Can You Use SNAP Benefits at McDonald's? A Guide to the Rules

December 22, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, SNAP benefits cannot be used for hot, prepared foods intended for immediate consumption, which is why the answer to "Does SNAP pay for McDonald's?" is almost always no. However, an important exception exists for specific populations through the state-run Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).

Quick Summary

This article explains the limited circumstances under which SNAP EBT benefits can be used at McDonald's through the Restaurant Meals Program. It details which states participate, who qualifies, and how to verify if a specific restaurant is authorized to accept EBT for prepared meals.

Key Points

Limited Acceptance: Most SNAP users cannot use their EBT card at McDonald's; it is only possible through the special Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in certain states.
RMP Eligibility: The RMP is strictly for those who are elderly (60+), disabled, or homeless, as they may have difficulty preparing their own meals.
Varies by Location: Even within RMP states, not all McDonald's locations participate. You must check with your local state agency or the specific restaurant.
Verification Required: Eligible individuals must verify their RMP eligibility through their state's EBT website or social services department, as it's not a program for all SNAP recipients.
No Hot Food Purchase: Standard SNAP benefits cannot be used for any hot, prepared food, which includes most items sold at McDonald's.
State-Dependent: The ability to use SNAP at restaurants like McDonald's is a state-level decision, and not all states offer the RMP.

Does McDonald's accept SNAP?

For the vast majority of SNAP recipients, McDonald's and other fast-food restaurants do not accept EBT cards. Federal regulations dictate that benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can only be used to purchase food items that are not hot and ready for immediate consumption. This rule is in place to ensure that benefits are used for staple grocery items that can be prepared at home. However, for a small and specific subset of beneficiaries, an exception exists through the state-administered Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).

What is the Restaurant Meals Program?

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a state-option program that allows certain eligible SNAP recipients to use their EBT cards to purchase prepared meals at authorized restaurants. This program was created to assist individuals who may have difficulty preparing meals at home due to their circumstances. Participation in the RMP is not automatic and is determined by individual state welfare departments in conjunction with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Who is eligible for the RMP?

To be eligible to purchase meals with your EBT card at a restaurant, you must meet one or more of the following criteria in a state that offers the RMP:

Elderly: All members of the household are 60 years of age or older.
Disabled: All household members receive disability or blindness payments from a government agency.
Homeless: The household lacks a fixed and regular nighttime residence.
Spouses: The spouse of an eligible individual is also included.

If you fall into one of these categories, your state's social services agency will automatically designate you as eligible for the RMP. There is no separate application process to join.

How to find out if your McDonald's accepts EBT

Even if you live in a state with an RMP, you cannot assume every single McDonald's location participates. Restaurants must volunteer and be approved by the USDA to accept EBT payments for prepared meals. A McDonald's location in one city might accept it, while another location just a few miles away might not. To verify, you should:

Check your state's official SNAP website. They typically publish a list of participating restaurants.
Look for specific signage on the restaurant's doors or windows indicating they accept EBT for the RMP.
Contact the specific McDonald's location directly to confirm their participation.

States that participate in the RMP

While the list of participating states can fluctuate, as of recent information, several states have implemented the RMP, though many do so on a limited, county-by-county basis.

Common RMP States

Arizona
California
Maryland
Michigan
Rhode Island
Illinois
Massachusetts
New York
Virginia

It is crucial to note that simply living in one of these states is not enough. You must also be individually eligible based on age, disability, or homelessness. Furthermore, even in RMP states like California and Arizona, participation by McDonald's varies by location.

Comparison: Standard SNAP vs. SNAP RMP


Feature	Standard SNAP	SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)
Eligible Items	Cold, unprepared groceries for at-home cooking (e.g., fresh produce, meats, dairy, seeds).	Hot, prepared meals and fast-food items from participating restaurants.
User Eligibility	All qualifying low-income individuals and households.	Limited to eligible individuals who are elderly (60+), disabled, or homeless.
State Availability	Nationwide.	Only in states that have opted into and implemented the program.
Hot Food	Prohibited.	Allowed at participating locations for eligible individuals.
Restaurant Participation	N/A	Requires restaurants to apply and be authorized by the USDA.
Purchase Method	EBT card at authorized grocery stores and markets.	EBT card at point-of-sale at approved restaurants.

Conclusion

While the general rule is that you cannot use SNAP benefits to buy prepared food at fast-food chains like McDonald's, it is not impossible in every circumstance. The ability to use an EBT card at McDonald's is highly dependent on both your state of residence and your personal circumstances. Only those who are elderly, disabled, or homeless and live in a state with an active Restaurant Meals Program will have the option to use their benefits at select, participating locations. The vast majority of SNAP users will continue to rely on their EBT card for grocery purchases from approved retailers. Always check with your state's social services department for the most current information regarding eligibility and participating restaurants. For more information on approved food items, refer to the official USDA website, which provides comprehensive guidance on program rules and regulations. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/eligible-food-items.

Using EBT at Fast-Food Restaurants

Finding an EBT-Authorized Location

Visit your state's SNAP or EBT website for an official directory.
Look for official RMP signage displayed at the restaurant's entrance.
Call a specific McDonald's location to ask if they accept EBT for the RMP.

Processing an EBT Transaction

Confirm with the cashier that you are using EBT for an RMP purchase.
Swipe your EBT card at the terminal like a debit card.
Enter your PIN to complete the transaction.

Other Fast-Food Options

Many other fast-food chains participate in the RMP, including some Burger King, Subway, and KFC locations.
Eligibility and participation still vary by state and specific restaurant.
Always verify ahead of time to avoid issues at checkout.

How to verify your RMP eligibility

Log in to your state's EBT online portal, such as ebtEDGE, and check for an RMP eligibility message.
Contact your local Department of Human Services for verification.
Check for a notification from your social services department informing you of your RMP status.

Can spouses use benefits under RMP?

Spouses of elderly or disabled SNAP recipients are included in the RMP-eligible household.
Spouses do not need to meet the age or disability requirement themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you cannot use a regular EBT card for a hot Big Mac meal. Federal rules prohibit using SNAP benefits for hot, prepared foods intended for immediate consumption.

States that have implemented the RMP include Arizona, California, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, Illinois, Massachusetts, New York, and Virginia, though availability varies and can be limited by county.

You are eligible for the RMP if you are elderly (60+), disabled, or homeless. If you fit one of these criteria and live in a participating state, your state's social services agency will automatically designate you as eligible.

If you are RMP eligible and at a participating McDonald's location, you can buy any hot, prepared meal items from the menu, such as burgers, fries, and other ready-to-eat products.

No, most fast-food delivery services do not accept EBT as a form of payment, even in RMP states. EBT is typically processed at the restaurant's point-of-sale terminal.

First, check your EBT card balance to ensure you have sufficient funds. If funds are available, the issue may be with the restaurant's system or your eligibility. Contact your state's EBT customer service for assistance.

Yes, if you have EBT cash benefits (not SNAP food benefits), you can use them at any restaurant that accepts debit card payments, just like a regular ATM card. You can also use a combination of SNAP and cash benefits for a purchase.

You will need to inform the cashier you are paying with EBT. Your card will be swiped through the EBT-compatible terminal. The receipt will show the total cost and your remaining EBT balance.