How to Link Your CalFresh EBT Card to Your Amazon Account
Using your CalFresh EBT on Amazon is a simple process that first requires you to connect your EBT card to your Amazon account. Before you begin, ensure you have an active Amazon account and your EBT card on hand.
- Navigate to the Amazon EBT page: Visit amazon.com/snap or the Amazon Access page. This is the dedicated portal for managing your SNAP EBT information.
- Sign in to your Amazon account: If you are not already logged in, you will be prompted to enter your account credentials.
- Add your EBT card details: Follow the on-screen instructions to enter your 16-digit EBT card number. You do not need to provide the PIN at this stage.
- Confirm your address: Amazon will verify your shipping address to ensure it is in an eligible state, which includes California for CalFresh.
- Start shopping: Once your card is added, you can begin adding EBT-eligible items to your cart. At checkout, you will enter your EBT PIN to authorize the purchase of qualifying items.
What You Can and Cannot Buy with CalFresh EBT on Amazon
The federal SNAP program, and by extension CalFresh, has strict rules on what food items are and are not covered by EBT benefits. When shopping on Amazon, only SNAP-eligible food items sold and shipped by Amazon, Amazon Fresh, or Whole Foods can be purchased with your EBT funds. Products from third-party sellers are typically not eligible.
Eligible Items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Bread and cereals
- Dairy products, eggs, and plant-based alternatives
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
- Seeds and plants that produce food for your household
Ineligible Items
- Hot, ready-to-eat foods
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products
- Non-food items like pet food, soap, toilet paper, and household supplies
- Vitamins and medicines
- Delivery or service fees
To easily identify qualifying products, look for the "SNAP EBT Eligible" label on the item's product page.
Comparing Amazon Fresh and Amazon.com EBT Shopping
Amazon offers two primary ways to purchase EBT-eligible groceries: through the main Amazon.com site and via its dedicated grocery service, Amazon Fresh. While both accept CalFresh EBT, there are key differences.
| Feature | Amazon Fresh | Amazon.com |
|---|---|---|
| Product Focus | Primarily fresh produce, meat, dairy, and pantry staples. | A wider variety, but EBT-eligible items are limited to the Grocery & Gourmet Food section and must be sold/shipped by Amazon. |
| Delivery | Offers scheduled and same-day delivery slots. | Standard shipping applies for eligible grocery orders. |
| Free Delivery | Free delivery on orders over a certain threshold ($35 or more in most areas, sometimes $50 in NYC) for Prime members. EBT recipients can get a Prime discount. | Free shipping is available on qualifying grocery orders of $25 or more for Prime members. |
| Shopping Experience | A traditional online grocery shopping experience, focusing on food products. | A search for EBT-eligible items must be performed to filter the broader marketplace. |
Understanding Delivery Fees and Prime Access
One of the most important things to remember when using CalFresh EBT online is that your food benefits cannot be used to pay for delivery fees. You must use another form of payment, such as a credit or debit card, to cover these costs. However, there are ways to reduce or eliminate delivery charges.
Free Delivery Options
- Amazon Fresh: You can qualify for free delivery on Amazon Fresh orders if you meet the minimum purchase amount, which is typically $35 (but check local requirements).
- Prime Access: CalFresh recipients can apply for a 50% discount on an Amazon Prime membership through the Prime Access program. For just $6.99/month, you get full Prime benefits, including free delivery on qualifying grocery orders, for less than the regular price.
Combining Payment Methods
When checking out, Amazon’s system will automatically separate your order into EBT-eligible and ineligible items. You can use your EBT benefits for the grocery items and a separate credit/debit card for any non-eligible products, delivery fees, or tips.
Troubleshooting and Tips for Shopping with CalFresh EBT
If you encounter issues while shopping with your CalFresh EBT on Amazon, try the following tips:
- Check the source: Make sure the eligible item is sold and shipped by Amazon or Amazon Fresh, not a third-party seller.
- Review your cart: Double-check that all items in your cart marked for EBT payment are, in fact, eligible. Remove or pay separately for ineligible items, fees, and taxes.
- Verify your PIN: Ensure you are entering the correct PIN associated with your EBT card at checkout.
- Utilize your cash benefits: If you also receive CalWORKs (cash assistance), those funds are separate from CalFresh food benefits but can be used for non-food items on Amazon in select states.
- Get Amazon Prime Access: For the greatest savings on delivery, sign up for the discounted Prime membership at amazon.com/access to unlock free delivery on larger grocery orders and other perks.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, you can use CalFresh EBT on Amazon and its affiliated grocery services, Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods online. It's crucial to distinguish between eligible food items and ineligible non-food purchases, as well as being aware that your EBT funds cannot cover delivery fees. By properly linking your card and considering the discounted Prime Access membership, CalFresh recipients can leverage online ordering for convenient, affordable access to groceries.
For more information on CalFresh benefits in California, please visit the California Department of Social Services website.
