Families with unfortunate circumstances have been using food stamps long before they became a thing. But during these tough times, the food stamps program has become a common payment method at grocery stores.
Like your local store, Dollar General stores have also started accepting EBT cards. Before we get into the how’s and why’s of EBT, let’s go over EBT in general.
Food Stamps and EBT
EBT is essentially just an upgraded version of food stamps. While previously people would be carrying around a food stamp, you don’t have to do that now. Every food stamp gets accumulated into an EBT card.
It’s just another way for the federal government to help out people with unfortunate circumstances. There are two major types of benefits users can achieve from EBT-or electronic benefits transfer.
SNAP/Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program
SNAP is more similar to the concept of traditional food stamps. SNAP benefits aren’t very flexible. You can use these SNAP benefits to buy particular food products, but that’s pretty much it.
TANF/Temporary Assistance for Needy Families
This form of EBT is a lot more flexible. Other than purchasing food, they also provide cash benefits. You can withdraw cash the same way as a regular debit card. This cash can be used to buy household supplies and other necessities.
What Can I Get From Dollar General?
The Dollar General store is a vast low-price market. It’s your grocery store, go-to snacks store, and drug store all in one. You can even find most non-food items here at very low prices.
Dollar General stores accept many other payment methods as alternatives to cash payment.
Does Dollar General Accept EBT Cards?
You can choose to pay by cash, but if you want, you can also use your EBT card or any other debit card of your choice.
So does Dollar General accept EBT cards? The answer to that is yes.
When Can’t I Use My EBT Card?
Your EBT card will work in most situations. The Dollar General store will take EBT cards for most of their food purchases. But then again, your EBT card does have its restrictions.
Prepared Foods
Prepared foods are, unfortunately, something off the approved list of items. So for stuff like hot dogs, pizzas, or burgers, you’ll have to pay by cash or your debit card.
Alcohol/Tobacco Products
Another category on the list of restricted purchases is alcohol and tobacco. You can purchase non-alcoholic beverages, though; there’s no harm in that.
But with alcohol and tobacco, the government doesn’t consider these as essentials.
Pet Food and Medication
Pet food and medication are also among the unapproved items for EBT cardholders. Like the previously used food stamps, this restriction has also been implemented on EBT cards.
Household Products and Cleaning Products
Unfortunately, household products and cleaning products didn’t make it to the list of SNAP-eligible products. Whether you purchase them at the Dollar General store or order items online, you can’t use your electronic benefits transfer card here.
Which Products Can I Purchase with an EBT Card?
General Dollar stores will accept your EBT card with more than half of their food purchases. For example, dairy products, frozen food, produce food, ground beef, snack foods, etc., meet the eligibility requirements for EBT.
Other Ways of Using EBT
If you’re not aware of it, then you’d be happy to know that your EBT can get you some cash. Take your EBT card to the nearest ATM and withdraw money to make any payment that you couldn’t have by directly using your EBT.
Can You Use EBT for Online Shopping?
The simple answer to that is no. No online stores take EBT. You can use other cards, however. But the only way a store will accept EBT payment is if you shop physically from the store.
Can I Get Grocery Using EBT?
Yes, this is the primary purpose the SNAP benefits serve. All your cereals, fruits, vegetables, dairy products, fish, meat, bread, etc., make up the requirements of your diet.
Since traditional food stamps and EBT are the same, all the purchases you could make with food stamps are valid for EBT.
Will Every Dollar General Store Accept EBT Cards?
Yes, all Dollar General stores accept EBT. But if you want to make sure you can always search the internet for more information. That way, you’ll always be sure if you can pay using SNAP cards before you go shopping.
You should also search for a sign that says SNAP will be accepted. If you don’t find any such sign, you can always ask for assistance from any General Dollar store employee.
Although we recommend, you do search whether the stuff you’re trying to purchase will qualify under the eligible SNAP purchases category. This is an area where most people need assistance.
What are the Other Ways I Can Pay at the Dollar General Store?
Believe it or not, Dollar General accepts multiple modes of payment. Here’s a list of some of the accepted payments.
- Cash
- Food Stamp
- Debit card
- PayPal
- Credit card
Why Use Food Stamps?
If you don’t need one, then you can feel free not to use food stamps. But the vital thing to know is that food stamps or the so-called SNAP and TANF benefits are for those who need to take some of the financial burdens off.
So food stamps are a lifesaver for those shopping at Dollar General on a budget. You can save up a good amount of money if you choose to spend food stamps where you can—for example, canned, pasta, poultry products, etc.
Final Thoughts
EBT is a blessing for families struggling with finances. Especially during these tough times, families have been facing more trouble than before.
In these hard times, EBT is helping families survive and meet their basic needs.
The good thing is that most family dollar stores accept SNAP payments. The only place where SNAP payment won’t be taken for sure is when you shop online. Other than that, most if not all stores will accept SNAP.