Does McDonald’s Accept EBT? Everything You Need to Know About EBT

Does McDonald’s Accept EBT? In our guide today we’re going to provide you with information about one of our most frequently asked questions – Does McDonald’s Accept EBT Card? 

Does McDonald’s Accept EBT? 

What is McDonald’s?

McDonald’s, in full McDonald’s Corporation, American fast-food chain that is one of the largest in the world, known for its hamburgers. Its headquarters are in Oak Brook, Illinois.

Does McDonald’s Accept EBT?

McDonald’s does not accept EBT/food stamps at most locations.

However, a few McDonald’s locations in California accept EBT as a part of the CalFresh Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).

The CalFresh RMP allows some Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients to buy meals at the individual, participating restaurant locations.

To qualify for the CalFresh RMP, you must be either elderly, disabled, or homeless.

How do Restaurant Meals Programs Work?

How do Restaurant Meals Programs Work?

A few states have extended SNAP to allow certain recipients to buy meals in participating restaurants.

In areas with active Restaurant Meals Programs (RMPs), several fast-food restaurants accept EBT.

RMPs are meant to accommodate EBT recipients who don’t have the means to go home and cook their food.

Restaurant meals are typically available only for the homeless, disabled, and/or elderly.

The USDA’s list of retailers that accept EBT cards usually doesn’t include the restaurants that accept EBT cards as part of an RMP; you’ll have to use the state’s website to search for restaurants.

Some states don’t post participating restaurants, and you may need to contact your local state benefits office.

Restaurant Meal Programs are well-developed in California and Arizona.

Hawaii, Illinois, and Rhode Island all have the program but provide limited information publicly.

Michigan used to have a Restaurant Meals Program but canceled it in 2013.

What is the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT)?

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is an electronic system that allows a recipient to authorize the transfer of their government benefits from a federal account to a retailer account to pay for products received.

EBT is used in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Guam.

What’s EBT Card?

  • EBT = electronic benefits transfer.
  • EBT card = a card that looks and works like a debit or credit card but is loaded with food stamps and/or cash benefits. You can use it at stores that accept EBT.

 Where Can’t I Use my EBT Card?

Where Can’t I Use my EBT Card?

You cannot use your EBT Card at the following locations:

  • Casinos
  • Poker Rooms
  • Card Rooms
  • Smoke & Cannabis Shops
  • Adult Entertainment Businesses
  • Nightclubs/Saloons/Taverns
  • Tattoo & Piercing Shops
  • Spa/Massage Salons
  • Bingo Halls
  • Bail Bonds
  • Racetracks
  • Gun/Ammo Stores
  • Cruise Ships
  • Psychic Readers

Foods and Products not Eligible for Purchase with the EBT Card

  • Hot foods from deli
  • Vitamins or medication
  • Pet food
  • Paper or cleaning products
  • Alcohol/tobacco products.

For a full list of approved food items, see the Food Stamps Eligible Food List here.

Can Someone Use My EBT Card for me?

Can anyone in my household use my SNAP EBT card? Yes.

You can designate someone you trust who is not a member of your SNAP household to use your card on your behalf.

This is an authorized representative.

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