Target is one of the most significant grocery retailers in the United States of America. Its leading retail chains will have a wide range of payment options to smooth the path of their consumers. Thus, we come down to the question: “Does Target take EBT?”
The answer is yes! As of 2022, Target now accepts EBT cards, but only at those stores which are authorized. Customers use the EBT to purchase nutritious goods. Thus, a customer with an EBT card can purchase fruits, vegetables, juice, milk, etc.
But that’s not all. You might also want to know more about the products that can be bought with an EBT card. To help with that, I’ve gathered adequate information relating to the EBT card at target. So, let’s jump right into it.
Does Target Accept EBT Cards?
In the United States, all the Target stores accept an EBT card. You can also enjoy the benefits of SNAP if you buy those specific groceries that are accepted under the SNAP program as there is an interconnection between the both of them.
But the catch here is that you can’t use EBT cards for online purchases. You need to physically go to your nearby authorized Target store and buy the groceries from only there. Otherwise, you will not be able to avail the benefits of SNAP and thus your EBT card will become redundant.
Policy Regarding Target’s EBT
In over 1,900 Target stores, you’ll see that they’re accepting EBT cards. Thus, you can access these stores to receive numerous SNAP benefits. But not all items in the store include those benefits. It’s easy to distinguish them because you’ll see those items labeled differently.
To purchase those items that do not fall under the SNAP benefit, you’ll have to use a different payment method altogether.
In case you’re worried about the return policy, just rest assured knowing that the items you are purchasing from Target can be returned with their usual 90-day return policy. Unless there has been an issue but that will be stated otherwise. But the refunds will not be in cash as that’s against federal law.
Instead, they will credit your EBT account. If not, they will replace the item with a similar or identical product. If that’s not the case, then they might even offer you other store benefits or even a gift card following the law.
Process of Using EBT at Target.
When you reach the register after shopping, separate your EBT items from the regular products. This is extremely important that you do this as you load the checkout because the cashier will check the items that are eligible for EBT first. Then you can make the payment by entering the PIN.
But there are also cases, during self-check-out when the computer will be able to scan the items and separate the EBT products automatically. It will just apply the discount on those products while leaving the rest. And you have to pay for the rest of the products with a different payment method. In such cases, it’s not necessary to keep the products separately.
What Happens If You Buy Something Not Approved?
If you try to use your EBT cards on those items that are not eligible for benefits under SNAP, then your transaction will not go through. Hence, always check the labeling to make sure that you’re purchasing the right ones with the given benefits.
Nonetheless, if you persist and try to find a way around and still use your EBT card on the non-eligible goods, then there are chances that you will surely get caught.
And if that happens, you will be investigated by the food stamp agency from your state. The state you’re in will have a food stamp agency and they will call you in and set up a hearing. And in that hearing, they will determine whether you have broken the law or not.
If you have broken the law, according to them, then necessary actions will take place and you will face a severe penalty for the crime. The penalty may be even more severe if you get caught trying to purchase items that have been banned from SNAP benefits.
And when you do get caught using the EBT for banned items, then you’ll have to pay back all the money that you have spent on the banned items. If you fail to do so, you will be charged severely and you might even lose your benefits for a hefty amount of time.
- If you get caught the first time, you’ll lose your benefit for 3 months.
- The 2nd time will cause you to lose the benefits for 1 year.
Can Someone Use My EBT Card for Me?
Yes, if you want, you can designate your EBT card to someone you trust. So, any member in your household, your friends, and family members are allowed to use your EBT cards to buy the groceries on your behalf.
That person does not necessarily have to be part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); which distributes the funds for buying food through the medium of EBT cards. So, you don’t have to worry about them, shopping for the food on your behalf.
They will just pay for the food like you would using your EBT card. And once they do, your EBT account will be debited to pay for the purchases. Now the individual that you hand over your EBT card to is called an authorized representative.
Target Stores That Accept EBT
As mentioned earlier, over 1900 target stores in the United States accept EBT cards. So, you’ll be able to avail the SNAP benefits in all these stores; given that you’re checking the labels properly.
If you’re worried about the locations of these stores, just use the SNAP retail locator to identify them. All you have to do is use your map for details and you’ll be able to figure out the directions for the authorized Target retail stores that have the SNAP benefits.
But remember that you will not be able to use your EBT cards for online purchases. It is strictly reserved for the physical purchase of the good. So, it’s no use ordering goods from Target.com if you’re planning on using your EBT card there.
What Food Items Can You Buy with EBT at Target?
The eligible food items that can be bought with your EBT cards are mostly essential groceries or those foods with good nutritious values that will provide a nice and healthy diet for those under the poverty line.
I’ve made a list of such food items which are eligible for SNAP benefits. So, you can purchase them using your EBT cards.
- Dairy Products such as milk, cheese yogurt, cream, butter, etc.
- Wheat products such as tortillas and pasta
- Rice
- Breakfast cereals
- Poultry
- Whole grains
- Whole wheat bread
- Juice (Non-carbonated)
- Fruits and vegetables
- Fish
- Legumes
- Soy products such as tofu
- Peanut butter
- Meat
- Oils etc.
Another underlying detail is that mothers who can avail the SNAP benefits are given additional special benefits. They can buy baby products using their EBT cards. The range can include any form of edible product that specializes in the development of an infant.
Other than that, breastfeeding mothers are also able to purchase iron supplements using their EBT cards.
What Food Items Are Not Eligible for SNAP Benefits?
If you’re purchasing goods using your EBT cards, there are certain items you will not be able to pay for. Those are mainly non-grocery products that do not fall under the SNAP benefits. Examples would be cleaning supplies, household products, prescribed medications, diapers, energy drinks, etc.
Other than that, alcoholic beverages and cigarettes are also not in the SNAP benefits and thus are not payable for those with EBT cards.
Can You Buy Pet Food Using EBT?
If you have pets, you might be wondering whether you can use your EBT card to buy them their share of nutritious goodies. But that will not fall under your SNAP benefits. So, you will not be able to use your EBT card for your adorable furballs.
You need to understand that the SNAP benefits were implemented to make sure that they helped those suffering from financial problems by reducing the cost of groceries to a significant level. Thus, helping those low-income households to maintain a healthier diet and improve the nationwide health scale and fight the hardships of poverty.
Are EBT Cards Allowed at Target’s Mini-Stores?
When you enter Target, you will see that there are many mini-stores inside. Such as Starbucks, opticians, Apple Stand, etc. But you cannot use EBT cards for all these mini-stores. Some may permit it, while others won’t. So, it’s better to identify them first.
For instance, EBT cards are of no use in any pharmacies or for any optical support; electronics included. But you can very well avail SNAP packages which will provide access to certain goods, such as cakes and coffee at one of the mini-Starbucks stores inside Target.
Now that we’re at the end of the article, you will no longer have to ask, “Does target Accept EBT?” We can very well conclude that Target does accept EBT cards in their authorized stores. Thus, customers can consume nutritious goods at a lower price.
Thus, I hope this article was of use to you and that you were able to gather crucial information from it. Thank you for giving it a read and I hope you have a very good day ahead!
