The question “does Subway take EBT” is one many SNAP recipients are asking as they seek more convenient food options beyond traditional grocery stores. While Subway is a popular fast-food chain known for its fresh sandwiches, not all locations accept EBT.
This comprehensive guide explains where and how EBT can be used at Subway, who is eligible through the Restaurant Meals Program, and how you can maximize your benefits, ensuring you get the most out of your SNAP assistance.
1. Does Subway Take EBT?
Subway ranks among the top fast-food franchises in the U.S., recognized for offering fresh ingredients and build-your-own sandwich options. However, acceptance of EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards at Subway is not uniform across the country. Participation in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) varies by state and even by specific locations within each state.
For those who have not known, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), called CalFresh in California, offers financial support for food purchases to help individuals and families with limited income access to nutritious meals.
Typically, SNAP benefits can only be used to purchase unprepared foods intended for home cooking.
However, the RMP is a special program that allows eligible SNAP recipients who are elderly, disabled, or homeless to purchase prepared meals at approved restaurants, including select Subway locations.
Whether a Subway location accepts EBT depends on whether it participates in the RMP. Only approved Subway locations in states that have implemented the RMP are authorized to accept EBT for prepared meals.
Therefore, SNAP recipients should verify in advance whether a specific Subway location accepts EBT before making a purchase.
2. How to Use Your EBT Card at Restaurants Like Subway?
How to check if a Subway location accepts EBT?
Follow these steps to check whether a specific Subway restaurant accepts EBT payments:
Visit your state’s EBT or SNAP website
Many state government websites maintain updated lists or maps of restaurants participating in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). Check your state’s EBT or Department of Social Services page.
Use the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator
The USDA’s SNAP Retailer Locator is a powerful tool for identifying authorized EBT retailers. However, note that this tool shows general EBT acceptance, not specific RMP participation, so it’s best used in combination with state-specific information.
Call the Subway location directly
The most accurate method is to call the specific Subway store. Ask whether they accept EBT for hot or prepared meals through the RMP. Not all employees may know this immediately, so don’t hesitate to request to speak with a manager if needed.
Look for in-store signage
Approved restaurants often display signs such as:
- “EBT Accepted”
- “SNAP Restaurant Meals Program Participant”
- A fork-and-knife icon near the entrance or checkout counter
Ask your social worker or local SNAP office
If you’re still unsure, your social worker or local SNAP office can provide a list of restaurants in your area that accept EBT under RMP.
Even in RMP-approved states like California or Arizona, only select Subway franchise locations participate in the program.
Who is eligible to use EBT at restaurants?
You must meet both of the following criteria to use EBT at restaurants:
You must live in a State that offers RMP
So far, only a limited number of states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, including:
- California
- Arizona
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Virginia (in pilot phase)
Each state sets its own rules, so access may vary.
You must belong to an eligible group
The following SNAP recipients may qualify to use EBT at restaurants:
- Seniors (aged 60 or older)
- People with disabilities (receiving disability benefits or SSI)
- Homeless individuals
- Spouses of eligible recipients (in some states)
You may need to apply or opt in through your local SNAP office to activate RMP benefits.
4. How To Maximize Your EBT Benefits with Lifeline?
Lifeline is a federal program that offers monthly discounts of up to $9.25 on phone or internet services (and up to $34.25 for individuals living on Tribal lands). The goal is to ensure that low-income households have access to essential communication tools.
For SNAP participants who have an EBT card, in addition to using it for groceries or meals at places like Subway, you can also leverage your SNAP eligibility documents to apply for the Lifeline program.
How the Lifeline program helps SNAP users
- Lower monthly bills: Save $9–$30 per month on your phone or internet service.
- Stay connected: Get access to essential communications like job alerts, emergency services, and doctor appointments.
- No extra cost: It’s completely free to apply for and use the Lifeline benefit.
- Improved financial stability: Helps reduce dependence on credit cards or short-term loans.
How to qualify for Lifeline using EBT
You are eligible for Lifeline if you currently receive SNAP benefits. Here’s how to apply:
Visit the official AirTalk Wireless website
Select a participating phone or internet company in your state and sign up for their Lifeline plan. One of the most trusted and long-standing providers is AirTalk Wireless, offering benefits such as:
- Free smartphones from top-name brands
- Unlimited talk and text
- Discounted or free data plans
Go to AirTalk Wireless website and click on “Apply Now.”
Choose a plan and a device
There are various Lifeline plans to choose from.
Do note that some offer data and device, while the Boost Plan only includes the SIM card with data as this package is Bring Your Own Device option.
Submit proof of eligibility (if required)
During the application process, if required, you’ll need to upload documents that verify your SNAP participation.
You cannot use your EBT card alone as proof of eligibility for the Lifeline program. Instead, you must submit one of the following official documents issued:
- Notice of Action
- Notice of Approval
- Verification of Benefits Letter
Wait for approval and shipment
Once you submitted every needed information, just wait for approval and the device with data plan may arrive in several days.
5. Other Grocery Retailers and EBT Acceptance
Does Sprouts Farmers Market accept EBT in California?
Sprouts Farmers Market accepts EBT cards for in-store purchases in California and across the United States. Customers can use their EBT cards to pay for eligible items under the SNAP program. To use an EBT card for online orders, customers must link their EBT card to their Sprouts account and also have a credit or debit card to cover any fees, taxes, or non-SNAP-eligible items.
Other popular stores that accept EBT
In addition to Sprouts, many other major supermarket chains and retail stores nationwide accept EBT cards for both in-store and online purchases. Below is a list of popular retailers that accept EBT:
- Walmart: Accepts EBT for both in-store and online shopping.
- Amazon: Accepts EBT for eligible online orders.
- ALDI: Accepts EBT in-store and online.
- Costco: Accepts EBT for in-store purchases.
- Safeway: Accepts EBT for in-store purchases.
- Trader Joe’s: Accepts EBT for in-store purchases.
- Family Dollar: Accepts EBT in-store and online through Instacart.
What is the restaurant meals program in San Diego?
In San Diego, California, the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is implemented to assist CalFresh (SNAP) recipients who are elderly (60 years or older), disabled, or homeless in purchasing prepared meals at approved restaurants.
How the RMP works in San Diego:
- Eligible individuals can use their EBT cards to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants, including certain Subway locations. These restaurants usually display a sign that reads “Participating Restaurant: SNAP Restaurant Meals Program” or shows a knife-and-fork symbol at the entrance or near the payment counter.
- Users can search for RMP-approved restaurants in San Diego through the official website of San Diego County or by using the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator tool.
The RMP in San Diego plays a crucial role in ensuring food security for vulnerable populations, giving them access to nutritious and convenient meals.
What can you buy with EBT in Oregon?
In Oregon, the EBT card allows SNAP recipients to purchase a wide range of essential groceries for home use. Eligible items include:
- Fruits and vegetables: Including fresh, frozen, canned, or dried products.
- Meat, poultry, and seafood: Whether fresh, frozen, or canned.
- Dairy products: Milk (including alternatives like almond or oat milk), cheese, yogurt, butter, and cream.
- Bread and cereals: Including bread, cereal, rice, pasta, and flour-based products.
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages: Such as chips, cookies, juice, bottled water, and sodas labeled with “Nutrition Facts.”
- Coffee and tea: As long as the product carries a “Nutrition Facts” label. Covered items under this benefit may include whole bean coffee, ground coffee, tea bags, and instant coffee varieties.
- Frozen food options may include items like frozen pizzas, pre-packaged ready meals, and a variety of frozen vegetables.
- Baby food and formula: Including infant formula, cereals, juices, and jarred baby foods.
- Seeds and plants: For growing food at home.
Additionally, many farmers in Oregon participate in the Double Up Food Bucks program, which allows SNAP recipients to double their purchasing power for fresh produce.
What can you not use SNAP on?
While SNAP benefits cover many types of groceries, there are restrictions on certain items that cannot be purchased with an EBT card in Oregon. These include:
- Hot foods or prepared foods meant to be eaten on-site: Such as hot pizza, fried chicken, or hot deli items.
- Alcoholic beverages: Beer, wine, liquor, and other alcoholic beverages.
- Tobacco and related products: Including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes.
- Products such as vitamins, medications, and dietary supplements are excluded. Anything displaying a “Supplement Facts” label does not qualify for purchase.
- Pet food: Including food for dogs, cats, and other animals.
- Non-food items: Such as soap, toilet paper, cleaning products, cosmetics, and household supplies.
- Live animals: Except for certain live seafood like lobster, crab, and fish.
- Service fees: SNAP cannot be used to pay for delivery fees, taxes, or other service-related charges.
Some states participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which allows eligible SNAP recipients to buy prepared meals at approved restaurants. However, Oregon currently does not offer the RMP.
Final Words
We hope all the information provided above has given you a clear answer to the question “Does Subway take EBT.” This will help you make the most of the benefits offered by the SNAP program and the Restaurant Meals Program. Always double-check with each Subway location before using your EBT card to ensure convenience and savings. Start exploring and taking advantage of EBT offers today to maximize the benefits you deserve.