How to Use Your EBT Card on DoorDash
Using your EBT card to pay for groceries on DoorDash is a straightforward process, but it requires a few important steps to ensure a smooth transaction. You will need to set up your account correctly, find the right stores, and manage a split payment system.
Step 1: Add Your EBT Card to Your Account
To begin, you must add your EBT card as a payment method in the DoorDash app. Navigate to the 'Account' section, select 'Payment', and then choose 'SNAP/EBT Card' to enter your card number. You can also add the card during the checkout process when placing an order.
Step 2: Find Participating Stores
Not all merchants on DoorDash accept SNAP/EBT benefits for online ordering. To find eligible stores, tap on the 'Grocery' or 'Convenience' icons on the app's home screen. From there, use the designated 'SNAP' filter to display only participating retailers in your area. Popular grocery stores like ALDI, Safeway, and Meijer are often available.
Step 3: Identify EBT-Eligible Items
As you browse a participating store's inventory, look for the 'SNAP' icon on individual items to confirm they are eligible for purchase with your EBT benefits. USDA guidelines determine eligibility, so items like fresh produce, bread, and dairy are covered, while hot foods or household supplies are not.
Step 4: Add a Secondary Payment Method
Because EBT can't be used for non-eligible items, service fees, or delivery charges, you must link an alternative payment method to your account. A credit or debit card is necessary to cover these extra costs, as well as any non-SNAP purchases in your order.
Step 5: Checkout and Apply SNAP Benefits
At checkout, your order total will be split into two amounts: a SNAP-eligible total and a non-SNAP total. The SNAP total will automatically be applied to your EBT card. You can adjust the amount of your EBT benefits you wish to use by tapping the 'Apply SNAP Amount' option. The remaining non-eligible costs will be charged to your linked secondary payment method.
What Can You Buy with EBT on DoorDash?
The items you can purchase with your EBT card on DoorDash are determined by USDA guidelines and follow the same rules as in-store purchases. Eligible items generally include:
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products, such as milk and cheese
- Breads and cereals
- Other food items, like snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food
What Cannot Be Purchased with SNAP/EBT on DoorDash?
It is crucial to understand the limitations of your EBT benefits. The following items and charges cannot be covered by your SNAP funds on DoorDash:
- Delivery and service fees: These are mandatory charges for using the service and must be paid with your secondary card.
- Tips/gratuity: Tipping your Dasher is not an eligible use of SNAP funds and must be paid separately.
- Hot, ready-to-eat foods: Prepared hot foods from restaurants are not covered by standard EBT benefits.
- Alcoholic beverages and tobacco products: These are federally prohibited from being purchased with SNAP benefits.
- Non-food items: Household supplies, medicine, and pet food are not covered.
EBT Online Grocery Delivery Comparison
Understanding the differences between platforms can help you choose the best service for your needs. Here is a comparison of using EBT on DoorDash versus a competitor like Instacart.
| Feature | DoorDash EBT | Instacart EBT |
|---|---|---|
| Availability | Available at participating grocery and convenience stores. | Available at many partner grocery stores. |
| Payment Method | Requires adding EBT card and a backup debit/credit card. | Requires adding EBT card and a secondary payment method. |
| Eligible Items | Designated by a 'SNAP' icon within the app. | Designated with a 'SNAP EBT eligible' tag. |
| Fees | Delivery fees and service fees not covered by EBT. | Delivery fees and service fees not covered by EBT. |
| DashPass | Discounted DashPass for SNAP users ($4.99/month). | Some retailers offer promotions, but no consistent SNAP discount for Instacart+. |
| Tip | Must be paid with a separate payment method. | Must be paid with a separate payment method. |
Money-Saving Tips for EBT Users on DoorDash
To maximize your benefits and minimize out-of-pocket costs, consider these tips:
- Sign up for the discounted DashPass: Eligible SNAP households can get a DashPass subscription for $4.99 per month, which offers $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on qualifying orders.
- Compare prices across stores: Prices can vary between DoorDash's partner grocery chains. Use the app to compare item costs before placing your order.
- Look for promotions and deals: Check the app's 'Offers' section for promotions, apply any available promo codes, and watch for special sales.
- Consider pickup orders: If available, opting for pickup instead of delivery can help you avoid delivery and service fees entirely, saving you money.
Conclusion
In conclusion, you can use your EBT card to pay for eligible groceries and certain convenience store items on DoorDash, marking a significant step in making food access more convenient. The process involves adding your EBT card to your account, identifying SNAP-eligible items, and having a secondary payment method for fees and non-eligible purchases. By understanding the platform's features, like the discounted DashPass for SNAP users, and using money-saving strategies, you can effectively utilize your benefits for online grocery shopping. As online options continue to expand for SNAP recipients, DoorDash provides a valuable service for those who need convenient access to essential food items. For more details on SNAP eligibility, visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website.
