Does Taco Bell Take EBT in 2025? A State-by-State Guide
If you’ve ever wondered does Taco Bell accepts EBT, the answer depends on your eligibility and location. In 2025, Taco Bell accepts EBT at select locations through a special government initiative known as the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This guide breaks down everything you need to know, including state-by-state participation, purchase limitations, and other helpful support programs you should be aware of.
1. Does Taco Bell Take EBT?
If you’re wondering, “Does Taco Bell take EBT?”, the most accurate and complete answer is Taco Bell does not accept EBT at all of its locations across the U.S. Instead, EBT is only accepted at certain participating locations and only for individuals who qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
How does Taco Bell fit into the EBT benefits?
Taco Bell is a well-known fast-food chain in the U.S., specializing in Mexican-inspired dishes such as tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more. With thousands of locations nationwide, Taco Bell is a popular choice for those who enjoy quick, affordable fast food.
Before diving into Taco Bell’s role, it’s key to realize that EBT cards aren’t a universal pass at every fast-food joint. This is because the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is primarily intended for purchasing groceries and raw food to prepare at home, not hot, ready-to-eat meals at restaurants.
However, there is a special program called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This program allows certain eligible individuals to use their EBT card to purchase hot, prepared meals at approved restaurant locations.
Taco Bell is among the fast-food chains that have opted into the RMP in select states (such as California). Therefore, in the states and at the locations where Taco Bell participates in RMP, qualified individuals can use their EBT card to pay for meals.
Curious about the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and whether you’re eligible?
The Restaurant Meals Program is an extension of the SNAP program in certain U.S. states. It was designed to help individuals who may struggle with cooking or storing food, such as:
- People aged 60 or older
- Individuals with physical or mental disabilities
- Homeless individuals without a kitchen or stable housing
- The spouse of someone who falls into any of the above categories
If you fall into one of these groups, your state benefits agency may mark your EBT card as RMP-eligible, allowing you to use it at participating restaurants.
However, not all states have implemented the RMP. By 2025, just nine states have joined the RMP lineup. Among them are California, Arizona, Michigan, and New York.
Additionally, it’s not just about user eligibility, restaurants themselves must apply for and be approved by the state to participate in the program and accept EBT.
When can you use EBT at Taco Bell?
You can only use your EBT card at Taco Bell if all three of the following conditions are met:
- Your state must be on the RMP-approved list for you to even get started.
- You are officially qualified as part of the eligible population (elderly, disabled, homeless, etc.), and your EBT card has been coded to allow restaurant purchases
- The specific Taco Bell location you visit is enrolled in the RMP
If either one of these three conditions is not met, you will not be able to use EBT at Taco Bell.
If you meet the qualifications and the Taco Bell location you visit is part of the RMP, you need to:
- Go to the Taco Bell store in person.
- Simply tap your EBT at checkout, verify with your PIN, and your hot meal is officially yours.
(*) Important note: You cannot place orders online, via the Taco Bell app, or through delivery services. Taco Bell only accepts EBT for in-person purchases at authorized locations.
2. Which States Allow EBT at Taco Bell?
Taco Bell has partnered with the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in select states. This means you may be able to use your EBT card at certain Taco Bell locations where the program is active, and you meet the RMP eligibility requirements.
>>> Let’s break it down into some key states: California, Arizona, and Oregon.
Does Taco Bell take EBT in California?
California is one of the few states with a long-established RMP, allowing certain fast-food restaurants, including Taco Bell, to accept EBT payments from eligible recipients.
To use your EBT card at Taco Bell in California, you must:
- Be approved by your county to receive RMP benefits.
- Have your EBT card encoded with the appropriate permissions to use RMP.
- Visit a Taco Bell location that is officially enrolled in the RMP program.
Not all counties in California participate equally. Counties such as Los Angeles, San Diego, Riverside, and Sacramento have the highest concentration of RMP-approved locations. Just head over to your county’s official site or browse the CalFresh list to double-check who’s in.
Always call ahead or check locally before visiting Taco Bell to confirm if they accept EBT, even if you’re in a participating area.
Does Taco Bell take EBT in Arizona?
Several Taco Bell spots in Arizona welcome EBT, since the state was a pioneer in rolling out the RMP. As a result, many fast-food chains, including Taco Bell, can accept EBT for hot, ready-to-eat meals, but only for those who qualify.
To qualify in Arizona, you must:
- Be elderly, disabled, or experiencing homelessness.
- Have your EBT account activated with RMP privileges.
- Shop at a Taco Bell location that has applied for and been approved by the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to participate in the RMP.
Major metropolitan areas like Phoenix, Tucson, and Mesa are more likely to have Taco Bell restaurants participating. Arizona DES maintains an up-to-date list of approved RMP vendors.
Does Taco Bell take EBT in Oregon?
As of 2025, EBT cards won’t get you a Taco Bell meal in Oregon; state participation hasn’t rolled out yet.
Oregon does not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, which means that even if you are receiving SNAP benefits and meet age or disability-related eligibility requirements, you still cannot use your EBT card at Taco Bell.
In Oregon, EBT use is strictly limited to purchasing groceries and raw food items for home preparation, in accordance with standard SNAP guidelines.
3. What Can You Buy with EBT at Taco Bell?
Below is a detailed breakdown of which types of items are eligible or not eligible for purchase with EBT at Taco Bell under the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
Eligible: Hot meals under RMP
If you qualify for the RMP and visit a Taco Bell location that also participates in the program, you can use your EBT card to purchase hot, prepared meals directly in-store. These include:
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Quesadillas
- Nacho shells
- Bowls
- Other standard menu items that are served hot and ready to eat
You are typically free to choose from the regular menu; there are no restrictions limiting you to discounted items only.
Non-eligible: All other items
Even if a location is RMP-approved, Taco Bell does not allow EBT payments for items outside of hot, prepared meals. This category includes:
- Cold or pre-packaged items (e.g., bottled beverages, sides, desserts)
- Add-on travel extras such as sodas, chips, or desserts that are not considered part of a meal
- Non-food items (e.g., sauces, napkins, merchandise)
- Any online, app-based, kiosk, or delivery orders. EBT is only accepted in person at the front counter.
This restriction aligns with both RMP and standard SNAP policies, which do not allow benefit cards to be used for items that are not hot, ready-to-eat meals or are purchased through remote ordering methods.
>>> Read more: The Most Surprising Things You Can Buy With EBT Card (Or Cannot)
4. Other Government Programs EBT Users Should Know
While your EBT card primarily offers assistance through SNAP, there are additional federal support programs that can significantly improve your day-to-day quality of life. One such initiative is the Lifeline Program, a highly valuable benefit for low-income households.
What is the Lifeline program?
The Lifeline Assistance Program is a federal benefit administered by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). It provides a monthly discount on phone or internet services for eligible low-income consumers.
The goal is simple: to ensure that all Americans, regardless of income, have access to essential communication services, especially for work, education, healthcare, and emergencies.
If you qualify for Lifeline, you may receive:
- Up to $9.25/month off your phone or broadband internet service
- Up to $34.25/month in discounts if you live on Tribal lands
- Support for home internet, mobile data plans, or voice services
- Coverage from major national providers
Some participating providers also offer free smartphones or hotspot-enabled devices for eligible users.
For example, applying for Lifeline via AirTalk Wireless will grant you some of the best benefits like:
- A significantly discounted or free smartphone, tablet, or smartwatch from trusted brands (Samsung, Apple, etc.)
- Unlimited talk and text
- Free international calling, and more
How do EBT users qualify?
If you’re currently receiving benefits through SNAP, you automatically meet the eligibility requirements for Lifeline. In fact, SNAP participation is one of the primary qualifications. All you need to do is verify your identity and enroll through the National Verifier or directly with a participating service provider.
If you’re not enrolled in SNAP, you may still qualify for Lifeline if you meet one of the following:
- Your household income is at or below 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines
- Or you can provide proof of participation in another qualifying federal assistance program, such as Medicaid, SSI, or Federal Public Housing Assistance
If you rely on EBT to stretch your food budget, you may also be facing other cost-of-living challenges. The Lifeline Program helps offset one of today’s essential modern expenses, so you can maintain the critical communication tools you need without additional financial burden.
>>> Read more: EBT Phone Service: How To Get Free Phone with EBT Card Or SNAP
Final Words
Answering the question “Does Taco Bell take EBT” isn’t as simple as a straightforward yes or no, it depends on specific conditions. We hope the information provided above has helped you find the clearest and most complete answer. Remember to check your local Taco Bell and stay informed about your state’s participation in the RMP.
For more helpful guides like this, be sure to bookmark our website and explore the many benefits you can access through U.S. government assistance programs.
