What can you buy with EBT?

SNAP benefits on an EBT card can be used to buy foods of all types, including breads, cereals, fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, meats and dairy products. These benefits can also be used for buying plants and seeds to use for growing food.

EBT SNAP benefits cannot be used for nonfood items, hot foods or foods that are prepared and ready to eat in the store where they are purchased. Benefits cannot be used to buy alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, medicines or vitamins.

Cash benefits on an EBT card, including welfare payments and Social Security payments, can be spent however the recipient sees fit. As of 2012, no states restrict how recipients can spend cash benefits.