10+ discounts food stamps recipients can use to save money for Christmas
Food stamps are a lifeline. While the SNAP program helps keep food on the table, we know that the benefits on your EBT card often don’t stretch far enough. Around Christmas time, many households are looking for ways to save money so they can afford to celebrate the season with dignity.
Are you trying to get the most out of the SNAP benefits on your EBT card? We put together a list of discounts and benefits that you can get by qualifying for food stamps and/or showing your EBT card.
Discounts
Free or Low-Cost Internet. Many internet providers offer discounted plans for SNAP recipients starting at $10/month. Find out what service and device discounts are available to EBT card holders in your area using https://www.everyoneon.org/find-offers
Free or Low-Cost Museums, Aquariums, Zoos. Looking for a wallet-friendly family activity this holiday season? SNAP recipients and other EBT card holders can receive free or discounted admission to many museums, aquariums, and zoos. Find one in your area through https://museums4all.org/
Half off fruits and veggies. The double up food bucks program matches your SNAP EBT dollars so you can purchase fruits and vegetables two-for-one at participating grocery stores and farmers markets.
Discounted Bike Share and Transit Passes. In many urban areas, SNAP recipients and other EBT card holders qualify for discounted bike share subscriptions and transit passes. Now you can afford to catch that holiday-themed train or bus! Contact your local transit authority for more information.
Free Amazon Fresh Delivery & Discounted Amazon Prime. Another benefit of SNAP benefits? Free Amazon Fresh grocery delivery (if available in your area) and discounted access to Amazon Prime ($5.99/month). When grocery shopping on Amazon Fresh, you can use your EBT card and will also automatically receive 15% off on Happy Belly (Amazon brand) products.
Government Assistance
Phone or Internet Assistance. The Lifeline program provides free or discounted phone or internet assistance. SNAP recipients automatically qualify to receive at least $9.25 toward their monthly bill. Internet and phone providers often also offer discounted service to EBT card holders, see above.
Temporarily, you are also likely eligible for the Emergency Broadband Benefit which provides a $50/month discount on broadband internet services and up to $100 discount on a laptop, tablet, or desktop computer for many low-income households - including those on food stamps and other EBT programs.
Utility and Home Weatherization Assistance. The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) and related programs provide federally funded assistance with home energy bills, emergency assistance to avoid shutoff, and assistance with home weatherization and home repairs. Most SNAP recipients will qualify for assistance.
Medicaid. If you qualify for food stamps you may be eligible for full or partial medical assistance through Medicaid. Eligibility varies by state - if you need health insurance please contact your state Medicaid agency.
Free Tax Filing and Credits for Filing a Tax Return. Tax season is just around the corner. If your household income is less than $72,000 you can file your taxes for free using an IRS partner site.
Many low-income Americans can claim credits on their taxes to maximize their returns. While we are unable to provide tax advice, you can learn more about different credits, like the Earned Income Tax Credit and Child Tax Credit, on the IRS website.
Cash Assistance (TANF). If you receive SNAP and have children in your home under the age of 19 you may be eligible for cash assistance through the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. Cash assistance is generally loaded right onto your EBT card. Rules vary by state, but tend to be stricter than SNAP.
Women, Infants and Children (WIC). If you qualify for food stamps and have children in your home under the age of 5 or are pregnant you are almost certainly eligible for the WIC program. WIC provides nutrition assistance similar to food stamps and is usually loaded onto your existing EBT card.
National School Lunch Program. Children enrolled in participating schools or childcare centers are eligible for free school meals through the National School Lunch Program if they are part of a household that receives SNAP. Contact your child’s school to learn more.
