Beyond helping with groceries, an EBT card can also connect you to various programs that make everyday essentials more affordable. Eligible users can access free or discounted cultural experiences, lower utility costs, and even free communication services. By learning what other benefits can I get with EBT, you can maximize your support and improve your financial well-being through every opportunity available.
1. What Other Benefits Can I Get With EBT?
Discounts and free admission programs
If you have an EBT card, you might be surprised to learn it also gives you access to free or discounted entry to many museums, zoos, and cultural attractions.
Through the Museums for All program, EBT cardholders in all 50 states can enjoy entry to participating museums, zoos, aquariums, and science centers. This program helps families experience art, science, and culture without worrying about high costs.
In addition, many states extend similar offers through local partnerships, giving EBT users access to discounted passes for parks, community events, and family recreation activities.
Local & state-specific EBT perks
If you’re still asking “what other benefits can I get with EBT,” many states run their own EBT-specific perks to improve access to healthy food and essential services. A common example is the Double Up Food Bucks program, which allows SNAP participants to double the value of their benefits when buying fresh fruits and vegetables at participating farmers’ markets or grocery stores.
Some states also additionally support by offering utility bill discounts, reduced internet costs, or public transportation assistance for EBT users. These initiatives are designed to ease financial pressure and promote better living standards.
Since these benefits vary by location, it’s recommended to visit your state’s official SNAP or EBT website to see all available local perks and eligibility details.
Grocery & retail store discounts
Your EBT card can also help you save at major grocery and retail chains. Several national retailers such as Amazon, Walmart, and Target provide exclusive discounts or reduced delivery fees for SNAP recipients who use their EBT cards for online purchases.
In addition, some local grocery stores, co-ops, and farmers’ markets run special promotions or loyalty programs for EBT shoppers, offering weekly discounts or bonus points that can be redeemed for future purchases.
These programs ensure families can make their food budgets go further while maintaining access to nutritious and affordable products.
2. What Can You Buy With EBT?
EBT cards are primarily designed to help families access essential food items that support a healthy diet. While you can’t use EBT for non-food or prepared hot items, it covers a wide range of groceries from pantry staples to fresh produce and dairy products.
Can I buy protein powder with EBT?
To be more specific with the question “what other benefits can I get with EBT”, many users might also wonder: “Can I buy protein powder with EBT?”
You can use your EBT card to buy protein powder if it is classified as a food item by USDA. To check, look at the product label and if it has a “Nutrition Facts” panel, it’s considered a food and is eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
However, if the label shows a “Supplement Facts” panel, it’s categorized as a dietary supplement, which cannot be bought with EBT.
So, protein powders sold as meal replacements or food supplements for nutrition are typically allowed, while those marketed as fitness or muscle-building supplements are not.
What is the most purchased item with EBT?
According to USDA data, the most purchased items with EBT are soft drinks, milk, bread, and meat products. Among them, soda and sweetened beverages often top the list due to affordability and accessibility, followed by staple foods like dairy, grains, and protein.
Many households also use EBT benefits to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and frozen meals, depending on local store availability.
Overall, the most purchased items reflect both the convenience and nutritional needs of EBT users across the country.
3. How to Apply for Food Stamps?
Eligibility requirements
To qualify for food stamps, applicants shall meet specific income, resources, and residency criteria set by the USDA and their state’s SNAP agency. In general, eligibility is based on:
- Income limits: Your household’s gross and net income must fall below a certain percentage of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL), which varies by household size.
- Citizenship status: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen with valid immigration documents to be eligible.
- Work requirements: Most able-bodied adults without dependents are expected to work or participate in a job training or employment program to remain eligible for benefits.
- Resources: Your household’s total savings and other countable assets should fall within the allowable range determined by your state’s SNAP guidelines.
Each state may have slightly different guidelines, so checking your state’s SNAP eligibility page is essential before applying.
How to apply for food stamps step-by-step?
Applying for food stamps is a simple process that can be done online, by mail, or in person at your local SNAP office. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Check eligibility
Review your state’s SNAP income and residency requirements to confirm you qualify.
Step 2: Gather documents
Prepare essential documents such as proof of identity, income statements, rent or utility bills, and household information.
Step 3: Submit an application
Complete your state’s SNAP application form online or at your local social services office.
Step 4: Attend an interview
After submission, most applicants are required to complete a short interview (in person or by phone) to verify information.
Step 5: Receive your EBT card
Once approved, you’ll receive your EBT card by mail, preloaded monthly with your SNAP benefits.
The approval timeline typically ranges from 7 to 30 days, depending on your state and whether you qualify for expedited benefits.
>>> Learn More: Free Stuff with Food Stamps: 10 Surprising Perks You Didn’t Know About
4. How to Maximize Your EBT Benefits
Having an EBT card not only helps with food assistance but can also unlock other federal programs that reduce your monthly expenses. So if you’re wondering “what other benefits can I get with EBT,” one of the most valuable options is the Lifeline Program, a government initiative that makes phone and internet services more affordable for low-income households.
Managed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Lifeline provides eligible users with monthly discounts on communication services, helping them remain connected to work, healthcare, and family. The program operates through approved providers like AirTalk Wireless, which supply the actual phones, plans, and connectivity.
If you already receive EBT benefits, you automatically qualify for Lifeline program.
Simply apply through AirTalk Wireless to access free or discounted phone and internet services; no extra paperwork or fees required.
By combining your EBT benefits with Lifeline Program, you can lower your costs, keep in touch, and make better use of available federal support.
To learn more or apply for a free phone through Lifeline, visit the official AirTalk Wireless website for full details and easy application steps.
Final Words
Understanding what other benefits can I get with EBT helps you make the most of every dollar while gaining access to valuable discounts, cultural programs, and free communication services. From healthy food savings to the Lifeline Program, these perks are designed to improve your daily life and reduce expenses. Don’t miss out, check your state’s SNAP resources and visit the official AirTalk Wireless website today to apply for a free phone and start maximizing your EBT benefits.