EBT, or Electronic Benefits Transfer, is a government-issued debit card that assists low-income families in purchasing food and necessities. EBT is commonly used at grocery stores and supermarkets, but many wonder if they can use it at other retail stores such as CVS.
CVS is a popular pharmacy and retail store chain with over 10,000 locations across the United States. With its wide variety of products, including food, toiletries, and household items, CVS can be a convenient option for those who rely on EBT. But does CVS take EBT? Let's find out.
Does CVS Take EBT?
The short answer is that CVS accepts EBT payments for eligible items. However, there are some restrictions and guidelines that you should be aware of before using your EBT card at CVS.
Eligible Items
According to the USDA, EBT can only be used to purchase eligible food items such as:
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Bread and cereals
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Fruits and vegetables
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Meat, poultry, and fish
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Dairy products
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Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
You cannot use EBT to purchase non-food items such as:
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Alcohol and tobacco products
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Vitamins and supplements
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Pet food
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Household items such as cleaning supplies or paper products
While CVS does sell some food items that are eligible for EBT, such as milk and bread, they also sell many non-food items. So, paying attention to what you're buying and ensuring it's an eligible item before attempting to use your EBT card is important.
CVS EBT Pilot Program
In 2018, CVS launched a pilot program in select stores in which they began accepting EBT payments for eligible items online. This program allowed customers to use their EBT card to purchase eligible items from CVS.com and deliver them to their doorstep.
However, it's important to note that this pilot program was only available in certain states, and whether CVS has expanded this program to all its stores nationwide is unclear.
EBT Cash Benefits
In addition to food benefits, some EBT cards have cash benefits that can be used to purchase non-food items such as clothes or household items. These cash benefits are Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) or State General Assistance (SGA).
While CVS does not accept EBT cash benefits for purchases, you can use your EBT card to withdraw cash from an ATM or get cash back from a participating retailer.
EBT Restrictions
When using EBT at CVS, there are a few restrictions that you should keep in mind:
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You cannot use EBT to pay any taxes or fees associated with your purchase.
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You cannot use EBT to pay for delivery fees or shipping costs using the CVS EBT Pilot Program.
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You cannot use EBT to purchase hot foods or meals meant to be eaten in the store.
It's important to remember that using your EBT card to purchase ineligible items or trying to misuse your benefits can result in serious consequences, such as fines or even criminal charges.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can you use EBT at CVS Pharmacy?
Yes, you can use EBT at CVS Pharmacy for eligible food items.
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Does CVS accept EBT for prescriptions?
You cannot use EBT to pay for prescription medications at CVS.
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Can you use EBT for CVS Curbside Pickup?
You can use EBT for CVS Curbside Pickup, but only for eligible food items. CVS launched a pilot program in select stores. They began accepting EBT payments for eligible items online, which made it possible for customers to use their EBT card to purchase eligible items from CVS.com and have them delivered to their doorstep or picked up via curbside pickup.
CVS does accept EBT payments for eligible food items, but there are some restrictions and guidelines that you should be aware of before using your EBT card at CVS. While CVS offers a convenient option for those who rely on EBT, paying attention to what you're buying and ensuring it's an eligible item before attempting to use your EBT card is important. Overall, if you're wondering whether CVS takes EBT, the answer is yes, as long as you use it for eligible food items.
