Online grocery shopping and delivery can be a lifeline for people who can't easily access grocery stores, lack transportation, or find it difficult to shop due to disability or other health reasons.
For people with Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, some delivery services now accept electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards as a payment method. EBT cards can be used at card payment terminals just like a prepaid debit card to buy approved foods at stores that accept SNAP.
DoorDash is one of the latest delivery services to welcome EBT card payments for SNAP-approved purchases.
What is DoorDash?
DoorDash is a popular food ordering and delivery service. You can download the mobile app (on the App Store or Google Play Store) or visit its website to place an order. People called “Dashers” then pick up your order and deliver it to your door.
Keep in mind, wsing DoorDash does come with extra costs, including delivery fees, service fees, fees for small orders, and fees for deliveries farther away. One way to get free delivery and lower fees is by signing up for DashPass, DoorDash's subscription service.
Right now DoorDash is offering DashPass for free for 2 months (normally $9.99 a month) when you sign up by December 31, 2023, and add your EBT card to your account.
What stores on DoorDash accept EBT cards?
The following stores on DoorDash accept EBT cards:
- Albertsons
- Aldi
- Safeway
- Meijer (select stores)
- 7-Eleven (select stores)
DoorDash accepts EBT card payments in limited areas and at select stores only. You can easily check the payment section and the store in your DoorDash account to see if you can use your EBT card.
How do I use my EBT card on DoorDash?
To spend your SNAP benefits on DoorDash, you need to create a new DoorDash account if you don't already have one. Once you've signed up, you can then add your EBT card information to your account and keep it safely stored there.
When you are shopping on the DoorDash app or website, look for stores and products featuring a SNAP label. The same rules apply on DoorDash for what you can and can't buy with SNAP.
SNAP-approved items include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Breads and cereals
- Condiments, spices, and seasonings
- Dairy products
- Baked goods
- Snacks
- Some beverages (water, iced tea, fruit juice, etc.)
When you reach checkout, choose the option “Pay with SNAP” and enter the amount you would like applied toward your EBT card. You can view your EBT account balance by entering your card pin.
You can buy SNAP-approved items at the same time as non-SNAP items. But items in your cart that are not SNAP approved—along with any taxes, DoorDash fees, and driver tip—must be paid using a different payment method. You can add a debit or credit card to your DoorDash account as a payment method for non-SNAP items.
How do I apply for SNAP so I can use an EBT card to buy groceries?
You can find out more about SNAP benefits, including information on how to apply right here on this website. Click here and simply start by entering your ZIP code. If you're still unsure about what to do, there may be an NCOA Benefits Enrollment Center near you.
Benefits Enrollment Centers (BECs) are community organizations that can help you find and enroll in all the benefits programs you may qualify for. They are free and 100% private. If you wanted to get started, just reach out to your nearest BEC and make an appointment to get help applying.