Shopping online can be super convenient, especially when you have a busy schedule! And guess what? You can use your food stamps (also known as SNAP benefits or EBT cards) to buy groceries on Walmart’s website and app. This guide will walk you through the steps, answer some common questions, and give you helpful tips to make the process smooth. Let’s get started!
What Items Can I Buy With Food Stamps at Walmart Online?
You’re probably wondering what exactly you can purchase with your SNAP benefits online. Well, it’s pretty similar to what you can buy in a physical Walmart store. Generally, you can buy “eligible food items,” which are foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread. You can also purchase seeds and plants to grow food.
However, there are some restrictions. Non-food items like household supplies, pet food, alcohol, tobacco, and prepared hot foods are not covered. It’s important to remember to separate your SNAP-eligible items from non-eligible items in your online cart.
Here’s a quick rundown of what’s usually okay and what isn’t. It’s always a good idea to double-check Walmart’s website for the most up-to-date information. Be aware that the rules can sometimes change. Also, keep in mind that if you’re buying online you’re mostly limited to groceries.
Here’s a little table to help you out:
| Eligible Items | Ineligible Items |
|---|---|
| Fruits & Vegetables | Alcohol |
| Meat, Poultry, Fish | Tobacco |
| Dairy Products | Pet Food |
| Bread & Cereals | Household Supplies |
Setting Up Your Walmart Account and SNAP Card
First things first, you’ll need a Walmart account if you don’t already have one. Go to Walmart’s website or open the Walmart app and click on “Sign In” or “Create Account.” Follow the prompts to create your account, providing your email address, creating a password, and providing your personal information.
Next, you need to link your SNAP card to your Walmart account. This is a crucial step, as it allows you to use your benefits during checkout. When you’re logged into your Walmart account, go to the “Account” section, and find the “Payment Methods” or “Wallet” option. You’ll likely see an option to add a new payment method.
Look for the option that says something like “Add EBT Card” or “Add SNAP Card.” You’ll be asked to enter your EBT card number (the long number on the front of your card), the card’s expiration date, and possibly the cardholder’s name. Some states may also require you to enter the card’s PIN (Personal Identification Number) at this stage. Be sure to keep your PIN safe!
Before completing the process, double-check the information to ensure there are no errors. Once your card details are saved, your SNAP card will be linked to your account. Now you’re ready to shop! Be sure to update your payment methods if your card expires and a new one is issued.
Shopping for SNAP-Eligible Items
Now for the fun part: shopping! Browse the Walmart website or app and add all the groceries you need to your cart. Make sure to check the item descriptions to ensure that the items are indeed SNAP-eligible. Remember, things like ready-to-eat meals at the deli counter often aren’t covered. Fresh fruits and vegetables are almost always good to go!
When you’re browsing, you can use the search bar to look for specific items. For instance, type in “apples” or “chicken breast” to find those items quickly. Walmart’s website often has filters you can use to narrow your search, such as dietary needs (like “organic”) or special offers (like “rollback prices”).
Once you’ve added everything to your cart, review your order to ensure you’ve chosen the correct quantities and products. Also, be sure your shopping cart only contains items that you are able to pay for with SNAP benefits. Double-check your order total at this stage too. The total will often be split between SNAP-eligible and non-eligible purchases, allowing you to adjust your order or select other payment methods for the non-eligible items.
Walmart often offers different ways of buying groceries. For example, you can choose to have your groceries delivered to your home, have them ready for pickup at a Walmart store, or use a service like Instacart. Each has its own pros and cons, so think about which option is best for you.
Choosing Delivery or Pickup Options
Walmart offers various delivery and pickup options to make your shopping experience more convenient. When you’re ready to check out, you’ll be prompted to choose your preferred option. These options may vary based on your location, but here’s a general overview:
- Delivery: With delivery, your groceries are brought directly to your doorstep. Walmart offers same-day or next-day delivery for many areas. Delivery fees may apply, but sometimes there are promotions offering free delivery.
- Pickup: With pickup, you place your order online and then pick it up at a Walmart store. You’ll select a pickup time, and a Walmart associate will bring your groceries to your car at the designated pickup spot. Pickup is often free.
Each option has its own advantages. Delivery is super convenient, but it might cost you extra. Pickup is usually free and lets you control when you get your groceries. Make sure you read the fine print about delivery fees and pickup windows when choosing your preferred option.
During the checkout process, you’ll be able to see the estimated delivery or pickup time and any associated fees. Be sure to confirm that everything looks right before you proceed to the payment section.
Checking Out and Using Your SNAP Card
Okay, here’s where you actually pay with your SNAP benefits! Once you’ve chosen your delivery or pickup option, go to the checkout page. You’ll likely see a summary of your order and the total amount due.
When you get to the payment section, select “EBT” or “SNAP” as your payment method. If you’ve linked your SNAP card correctly, it should show up as an option. You might be prompted to enter your EBT card PIN (Personal Identification Number), just like you would at a regular store. Make sure you enter the correct PIN to avoid any issues with your payment.
If your order includes both SNAP-eligible and non-eligible items, the system will usually automatically split the payment. The SNAP benefits will be applied to the eligible items, and you’ll need to pay for the rest of your order using another payment method, like a debit or credit card. Make sure you have another payment method in your wallet or account so you are able to pay for the items that are not covered.
Once you’ve entered all the necessary information, review your order one last time, confirm your payment details, and submit your order. After a successful checkout, you will receive an order confirmation from Walmart with all the important details such as the items purchased, the order date, and the pickup or delivery date and time.
What to Do if You Have Problems
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned, and you might run into some snags. Don’t worry! Walmart has resources in place to help you. If you have any problems while shopping on Walmart’s website, you may encounter some of the following scenarios:
- Payment Issues: If your SNAP card is declined, double-check that you entered the card number, expiration date, and PIN correctly. Make sure there are sufficient funds on your EBT card, and the card hasn’t expired. You might also need to contact your local SNAP office.
- Item Availability: Sometimes, items you want might be out of stock. Walmart’s website will usually tell you if an item is unavailable. You can choose to substitute an item or remove it from your order.
- Order Errors: If you receive the wrong items or find any issues with your order, contact Walmart customer service immediately. They’ll help you sort it out.
- Technical Difficulties: If the website or app isn’t working, try refreshing the page or clearing your browser’s cache. If the issue persists, contact Walmart customer service for assistance.
The Walmart website and app have a help section where you can find answers to frequently asked questions. You can also reach out to Walmart customer service through their website, by phone, or by using the online chat feature. They can assist you with any order issues, payment problems, or technical difficulties.
Important Tips and Tricks for a Smooth Experience
Here are some extra tips to make your experience of shopping with food stamps at Walmart online even smoother:
- Plan ahead: Make a grocery list and add items to your cart well in advance of when you need them.
- Check for deals: Walmart often has online sales and special offers, so be sure to check for those before you shop.
- Read item descriptions: Make sure you understand what you are buying. For example, when ordering meat, make sure you know how much is in a package.
- Confirm SNAP eligibility: If you are not sure if something is eligible, double-check the item description to verify the eligibility.
- Track your spending: Keep track of how much money you have left on your SNAP card. That way you won’t be caught off guard at checkout!
- Be patient: Especially during busy times, there might be some delays with delivery or pickup.
Using these tips will help you shop online with confidence and make the most of your SNAP benefits. With some careful planning, shopping online can save you time and energy!
Conclusion
So there you have it! Using your food stamps to shop on Walmart’s website is totally doable. By following the steps we’ve outlined and keeping these tips in mind, you can easily buy your groceries online and make the process as convenient as possible. From setting up your account and linking your SNAP card to choosing your delivery or pickup options, you’re now ready to shop with confidence. Happy shopping!