
To use your P-EBT card in store for food and essentials, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. First, ensure your card is activated and has a balance.
You can check your balance by calling the P-EBT customer service number or by logging into your account online. This will give you an idea of how much you can spend.
When shopping, inform the cashier that you'd like to use your P-EBT card for payment. They will then ask you to swipe or insert your card and enter your PIN.
Using Your P-EBT Card in Store
Using your P-EBT card in store is a straightforward process. You can use P-EBT to buy most fresh, canned, and frozen food items like fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and bread.
First, look for signs that say “WE ACCEPT EBT / SNAP HERE” to ensure the store accepts P-EBT. You can also find SNAP retailers near you online.

To make a purchase, swipe your card at the check-out counter like a debit card, but press the button for EBT. Enter your PIN # on the number pad, then press Enter.
Next, enter how much money to apply to the P-EBT card, or inform the clerk of the amount. Check your receipt to make sure that the amount on the receipt is the same as the amount of your purchase.
Some common approved food items include fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, and bread. You can find a complete list of approved food items online.
Here are the basic steps to follow:
- Swipe your card at the check-out counter like a debit card, but press the button for EBT.
- Enter your PIN # on the number pad, then press Enter.
- Enter how much money to apply to the P-EBT card, or inform the clerk of the amount.
- Check your receipt to make sure that the amount on the receipt is the same as the amount of your purchase.
What You Can and Cannot Buy
You can use your P-EBT card to buy most fresh, canned, and frozen food items, including baby formula, diabetic, and diet foods. These items include edible items used in preparing or preserving food, like spices and herbs, as well as water and ice labeled for human consumption.

Some examples of approved food items include snack foods and meals delivered to elderly or disabled SNAP recipients. However, P-EBT cannot be used to buy prepared hot foods in grocery stores, prepared foods sold and meant to be eaten at the store, or any other items listed in the "Items that cannot be purchased" section.
Here's a list of approved food items you can buy with your P-EBT card:
- Fresh, canned, and frozen food items
- Baby formula, diabetic, and diet foods
- Edible items used in preparing or preserving food
- Water and ice labeled for human consumption
- Snack foods
- Meals delivered to elderly or disabled SNAP recipients
Purchasable Items
You can buy a wide variety of food items with your P-EBT card, including fresh, canned, and frozen food. Most grocery items are acceptable, but it's always a good idea to check the list of approved food items.
Some examples of approved food items include vegetable seeds and food-producing plants for family consumption, baby formula, and edible items used in preparing or preserving food like spices and herbs. You can also buy snack foods and meals delivered to elderly or disabled SNAP recipients.
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Here are some specific examples of approved food items:
You can find a complete list of approved food items by clicking on the provided link.
Non-Purchasable Items
You can't buy a college education, as it's a service that requires time and effort to earn.
Many countries have laws that prevent the sale of human organs, making it impossible to purchase a kidney or liver.
Some items, like a good credit score, are not for sale because they're based on individual financial history.
In the United States, for example, it's illegal to buy a vote in an election, as it's considered a form of bribery.
You can't buy a friend, as relationships are built on trust, loyalty, and shared experiences.
In many jurisdictions, it's against the law to buy a person's freedom, as it's a form of human trafficking.
A good reputation, earned through hard work and integrity, is something that can't be bought or sold.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use P EBT at self-checkout?
Check with a store representative to see if your SNAP EBT card can be used at self-checkout, as it depends on the store's equipment
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