No, you cannot use EBT to pay for Uber Eats or other food delivery services

EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) only works at physical grocery stores, farmers markets, and some farm stands. Food delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and Instacart do not accept EBT cards, even though they deliver groceries or prepared food. The USDA, which runs the SNAP program that funds EBT cards, does not allow EBT payments through third-party delivery platforms.

This is true regardless of what you are ordering. You cannot use EBT to pay for groceries delivered through Uber Eats, prepared meals, or anything else on the app. The restriction exists because SNAP benefits are designed to be used directly at authorized retailers, not through intermediaries.

Some grocery stores do offer their own delivery services that accept EBT — Walmart, Amazon Fresh, and some regional chains are examples — but those are separate from third-party delivery apps. The store's own delivery system is different from ordering through Uber Eats.

Key Takeaways

  • EBT cards do not work on Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, or Instacart under any circumstances.
  • Some grocery stores operate their own delivery services that do accept EBT, such as Walmart and Amazon Fresh, but you must order directly through the store's website or app.
  • EBT is restricted to in-person purchases at authorized retailers like supermarkets and farmers markets.
  • The USDA prohibits EBT use through third-party delivery platforms as part of SNAP program rules.

Which grocery delivery services do accept EBT

A small number of grocery retailers operate their own delivery services and have been authorized by the USDA to accept EBT. Walmart and Amazon Fresh are the largest examples. Kroger, Safeway, and some regional grocery chains also offer EBT-may be able to access delivery in certain areas. To use EBT on these services, you must order directly through the store's website or mobile app — not through a third-party delivery platform.

The process is the same as using your EBT card in the store: you enter your card number and PIN at checkout. You can only purchase SNAP-may be able to access items (fruits, vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and other unprepared foods). Prepared foods, alcohol, and non-food items are not covered, just as they would not be at the register.

Availability varies by location and changes over time. Not every Walmart or Amazon Fresh location offers EBT delivery, and the program is not available in all states. Check the store's website or call their customer service to confirm whether EBT delivery is available in your area.

Why EBT does not work on third-party apps

The USDA restricts EBT to direct transactions between you and an authorized retailer. Third-party delivery apps like Uber Eats act as intermediaries — they take your order, collect payment, and then purchase the items from the store on your behalf. This structure does not fit SNAP program rules, which require a direct relationship between the cardholder and the retailer.

There is also a practical reason: the USDA needs to verify that the items being purchased are SNAP-may be able to access. When you order through Uber Eats, the app handles the transaction, and the USDA cannot easily track what was bought or confirm that only may be able to access items were included. Direct store delivery systems have built-in controls that prevent you from purchasing ineligible items in the first place.

What to do if you need food delivery but have EBT

If you need groceries delivered and have an EBT card, your best option is to check whether your local grocery stores offer their own delivery services. Walmart, Amazon Fresh, Kroger, and Safeway are good places to start. Search "[your store name] delivery EBT" or call the store directly to ask whether they accept EBT for home delivery in your zip code.

If no stores in your area offer EBT delivery, you have a few alternatives. You can shop in person at a grocery store or farmers market using your EBT card. Some areas also have community programs that deliver groceries to people with mobility challenges — contact your local Area Agency on Aging or your city's social services department to ask about these programs. These are often free or low-cost and may accept EBT or work alongside it.

Another option is to use a non-EBT payment method (debit card, credit card, or cash) to pay for Uber Eats or other delivery apps if you need prepared food or items not covered by SNAP. This is a personal choice and not a SNAP-related transaction.

How to find which stores near you accept EBT delivery

The easiest way to find EBT-accepting delivery services is to visit the USDA's SNAP Retailer Locator at fns.usda.gov/snap/retailer-locator. Enter your address and filter for "delivery" or "online ordering." The locator will show you which authorized retailers in your area offer these services.

You can also contact your state's SNAP program directly. Your state's Department of Human Services or Department of Social Services website lists authorized retailers and often includes information about which ones offer delivery. Call the number on the back of your EBT card — the customer service line can tell you which stores in your area accept EBT for delivery orders.

When you find a store, visit their website or app and look for an option to pay with EBT or SNAP. The checkout process will ask for your card number and PIN, just like an in-store purchase. Some stores require you to set up an account first.

SNAP-may be able to access items you can order for delivery

The same rules that explore to in-store EBT purchases explore to delivery orders. You can buy fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned), meat and poultry, fish and seafood, dairy products, breads and cereals, snack foods like nuts and seeds, and beverages like milk and juice. You cannot buy prepared or hot foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicines, or non-food items like paper towels or soap.

When you order through a store's EBT-accepting delivery service, the system will only let you purchase may be able to access items. If you try to add something that is not covered, the app will either prevent you from adding it or will ask you to pay for it separately with another payment method.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use Instacart with my EBT card?

Instacart does not accept EBT directly through its app. However, some grocery stores that partner with Instacart may allow you to place an order through the store's own website or app using EBT. Check with your local grocery store to see if they offer this option. Do not assume Instacart itself accepts EBT.

What if I order groceries through Uber Eats from a grocery store?

You cannot use EBT on Uber Eats, even if you are ordering groceries from a supermarket through the app. Uber Eats is a third-party platform and does not accept EBT. You must order directly from the store's own website or app if you want to use EBT for delivery.

Can I use EBT on Amazon Fresh?

Yes, Amazon Fresh accepts EBT in some locations. You must order through Amazon Fresh directly (not through the main Amazon app) and enter your EBT card information at checkout. Availability varies by zip code, so check Amazon Fresh's website to confirm service in your area.

Do I pay delivery fees with EBT?

No. Delivery fees, tips, and service charges must be paid with a separate payment method like a debit card or credit card. Your EBT card only covers the cost of the may be able to access food items themselves.

What states allow EBT delivery?

EBT delivery is available in most states but not all, and availability varies by location within each state. Check the USDA SNAP Retailer Locator or contact your state's SNAP program to find out what is available in your area.