Individuals using EBT (Electronic Benefits Payments) can pay for essential groceries and, in some states, family welfare items like clothing. While EBT is strictly regulated, the card is used to purchase pre-made food in some cases.
Does this include prepared fast-food at Burger King? EBT recipients have long pondered this question. If you’ve contemplated the use of EBT cards at Burger King, read on to learn more!
Key Takeaways
Does Burger King Accept EBT In 2022?
Burger King accepts EBT Cards at some participating locations. That said, the ability to accept government issue cards differs from franchise to franchise and state to state. Call your local Burger King before attempting to dine-in or purchase food in the drive-thru with an EBT card.
Want to learn more about Burger King’s official EBT policy, how to use the cards, and more? Keep reading!
What is Burger King’s Official EBT Purchasing Policy?
Typically, EBT cards can’t be used at fast-food or dine-in restaurants, however, Burger King is one rare exception.
Regulations surrounding the use of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) have been strictly prohibited but have relaxed a bit in recent years.
Additionally, some states allow the use of EBT Cards at Burger King while others do not.
Counties in California and Arizona, for instance, participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RPM).
Is Burger King Enrolled in the EBT/SNAP Restaurant Meals Program?
Low-income EBT and SNAP recipients can use their EBT cards in fast-food restaurants in 6 states, Arizona, Maryland, Rhode Island, Illinois, Michigan, and California.
Out of the 6, Burger King only accepts EBT cards in two of them, Arizona and California.
Sadly, while Burger King does accept EBTcards, locations are severely limited.
Additionally, unless you live in certain counties of Arizona and California, you are not likely to find a place that takes EBT cards nearby.
Why Doesn’t Burger King Accept EBT Cards Everywhere?
For Burger King to take EBT cards, the state or county the franchise resides in has to participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP).
Even within states with RPM assistance, only a few counties service EBT recipients, with restrictions.
Furthermore, they can only be used in-store or via drive-thru. In other words, you won’t be able to use Uber Eats or DoorDash to have a tasty Whopper delivered to your door with an EBT card
Do Any Other Restaurants Accept EBT Cards?
There are a few other restaurants that accept EBT/SNAP provisional cards.
As stated previously, many of these franchises exist in the six states and counties that participate in the Restaurant Meals Replacement Program.
Moreover, because of federal and state regulations, an official list of restaurants that allow EBT cards has not been officially compiled.
Instead, you’ll have to visit the USDA website and download documentation to discover where to go.
What Restrictions Are There for Burger King EBT/RMP?
While the Supplemental Nutrition and Assistance Program (SNAP) only allows for store-bought food in most cases, federal law allows states to extend their benefits. Even so, there are restrictions.
For instance, in Arizona, you have to be over 60, disabled or homeless, to partake in the Burger King EBT Restaurant Meal Replacement Program.
In California, only people eligible for CalFresh can use EBT cards at participating Burger King franchises.
What Kind of Things Can you Purchase with an EBT Card?
EBT cards can primarily be used at grocery stores and outlets like Sam’s Club or Super Walmarts.
Other stores that accept EBT cards include, but are not limited to:
- ALDI
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- Dillons Food Stores
- Kmart
- Piggly Wiggly
- Safeway
- Payless Supermarkets
- Pick ‘n Save
- Food City
- Harris Teeter
- Kroger
- And many, many more.
In addition, these stores may allow you to use EBT cards for online grocery pick-up or curbside service. Call ahead to make sure.
Can I Use My EBT Card at an ATM?
You can make limited cash withdrawals on the card and be charged a fee after a few free withdrawals. Your EBT card can be used at banking machines in all 50 states.
Generally, EBT cards are valued at local stores and shops that accept them in these states. You can check your EBT card balance at the ATM or call a state-provided number to obtain the information.
Where Can’t EBT Cards be Used?
Although 37 states utilize the Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) program and, by extension, EBT, these government-issued funds are strictly regulated.
While EBT acts like any other debit card, it can only be used at certain places and for certain things.
For example, you cannot use EBT cards to purchase alcohol, medicine, cigarettes, tobacco products, or place bets at casinos.
In Texas, however, the prohibitions are a bit less strict, requiring only that you use the funds for family welfare items like food, clothing, and shelter.
To learn more, you can see our related posts on if KFC accepts EBT, if McDonald’s accepts EBT, and if Burger King takes Apple Pay.
Conclusion
While Burger King does offer the ability to use EBT, the locations are strictly limited. The use of EBT via the USDA’s RMP program is highly regulated, so you may not be able to use it at your favorite Burger King of Choice.
Overall, if you do happen to live in one of the few states that offer EBT use via RPM, call before attempting to use the card at a local, participating Burger King.