Getting Your Free Phone with AirTalk Wireless
A leading provider, AirTalk Wireless, offers qualifying individuals a free smartphone through the Lifeline program. You also get free monthly service that includes talk, text, and data. This isn’t a one-time offer; it’s a monthly benefit.
Each month, your plan refills automatically. This means you can call your doctor, contact your child’s school, or apply for jobs without worrying about a phone bill. AirTalk Wireless provides a reliable device and service on a high-quality network. This is a completely separate benefit from your SNAP funds and helps you stay connected.
You can learn more about how to get a free government phone and the benefits it provides.
IMPORTANT: The government does not subsidize devices. Lifeline programs cover basic service costs only. Free or discounted devices, upgrade plans, or top-ups are exclusive benefits provided by AirTalk Wireless as part of our promotional offers. Terms and conditions apply. Limited-time promotion—offers vary by state, stock availability, and eligibility.
What to Keep in Mind Before Trying to Use EBT on Grubhub
It is always smart to double-check the rules before you try to order. This saves you time and frustration at checkout.
Review payment methods supported by Grubhub
Before you build your perfect order, look at Grubhub’s payment section. You can do this without placing an order. Simply open the Grubhub app, go to your “Account,” and select “Payment.” This page lists all accepted methods. You will see they accept major credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, and Grubhub gift cards. You will not find an option for EBT. This quick check confirms their policy directly on the app.
Check state rules for SNAP/EBT usage, especially for prepared meals
SNAP rules are federal, but some programs are state-by-state. The Restaurant Meals Program is a good example. Always check your state’s specific SNAP website. Do not assume your state participates. The program is active in less than a dozen states. You can find this information on your state’s Department of Human Services website. This step helps you understand the full scope of your EBT card benefits.
Verify eligible vs ineligible purchases under SNAP regulations
The core rule is simple: SNAP is for food items you prepare at home. Eligible items include bread, cereals, fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages.
SNAP does not cover non-food items like soap, paper towels, or pet food. It also does not cover vitamins, medicines, supplements, alcohol, tobacco, or any food sold hot at the point of sale. This “hot food” rule is the main reason EBT is not an option on restaurant delivery apps.
Final Words
So, while the answer to “Does Grubhub take EBT?” is no, you still have options. You can use your EBT card for grocery delivery on other platforms like Instacart. The rules for SNAP focus on uncooked grocery items. It is important to know how your benefits work so you can use them wisely. And remember, your SNAP eligibility can also connect you to other great services. The Lifeline program from AirTalk Wireless is a perfect example. Staying connected is just as important as staying fed.
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