SNAP laws prevent users from using EBT cards at the point of sale to buy prepared meals. The issue is that recipients cannot spend their SNAP funds on anything and everything. If you see somebody somewhere trying to order fast food with just an EBT card, it is quite likely that they will be using cash benefits rather than food benefits.
McDonalds doesn’t accept EBT payments in the majority of states, The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows people who live in specific areas to use their food stamps (SNAP EBT) benefits to purchase restaurant meals. EBT cards are only accepted in a few places, such as Arizona and California. Even in regions that take part in the RMP, there are only a few SNAP-approved places that accept EBT cards.
RMP rules
To be eligible for the RMP, you must be a SNAP client in a state with an RMP. All the members of the household must be either in the 60+ age group, homeless, disabled, or perhaps a family member of a SNAP customer who is qualified to apply for the RMP. RMP-eligible individuals may use their SNAP benefits to purchase items at a McDonald’s if the restaurant has been in an RMP state, has been approved to accept SNAP benefits, and has official approval by Food and Nutrition Service.
McDonald’s that accepts EBT in California
California has a large number of McDonald’s fast food chains that accept EBT SNAP and is also one of the regions with a detailed RMP, with many approved McDonald’s. Some places in California include Santa Cruz, Los Angeles, Alameda, San Diego, Riverside, Tehama, Santa Clara, Monterey, etc.
McDonald’s that accepts EBT in Arizona
There are approximately 80 McDonald’s in Arizona that accept EBT. Arizona has a comprehensive RMP program, and McDonald’s is among the fast-food restaurants that accept EBT at many locations across the state. Some places in Arizona include Phoenix, Maricopa, Window Rock, Snowflake, Parker, Globe, Avondale, Chandler, Mesa, Kingman, Page, etc.
Qualifications for EBT
Anyone who is a legal immigrant, an American citizen, or a poor refugee can register for EBT. Assets must be less than certain limits: households without an elderly or disabled member should have holdings of $2,500 or less, and families with an individual must have resources of $3,750 or less. Every year, your eligibility is reviewed to ensure that you are still eligible, and you need to notify them immediately if anything changes that may affect your eligibility for the program.
EBT Card to Buy Food Online
Many states have started to allow families to order food online using their EBT cards. Purchasing meals can be especially beneficial for families who have children who attend university or work from home. Some shops and places allow SNAP recipients to have groceries shipped straight to their homes. This is a massive relief for someone who has a higher risk of infection and cannot take the chance of going to the shops. Customers can easily pick up the food from a store or maybe a designated delivery location on the way home. If you are not at the apartment, some other person in the family may even be able to purchase and receive food before the end of the work day.
Benefits of EBT
SNAP benefits vary by region and only a few states offer a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). RMP-eligible individuals can just use the SNAP Retailer Locator process to identify which options are available in their state. While you cannot use the SNAP EBT beneficiary card at McDonald’s, you can still use it to buy authorized food items at a variety of stores to purchase products like vegetables, fruits, fish, meat, cereal, grains, and dairy.
EBT is not accepted at McDonald’s or any other fast-food restaurant if you only receive SNAP EBT benefits. Those who qualify can order from a fast food place such as McDonald’s or Burger King in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. The hope is that further states will accept RMP so that those who need it, particularly those who have disabilities and the elderly, will have greater instant and quick food options.
Is EBT Accepted at McDonald’s?
You cannot use the EBT card to buy food at McDonald’s, but there are a few exceptions, such as the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), through which you can use EBT cards for purchase.
What payment methods does McDonald’s accept?
McDonald’s accepts cash, Visa, American Express, Arch Gift Cards, and Discover Cards in addition to cash. Mobile payment options also include Google Pay and Apple Pay.
Can TANF benefits be used to buy at McDonald’s?
With TANF, the government gives you money every month that you load onto your EBT card. You can use TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) as an option to purchase food at McDonald’s.