The federal government of the United States provides food benefits to families with low or no incomes, through ‘Food Stamps’, now known as SNAP or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The program is available in all fifty states of the US. In this article, we will see about ‘Does Shell Take EBT?’.
Does Shell Take EBT?
Some of the states provide some other assistance to the people along with these. The recipients of the program are issued with a plastic card, called EBT or Electronic Benefits Transfer. This EBT card functions similar to a debit card and can be used to purchase goods and services. Many retail shops in the US accept the EBT card.
Shell accepts EBT card payments. But you cannot buy fuel using EBT. The convenience stores at the Shell gas stations accept the EBT card payment. You can buy selected food items and non-alcoholic beverages from the convenience store at Shell gas station. However, not all the stores are eligible for that.
Since only some of the retail shops accept the EBT card, Shell’s convenience store being one of them, there is a possibility that if the store at the gas station is not affiliated to Shell, they might not accept it. In such cases you can ask the store manager about the details, and what is the nearest store that accepts it, if any.
What is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program?
The Congress government of the United States passed the 2008 farm bill and changed the Food Stamp Program to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. This program earlier provided stamps or coupons to families with low or no income to buy monthly supplies for themselves.
After the 2008 bill was passed, all the stamps and coupons were converted into EBT cards. Any family consisting of four people, with a gross monthly income lower than $2,839 is eligible for this program. Until 2021, the maximum amount allotted to a family of four people was $782.
The SNAP for women, infants, and children also uses EBT cards. This program is commonly known as the WIC program. This program was launched for pregnant ladies, postpartum and breastfeeding mothers, infants, and children under the age of five, who belong to low or no income families.
This group of people needs extra nutrition, and hence, the state provides them with the EBT benefits as well. The women are also provided with information required for childbirth, breastfeeding, and how to take care of children. They are also given referrals for health care.
What is Electronic Benefits Transfer?
The Electronic Benefits Transfer is a card-based system, which functions like a debit card. If the recipient is eligible, they are issued an account by the state under the program. Money is deposited into their accounts every month and they are given a card to make online transactions.
When they go to a shop where EBT is accepted, and make a purchase, the retailer’s account is credited with the amount by the end of the day. There is no exchange of physical money. After each purchase, the amount spent is deducted from the recipient’s account. The amount which the person is eligible for is transferred every month to their accounts.
What are the items you can purchase using EBT?
This program is designed to help the people who are financially not very strong. Despite the economic condition, a substantial amount of nutrition is required by everyone. Hence, the state provides them with such benefits so they can buy nutritional food items. These include:
- Bread
- Cereal
- Dairy products
- Meat, fish, and poultry
- Pasta and rice
- Fruits and vegetables
- Tofu and soy products
- Juice
- Snacks
- Seeds and plants that produce eatables
- Non-alcoholic beverages
- Baked goods
- Frozen entrees
- Cooking ingredients and spices
What are the items that you cannot buy using EBT?
Though the program covers an extensive range of food items of various brands, they have some restrictions. For example, you can use the EBT at Shell’s convenience store, but not at the Shell gas station. Some of the items that are not included in the list are:
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Vitamins, medicine, supplements
- Live animals (pets)
- Pet food
- Food that is hot when bought (restaurant made food)
- Cleaning and hygiene supplies
- Paper products
- Cosmetics
- Fuel
Stores that accept EBT: Does Shell Take EBT?
Many stores accept EBT. When you purchase goods and are ready to pay for them, you must tell the cashier the type of card you are using. EBT does not require any processing fee or sales tax. Some of the grocery stores that accept EBT are:
- Walmart
- Amazon
- Instacart
- Target
- Food Lion
- Speedway
- Costco
- Sam’s Club
- Kroger
Conclusion
EBT cards are provided to families with low or no income under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It is like a debit card and can be used to buy essentials. Many stores accept them. There is a restriction to what can be bought using the EBT, but it still covers a large range of products. The convenience store at Shell accepts EBT, but you cannot buy fuel using the card. Only the items that are included in the list can be bought using it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1) Can I get a cash withdrawal from EBT?
Ans. Yes, you can go to an ATM and withdraw cash the same way you do with a debit card.
Q.2) Do cashiers know when you are using an EBT?
Ans. Yes, at the cash counter, tell the cashier about the card you are using, and this way they will know.
Q.3) Is the return policy for EBT purchases different?
Ans. No, there will be no difference in the return policy of the stores, no matter which payment mode you use.
Q.4) Can I use EBT to get groceries delivered?
Ans. Sadly no, you cannot get grocery delivery using EBT.
