Can You Use SNAP Benefits for Grocery Delivery?
Yes. You can use your SNAP EBT card to pay for groceries delivered to your door. The USDA SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot, which started during the pandemic, is now permanent and operating in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C.
More than 150 retailers now accept SNAP EBT for online grocery orders. The list includes major names like Walmart, Amazon, and Aldi. But not every delivery service takes EBT, and some only accept it for specific retailers. This guide walks through exactly how it works, which services participate, and what you need to know before placing your first EBT delivery order.
Grocery Delivery Services That Accept SNAP EBT
Not all grocery delivery services are the same when it comes to EBT. Here is a quick comparison of the biggest ones:
| Service | Accepts SNAP EBT | Membership Required | Delivery Fee (EBT Orders) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart Grocery | ✓ Yes (all states) | No membership needed | $6.99–$9.95 (free for Walmart+ members) |
| Amazon Fresh | ✓ Yes (all states) | Not required for EBT users | Free on orders over $35 |
| Instacart | ✓ Yes (select retailers) | No membership needed | $3.99+ (varies by store) |
| Kroger Delivery | ✓ Yes (pickup only in most areas) | No membership needed | $9.95 delivery (free pickup) |
| Shipt | ✗ No | $10.99/month or $99/year | Free over $35 |
Shipt does not accept SNAP EBT at any of its partner stores. If you rely on food benefits, skip Shipt and stick with Walmart, Amazon, or Instacart instead.
Walmart Grocery Delivery with SNAP EBT
Walmart is the most SNAP-friendly grocery delivery option by a wide margin. It accepts EBT for both pickup and delivery in every state. You do not need a Walmart+ membership to use EBT — but a membership does help with delivery fees.
How Walmart EBT Delivery Works
- Go to walmart.com/grocery or use the Walmart app
- Add your EBT card as a payment method under Account > Wallet
- Shop for eligible food items (EBT covers most groceries except hot prepared foods, alcohol, and non-food items)
- At checkout, select EBT as your payment method for the food total
- Pay for delivery fees, taxes, and non-eligible items with a separate debit or credit card
- Choose a delivery window — same-day slots are often available
Walmart+ costs $12.95 per month or $98 per year. It includes free grocery delivery on orders over $35. Seniors on SNAP can get Walmart+ for half price — $6.47 per month. To get this discount, go to the Walmart+ signup page and verify your EBT or government assistance status. That saves about $78 per year on membership fees.
If you do not want a membership, Walmart delivery fees range from $6.99 to $9.95 depending on the time slot you pick. Pickup is always free at all Walmart locations.
Amazon Fresh with SNAP EBT
Amazon accepts SNAP EBT on Amazon Fresh, Amazon.com groceries, and Whole Foods Market delivery. This is one of the best deals for EBT users because Amazon waives the Prime membership requirement entirely for SNAP households.
Amazon Fresh EBT Benefits
- No Prime membership needed to shop Amazon Fresh with EBT
- Free delivery on EBT orders over $35 (or over $50 in some regions)
- EBT covers eligible food items you would find in a grocery store
- Non-food items and delivery fees must be paid with a credit or debit card
- Same-day and next-day delivery windows available in most metro areas
To get started, go to amazon.com/snap. Add your EBT card to your Amazon account. Amazon verifies your card through the same state system stores use. Once verified, you can shop Amazon Fresh and pay with your SNAP benefits, no Prime membership required.
If you do want Prime, Amazon offers Prime Access — a discounted membership for $6.99 per month for people on SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, and other government programs. That is less than half the regular $14.99 price.
Our full Amazon Fresh review for seniors covers delivery times, food quality, and how to get the best value.
Instacart and SNAP EBT Payments
Instacart accepts SNAP EBT at select partner stores — but not everywhere. The program continues to expand, and as of 2026, EBT is accepted at Aldi, Food Lion, Publix, Safeway, Price Chopper, Stop & Shop, and several regional chains.
We recommend Instacart for seniors who want access to multiple stores from one app. We also recommend Amazon Fresh for the best deal on EBT delivery — no membership needed and free delivery on orders over $35.
Here is how to use EBT on Instacart:
Using EBT on Instacart
- Add your EBT card in the Instacart app under Account Settings > Payment Methods
- Look for the "EBT SNAP-Eligible" label on stores
- Shop for eligible food items — Instacart automatically separates EBT-eligible from non-eligible items
- At checkout, EBT covers the food total; use a second card for fees, tips, and non-food items
- Delivery fees start at $3.99 for same-day orders over $35
- Instacart+ membership ($9.99/month) includes free delivery on orders over $35
One important note: you cannot use EBT to pay for Instacart delivery fees, service fees, or your driver's tip. You need a debit card, credit card, or prepaid card on file for those charges. Expect about $5–10 in extra costs per order even with EBT covering the groceries.
How to Use Your EBT Card Online: Step-by-Step
Using an EBT card online is straightforward, but the process is slightly different from swiping it at a store. Here is exactly what to do:
- Pick a service. Start with Walmart or Amazon Fresh. Both accept EBT in all 50 states and are the easiest for first-time users.
- Add your EBT card. Go to your account settings and enter your EBT card number. The card number is the 16-digit number on the front, same as any debit card. You also need your PIN.
- Verify your benefits. Some services, like Amazon, do a quick verification through the state EBT system. This usually takes less than a minute.
- Shop for food. Most apps label EBT-eligible items so you know what is covered. If an item is not eligible, the app usually tells you at checkout.
- Check out. Select EBT as your primary payment for food. Add a credit or debit card for any fees and tips. Review your order, pick a delivery window, and place the order.
- Receive your delivery. Your groceries arrive at your door during the window you chose. You do not need to show your EBT card or sign anything — just like any other delivery.
If you run into trouble, call your state's EBT customer service line. The number is on the back of your EBT card. For SNAP eligibility questions, call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479).
Real Costs: What You Actually Pay with EBT Delivery
EBT covers the cost of food, but it does not cover delivery fees, service fees, tips, or non-food items. Here is what a typical $60 grocery order looks like at each major service:
| Service | Food Total (EBT) | Delivery Fee | Service Fee | Tip (suggested) | You Pay (non-EBT) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Walmart (no membership) | $60.00 | $7.95 | $0 | $5.00 | $12.95 |
| Walmart (Walmart+) | $60.00 | $0 | $0 | $5.00 | $5.00 |
| Amazon Fresh | $60.00 | $0 | $0 | $5.00 (optional) | $5.00 |
| Instacart (no Instacart+) | $60.00 | $3.99 | $4.20 | $5.00 | $13.19 |
Amazon Fresh is the cheapest option for EBT users because it charges no delivery fees and no membership fees. Walmart with the discounted $6.47/month Walmart+ plan comes in second. Instacart costs the most because of combined delivery and service fees.
For a deeper look at all the costs, read our guide to the cheapest grocery delivery for seniors.
Senior Discounts and Money-Saving Tips
Several programs make EBT grocery delivery even cheaper for seniors. Here is what to look for:
- Walmart+ Assist. Half-price Walmart+ for anyone on SNAP, WIC, or Medicaid. That is $6.47 per month instead of $12.95. Free delivery on orders over $35.
- Amazon Prime Access. $6.99 per month for qualifying government assistance recipients. This includes all Prime benefits plus Amazon Fresh.
- Free grocery pickup. Walmart, Kroger, and many regional chains offer completely free grocery pickup — no fees, no membership, no minimum order. If delivery fees are too high, pickup is a great zero-cost option. EBT works for pickup too.
- Senior farmers market programs. The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP) gives low-income seniors $20–$50 per year in coupons for fresh produce at farmers markets and roadside stands. These are not for delivery, but they supplement your grocery budget. Contact your local Area Agency on Aging to apply. Call 1-800-677-1116 to find yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Instacart accept SNAP EBT?
Yes, Instacart accepts SNAP EBT at select stores including Aldi, Food Lion, Publix, Price Chopper, and Safeway. Coverage varies by ZIP code. EBT covers eligible food items but not delivery fees, service fees, or tips — you need a separate payment card for those charges.
Can I get free grocery delivery with my EBT card?
Amazon Fresh offers free delivery on EBT orders over $35 with no Prime membership required. Walmart+ Assist gives half-price membership at $6.47 per month with free delivery on orders over $35. Otherwise, expect to pay $4–$10 per delivery depending on the service.
What can I NOT buy with SNAP EBT online?
You cannot buy hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, supplements, pet food, household supplies, paper products, or personal care items with SNAP EBT. EBT only covers cold groceries and non-prepared food items. Non-eligible items in your cart must be paid with a separate debit or credit card.
How do I add my EBT card to a grocery delivery app?
Go to your account settings, find Payment Methods or Wallet, and select "Add EBT Card." Enter the 16-digit number on the front and your PIN. The service verifies your card through the state EBT system, usually in under a minute. Once verified, EBT appears as a payment option at checkout.