If you have recently received an EBT card for the first time, you may be wondering which stores accept this method of payment.
Lidl accepts EBT as a form of payment to purchase SNAP-eligible items, all of which will be revealed further down in this article. However, Lidl does not accept WIC (a similar program providing health and nutrition for women, infants, and children).
Keep reading to find out more!
How To Use EBT At Lidl
Using EBT is pretty straightforward. If you are new to paying for items using this method then don’t panic, we’ve got you covered! Simply follow our easy guide below.
Step #1: Scan Your Groceries
Load your items onto the checkout as usual and wait for the cashier to scan each item. You will then need to enter your card into the reader.
Step #2: Enter Your Pin
Next, you will need to enter your four-digit PIN number which you will have received when activating your EBT card. If you have forgotten your PIN number, you will not be able to pay using this method.
Step #3: Complete The Transaction
Once the payment is authorized, the cashier will hand over your receipt and ask you to remove your card.
It’s that easy!
What Happens If My EBT Does Not Cover The Cost Of Items?
If the amount on your card does not cover the cost of your items, you will need to settle the remaining cost using another form of payment. Failing this, you will need to return some of your items.
To avoid such an embarrassing scenario, it is always best to check exactly how much you have on your card before visiting a grocery store.
Can You Use EBT Online?
You can use EBT for online orders at many grocery stores. However, Lidl does not currently offer such a service – although it would be nice to see one in the near future!
The usual process for using EBT online involves the following steps.
- Once items have been added to your basket, locate the ‘Payment’ tab
- Look for ‘EBT’
- Add the required details of your card before selecting ‘Pay Now’
Other Payment Options
Lidl provides customers with a whole range of payment options including the following:
- Cash
- Visa
- Mastercard
- Discover
- American Express
- EBT
- Lidl Gift Card
- Apple Pay
- Google Pay
If you are unsure about how to use a certain payment method, don’t hesitate to ask a Lidl team member who will be more than happy to help.
What Can I Buy With EBT At Lidl
Items purchased using EBT must be SNAP-eligible. So what does this mean?
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides families on a low income with access to nutritious food and drinks enabling them to lead a full and healthy lifestyle.
Let’s take a look at what you can purchase using an EBT card.
SNAP-eligible Items
- Fruit
- Vegetables
- Bread and cereals
- Poultry
- Red meat (steak, ground meat, etc)
- Fish
- Dairy products (yogurt, milk, cheese)
- Soft drinks
- Energy drinks (Monster, Red Bull, etc)
- Potato chips
- Food-producing seeds and plants
Prohibited Items
You cannot use EBT to purchase the following items.
- Tobacco products
- Alcohol
- Prescriptions
- Household cleaning products
- Pet food/accessories
- Food or drinks that are hot at the point of sale
- Health supplements
As stated above, SNAP benefits are there to help families on low incomes live better lifestyles by providing them with nutritious foods. Therefore, it would be extremely counterintuitive to allow these benefits to be used for anything other than that!
Other Stores That Accept EBT
Here is a list of popular grocery stores that accept payment using EBT.
- Target
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Sam’s Club
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods
In fact, it is hard to come across a store that doesn’t accept EBT. Even gas stations are known to accept this popular form of payment!
If you are unsure if your local grocery store accepts EBT, you can visit the FAQ section of the store website, or visit the store in person to find out more.
Stores That Accept EBT Online
As Lidl does not yet have an online store, we’ve gathered together a list of places where you can shop online and pay using EBT.
- Walmart
- Kroger
- Safeway
- Aldi
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Publix
Applying For SNAP Benefits
If you think you may be entitled to SNAP benefits, you can apply via your local state social services.
When applying, you will need to provide proof of income and address. You must be living in the state in which you apply and your bank balance must meet certain limits.
Households are provided with one EBT card which can be used by any person living at the address stated on the application. You must never give your card to anybody who does not live in your household. Store managers have the right to withhold an EBT card if they suspect it is being used fraudulently.
To Conclude
Lidl accepts EBT as a valid payment method when purchasing SNAP-eligible products. Using your EBT card in-store is relatively straightforward and works in the same way as you would use a debit or credit card. We hope this article has been helpful in letting you know about shopping at Lidl with an EBT card.