Understanding the Difference: EBT Cash vs. SNAP EBT
To understand what you can purchase with EBT cash on Amazon, it is crucial to first distinguish between the two types of benefits often loaded onto a single EBT card: SNAP (food) benefits and EBT cash (TANF) benefits. Your card holds separate balances for each, and Amazon processes transactions based on which benefit type you use.
SNAP benefits are strictly for eligible grocery items, such as produce, dairy, and pantry staples, sold and shipped by Amazon or Amazon Fresh. Conversely, EBT cash benefits, stemming from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), function much like a regular debit card and can be used for most purchases on Amazon. This distinction is the key to unlocking a wider range of products online.
What You Can Buy with EBT Cash (TANF) on Amazon
If you reside in a state where Amazon accepts EBT cash and have a TANF balance, you can purchase millions of items that are ineligible for SNAP. This offers a significant expansion of your shopping options for everyday essentials and more. Some of the eligible items include:
- Personal and Household Items: This category covers a vast selection, including toiletries, cleaning supplies, diapers, baby wipes, and personal care products.
- Clothing and Footwear: You can buy clothes, shoes, and accessories for the entire family.
- Electronics and Appliances: Items like small kitchen appliances, affordable electronics, and home goods are often purchasable.
- School Supplies and Books: Textbooks, backpacks, pens, and paper for students are eligible.
- Items from Third-Party Sellers: A major advantage of using EBT cash is the ability to purchase from third-party sellers on Amazon, which is not permitted with SNAP.
- Shipping and Delivery Fees: Unlike SNAP, EBT cash can be used to cover shipping costs on your Amazon orders.
- Home Furnishings and Decor: You can buy essential furniture or decor items for your living space.
- Tools and Hardware: For home repairs and maintenance, tools are typically eligible.
What You Cannot Buy with EBT Cash on Amazon
While EBT cash offers a broad range of purchasing power, there are still some key restrictions to be aware of. These include:
- Digital Goods: Subscriptions, Prime memberships, digital music, or e-books cannot be purchased with EBT cash.
- Gift Cards: You cannot use your EBT cash balance to buy Amazon gift cards.
- Prohibited Items: Any product that is related to alcohol, tobacco, firearms, gambling, or adult entertainment is off-limits.
- Subscribe & Save Orders: The automatic recurring order option cannot be paid for with EBT cash.
Using Your EBT Card on Amazon: A Comparison
The table below highlights the critical differences between using EBT cash and SNAP benefits on Amazon, helping you understand how to navigate your purchases effectively.
| Feature | EBT Cash (TANF) | SNAP (Food) Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Eligible Items | Most items on Amazon, including non-food essentials. | Only food and grocery items. |
| Eligible Sellers | Amazon and most third-party sellers. | Only items sold and shipped by Amazon or Amazon Fresh. |
| Shipping Costs | Can be paid for with EBT cash. | Requires a separate payment method. |
| Prime Membership | Cannot be used to pay directly, but EBT recipients can get a discounted membership. | Cannot be used to pay directly, but recipients can get a discounted membership. |
| Accepted States | Accepted in select states only. | Accepted nationwide in 45 states plus D.C.. |
| How to Identify | Use your cash balance at checkout for most products. | Look for the “SNAP EBT Eligible” label on products. |
How to Use EBT Cash on Amazon
First, you must add your EBT card to your Amazon account and specify that it holds cash benefits. Ensure you are located in an eligible state where Amazon accepts TANF online.
- Add Your EBT Card: In your Amazon account settings, go to 'Your Payments' and add your EBT card details. Amazon will process SNAP and EBT cash benefits from the same card but manage separate balances.
- Add to Cart: Add any eligible item to your cart. Unlike SNAP benefits, you are not limited to grocery items. You can mix and match products from different categories.
- Checkout Process: At checkout, Amazon will prompt you to choose a payment method. Since your card has both balances, you can select the EBT payment option. For SNAP-eligible groceries, it will automatically pull from your SNAP balance. For all other purchases, it will prompt you to use your EBT cash balance.
- Cover Non-Eligible Items: For orders containing items ineligible for EBT cash (like a Prime membership), you will need a separate credit/debit card to cover those costs. You can use EBT cash for a portion of a larger transaction, with the remaining balance paid by another method.
For more information on using EBT benefits on Amazon, you can also consult the official Amazon Access page Amazon Access page.
Conclusion
The ability to use EBT cash on Amazon offers recipients in eligible states a powerful tool to purchase a wide array of non-food items, ranging from household necessities to clothing and electronics. The key is understanding the distinction between SNAP food benefits and EBT cash (TANF), which is often loaded on the same EBT card. By knowing which states participate and what restrictions apply, recipients can confidently shop for a much broader selection of products online, improving their financial flexibility and access to essential goods beyond just groceries.
