SNAP provided benefits to an average of 42.1 million people each month in fiscal year 2023. But how many of these millions know that their EBT card does more than just help them buy food?
Beyond the grocery store, EBT unlocks access to free museum admissions, discounted tickets, community programs, and more. Start saving every time with these EBT discounts.
(Note: The EBT card acts as proof of eligibility for these discounts, but cannot be used as a payment method.)
1. Top Programs That Help You Save with EBT (Discounts on Internet, Bills & More)
Are you making the most of your EBT benefits? Could you be saving more on bills, internet, or transportation with EBT? In fact, tapping into additional EBT-linked programs can ease financial stress.
1.1. Internet & phone discounts with EBT
SNAP participation automatically qualifies you for the Lifeline program.
What EBT users can get with Lifeline:
- Free Phone Service: Lifeline provides a monthly discount of $9.25 on phone or internet service. For those living on Tribal lands, this discount can go up to $34.25 per month.
- Free Device: Many Lifeline-supported providers also offer a free phone, tablet, or device bundle to eligible participants.
How to get a free phone with free internet with AirTalk Wireless:
- Visit the AirTalk Website. Enter your ZIP code.
- Select from Lifeline plans, including both free options and upgrade plans.
- Pick your free device (smartphone, tablet, smartwatch, or device bundle)
- Upload documents (If needed): If your state can’t auto-verify your eligibility, you’ll need to submit proof. Accepted documents may include: Notices of Action, Notices of Approval, and Verification of Benefits Letters (including those from BenefitsCal.com).
- Once your application is approved, your free device will be shipped to your home in a few business days.

>>> Read more: Free iPhone With EBT: Eligibility And Application Guide [Latest]
1.2. Public transit discounts with EBT card
Many cities across the U.S. offer discounted fares for low-income individuals. These transit discounts can make commuting more affordable and accessible. If you have an EBT card, you may qualify for reduced fares.
For example:
Los Angeles, CA
The LIFE (Low-Income Fare is Easy) Program is a public transit discount program that helps reduce the cost of transportation for low-income individuals and families in Los Angeles County. Eligible participants can receive discounted rates on weekly or monthly transit passes for Metro and other participating agencies across LA County.
To apply for the LIFE Program, you’ll need a valid photo ID and proof of income. There are two ways to verify your income: you can self-certify, which means you declare your income without providing documentation, or you can submit proof such as an EBT card.
Bay Area, CA
Clipper START offers eligible low-income adults in the Bay Area a 50% discount on single rides across all public transit agencies that accept the Clipper card. Similar to LIFE, to complete the application, provide a photo ID and proof of income, such as an EBT card.
King County, Washington
If you currently receive Basic Food (Washington’s SNAP program), you may qualify for ORCA LIFT. ORCA LIFT makes public transit more affordable for low-income individuals in the Puget Sound region.
So, check your city. Visit your local transit agency’s website. There may be fare assistance you qualify for through EBT.
1.3. Energy utility support with EBT
If you’re on SNAP, you may qualify for energy assistance programs or discounted utility rates through your local provider. See what’s available in your area.
For example:
California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE)
If you’re on SNAP (CalFresh), you may automatically qualify for CARE. Eligible customers can receive a 30–35% discount on their electric bill and a 20% discount on their natural gas bill.
2. Top Places That Offer EBT Discounts (Free Admissions)
EBT cards unlock many valuable discounts. There’s growing recognition that they have access to culture or recreation without financial barriers. Across the U.S., museums, zoos, and aquariums offer free or deeply discounted admission to EBT users.
2.1. Museums (Art, history, children’s, and more)
If you receive SNAP benefits, you can enjoy free or reduced admission to over 1,500 museums through the Museums for All program. Just show your EBT card and a valid photo ID at the entrance.
For example, here are a few participating museums you might want to explore:
- Agape Children’s Museum (California)
- Art & History Museums – Maitland (Florida)
- Beaumont Children’s Museum (Texas)
To search for “museums near me” that participate in the program, visit the official Museums for All website or use their searchable map.

2.2. Aquariums
For example:
Seattle Aquarium (Washington)
The Seattle Aquarium offers discounted admission and memberships to Washington state residents who receive benefits through EBT (Washington Quest card). To access these discounts, visitors must present valid verification and a photo ID at the time of purchase. Accepted documentation includes a Washington Quest (EBT) card.
Monterey Bay Aquarium (California)
The Monterey Bay Aquarium offers free general admission to individuals and families who receive SNAP benefits (CalFresh). This opportunity is part of the Museums for All initiative.
To receive free admission, simply show your valid SNAP EBT card along with a matching photo ID at the Main Entrance. Please note that this offer is not available to those with P-EBT or SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) cards.
2.3. Zoos
For example,
Philadelphia Zoo (Philadelphia)
If you have a Pennsylvania (PA) or Delaware (DE) ACCESS card (EBT card), you can visit the Philadelphia Zoo at a discounted rate. To get the discount, show your ACCESS card and a matching photo ID when you arrive.
2.4. State parks & botanical gardens
For example, Cheekwood Estate & Gardens (Tennessee):
It offers discounted admission through the Museums for All program for families who participate in SNAP. Parking is included for free. To receive the discount, guests simply need to present a valid EBT card upon arrival.

>>> Read more: Surprising Things You Can Buy with EBT at Walmart
3. How to Find EBT-Eligible Discounts Near You
It’s usually much simpler than expected. Below are a few simple practices that can help you find EBT discounts in your area:
Search through Museums For All
Museums For All helps you find places that give discounts with EBT card. Museums for All is a nationwide program that makes museums and even aquariums, and zoos more accessible to low-income individuals and families. You can see, most of the places we’ve mentioned above that offer EBT discounts are participants of the Museums for All program. Just enter your ZIP code on the website to discover participating museums near you.
Check your local human services website
Your state or county human services website may indeed hold even more opportunities. Many of these sites include lists of benefits and deals for residents using SNAP, WIC, or TANF.
Call directly to ask
Too often, we forget how effective a quick phone call can be. Reach out to a local community center, museum, or any other place to ask if they offer EBT discounts. Many of these places are more than willing to help, and you just have to ask.
In most cases, you don’t need to fill out forms or apply in advance. Just bring your EBT card and a valid photo ID when you visit a participating location.
Conclusion
Sure, these benefits can easily go unnoticed if you’re not intentional about how you use them. With a little awareness, your EBT card can become a powerful tool for more and more assistance.