When you’re looking for a quick, hot meal, a sub from Jersey Mike’s is a popular choice. However, if you have a SNAP EBT card, you’re aware that the rules can be complicated. This leads to a very common question: Does Jersey Mike’s take EBT?
The answer is not a simple “yes” or “no.” For the vast majority of people, the answer is no. Standard SNAP rules do not permit the purchase of hot, prepared foods.
However, there is one major exception: the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This guide explains what the RMP is, who qualifies, and how to determine if a Jersey Mike’s location near you accepts EBT.
1. The Official Answer: Does Jersey Mike’s Take EBT?
Let’s break down the official policy and the one exception that makes this so confusing.
Does Jersey Mike’s Accept EBT?
For about 99% of EBT users, the answer is no.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal program designed to help families purchase groceries for home preparation. Because of this, the rules strictly prohibit using SNAP benefits to buy “hot foods” or “foods sold for on-premises consumption.” A sub made to order at Jersey Mike’s falls into this category.
However, the answer becomes “maybe” if you live in a specific state and meet specific criteria. This is where the Restaurant Meals Program comes in.
The Exception: What is the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is the only way a fast-food restaurant like Jersey Mike’s can accept EBT.
The RMP is a state-level option (not a federal requirement) that allows certain SNAP recipients to use their EBT card to buy hot, prepared meals from authorized restaurants. This program is specifically for those who may not be able to prepare meals at home.
To be eligible for the RMP, you must meet all of the following conditions:
- You must live in a state that participates in the RMP.
- Your entire household must be composed of individuals who are:
- Elderly (age 60 or older);
- Disabled (receiving specific disability benefits like SSI); or
- Homeless.
If you are a SNAP recipient but do not meet one of these three criteria, you cannot use the RMP, even if you live in a participating state.
>>> Read more: Can You Buy Fast Food With EBT? Eligible Restaurants by State
2. How to Find a Jersey Mike’s That Accepts EBT
So, if you are eligible for the RMP, how do you find a participating location?
Which States Participate in the RMP?
As of 2025, only a handful of states have implemented a Restaurant Meals Program. The list of participating states includes:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New York (in certain counties)
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
This list is subject to change, so it is essential to check your state’s official SNAP benefits website for the most up-to-date information.
If your state is not on this list, then no Jersey Mike’s location (or any other restaurant) can accept your EBT card.
How to Check if Your Local Jersey Mike’s Participates
Even in a state with an RMP, participation is not mandatory. Each restaurant franchise must apply individually and obtain authorization from the state.
This means one Jersey Mike’s might accept EBT while another one down the street does not. Here is how to check:
- Check Your State’s Website: Your state’s SNAP/Human Services website is the most reliable source. For example, the California Department of Social Services provides a downloadable list of all approved restaurants, searchable by county.
- Look for a Sign: Authorized restaurants are required to display an “EBT Accepted” sign in their window, often featuring the SNAP logo.
- Call Ahead: This is the most foolproof method. Call your local Jersey Mike’s and ask, “I am an RMP-eligible SNAP recipient. Does your specific location accept EBT card payments?”
- Check Online Resources: Some food blogs and resources track this information, although they may not be as current as official state lists. For example, sources like Mobile Cuisine note that select locations in RMP states, such as Arizona and California, are known to accept EBT.
3. Using Your EBT Benefits and Other Programs
Understanding your benefits is key to maximizing their value. Here are some common questions.
Get a Free Phone with Your EBT (SNAP) Eligibility
If you are eligible for SNAP (which is a requirement to use the RMP), you also automatically qualify for the federal Lifeline program.
This program helps low-income families stay connected by providing free or low-cost phone service. With a leading provider like AirTalk Wireless, you can use your SNAP eligibility to get a complete package at no cost:
- A FREE 4G/5G Smartphone
- FREE Unlimited Monthly Talk & Text
- FREE High-Speed Data
4. FAQs
What Other Sub Sandwich Shops Might Take EBT?
The most common fast-food participant in the RMP is Subway. Many Subway locations in states like California and Arizona are authorized to accept EBT for eligible recipients.
Other chains, such as Blimpie, as well as local delis, may also be on your state’s approved list. The same rules apply: you must be RMP-eligible, and the specific location must be authorized.
Can I Use My EBT Card for Jersey Mike’s on DoorDash or Grubhub?
No. This is a common point of confusion. The Restaurant Meals Program requires the transaction to be made in person at the restaurant.
While you can use EBT for online grocery orders from places like Walmart or Amazon (through the SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot), you cannot use EBT for hot food delivery from any restaurant or service like DoorDash, Uber Eats, or Grubhub.
5. Final Words
So, does Jersey Mike’s take EBT? For most people, the answer is no. The only exception applies to RMP-eligible recipients (those who are elderly, disabled, or homeless) in a limited number of participating states, and only at specific authorized franchise locations.
For everyone else, your EBT card remains a vital tool for purchasing groceries. Don’t forget that your SNAP eligibility also qualifies you for other vital programs, like the free phone service provided by AirTalk Wireless.