The recent influx of fried chicken joints has left many EBT card owners wondering whether KFC takes EBT or not because cooking can sometimes seem like an extra struggle to people already disadvantaged.
In this post, I’ll let you know if KFC takes EBT and clarify any confusion about KFC and EBT. Read on to find out more!
Key Takeaways
Does KFC Take EBT In 2022?
KFC does accept EBT for meal purchases in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) as of 2022. Through the program, disadvantaged people who can’t prepare their meals due to disabilities, old age, and lack of stable housing can purchase affordable meals at KFC.
Since not all states take EBT for meal payments, it’s essential to know the states that participate in RMP and the meals you can buy at KFC. Here is what I found out!
States Where KFC Accepts EBT
Some of the states that participate in the Restaurant Meal Program and accept the EBT include California, Rhode Island, Illinois, Michigan, and Arizona.
However, for a state to accept the EBT program for its residents, it must satisfy specific federal requirements.
Additionally, the states must demonstrate they can adequately operate an EBT system with all of the rules and procedures, including any text or communication, cash receipt, cash transaction, cash safekeeping rules, and more.
The requirements correspond to the eligibility requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), which is a financial assistance program for needy families.
With that, a person who is receiving federal benefits under TANF must also be eligible to receive cash benefits through an EBT program, regardless of whether they live in a state that operates its own system or not.
To apply for the program, you must be:
- Underemployed or unemployed
- Have a low annual income
Also, you must meet one of the following conditions:
- Be under 18 years
- Have a child who is under 18 years
- Be pregnant
What Can You Purchase At KFC With EBT?
If you have an EBT card, you can purchase some of KFC’s delicious foods, but not all of them. Some of the foods eligible for EBT cardholders include:
Chicken
Chicken is easily the most popular item on KFC’s menu, and you can get it with mashed potatoes, gravy, and biscuits.
Tender roast slide
The tender roast slide is a chicken breast that has been marinated and then baked with a special sauce.
It’s tasty, especially if you like chicken. The only problem is that it’s not as affordable compared to other options on KFC’s menu.
Mashed potatoes and gravy
The mashed potatoes and gravy are perfect for pairing with KFC’s renowned chicken.
Biscuits
Biscuits are all you need if you want something sweet to accompany your chicken or tender roast slide.
Hot wings
KFC serves hot wings with potato wedges and onion rings. Although the wings are small, it’s enough for a few people to share. Therefore, it’s affordable and reasonable for EBT card owners.
Potato wedge
Although this is a side item, you get it with all the side dishes mentioned above or order it alone.
If you have an EBT card, it’s essential to be mindful of what you buy from KFC.
What Is An EBT card?
EBT is an acronym for the Electronic Benefit Transfer, an electronic system that you use to receive money/benefits from the government.
With that, the card lets you buy foods using Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Since the distribution of benefits involves electronic transactions, the card help makes the issuance of public assistance easier and faster.
Cardholders can use the EBT card to access their various benefits at point-of-sale (POS). Also, it’s a great way to get KFC snacks and meals because it’s cheaper than buying with cash or store credit cards.
How Does An EBT Card Work?
You can apply for an EBT card by visiting your local Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) office.
If you complete your application and you’re eligible to receive benefits, the office will establish an account with your details.
Then, you’ll have a secret Personal Identification Number (PIN) to process payments, and you’ll receive benefits electronically every month.
Generally, an EBT card works just like a debit card. The procedure involves:
- Swiping your card at the checkout counter
- Entering your PIN on the keypad and then pressing ENTER or OK
After making a purchase, the payment total is deducted from your card, and you can use the remaining balance to buy any eligible products from qualifying restaurants and grocery stores.
Note that only the primary authorized user can use the card to purchase from KFC. If there are multiple primary authorized users, they’ll need to agree on who will make and authorize purchases.
To know more, you can also see our posts on whether or not KFC takes Apple Pay, if KFC chips are vegan, and if KFC has grilled chicken.
Conclusion
KFC does take EBT purchases, but only in states that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program. While KFC is a great place to eat, it’s not the cheapest because it mainly caters to a middle-to-high income clientele.
For this reason, many people on government assistance programs, such as EBT, don’t usually go to KFC because they feel the company is too expensive for their budget.
However, EBT card owners can still purchase some of the best KFC meals. Therefore, if you are on government assistance, find out if the KFC near you takes EBT before assuming that you can’t afford its meals.