Shopping online is super convenient, especially for groceries! If you get food stamps (also known as SNAP benefits) and want to use them to buy groceries on Walmart’s website, you might be wondering how to do it. Don’t worry, it’s actually pretty straightforward. This guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, so you can easily use your benefits to order what you need.
What Items Can I Buy With Food Stamps at Walmart.com?
So, what exactly can you purchase with your SNAP benefits? Well, the rules are pretty similar online to what you can buy in the store. Generally, you can use your EBT card to buy foods like fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, and bread. You can also get seeds and plants that produce food.
Things you *can’t* buy with SNAP include alcohol, tobacco, pet food, and household supplies like cleaning products or paper goods. You also can’t use your benefits for hot foods that are ready to eat. Always double-check the items in your cart before you finalize your order to make sure they’re eligible.
It’s important to remember that Walmart’s website will automatically flag items that are not SNAP-eligible. This means you won’t be able to accidentally add something you can’t pay for with your benefits. Just focus on filling your cart with groceries and other allowed food items.
For example, you *can* buy:
- Fresh apples
- Ground beef
- Milk
- Bread
Setting Up Your Walmart.com Account for SNAP Payments
Before you can start using your food stamps, you’ll need to set up your Walmart.com account correctly. This involves linking your EBT card to your account, which allows the system to recognize your food stamp benefits.
First, make sure you have a Walmart.com account. If you don’t, it’s easy to create one. You’ll need to provide some basic information, like your name, email address, and create a password. After you’ve done that you’ll want to make sure you have your EBT card handy. You’ll need the card number and expiration date. Also, keep in mind that you may need your EBT card PIN to complete the payment process.
The process of linking your EBT card usually happens during checkout when you’re ready to pay for your groceries. Walmart’s website should provide a clear option to add or link an EBT card. Make sure you enter the correct information from your card; otherwise, the transaction will be declined. If you make a mistake, don’t worry – you can usually edit the card information.
Keep in mind, while you can add your EBT card to your account, you can also use a combination of payment methods. For example, if your order total is more than your SNAP balance, you can use your EBT card to cover the SNAP-eligible items and a credit or debit card to pay for the remaining balance (like non-food items or the delivery fee).
Placing Your Order and Choosing Delivery or Pickup
Once your account is set up and you’ve linked your EBT card, you’re ready to shop! Browse Walmart’s online grocery selection and add the items you want to purchase to your cart. Then, proceed to the checkout process.
During checkout, you’ll be prompted to choose how you want to receive your groceries. You’ll likely have two main options: either pickup or delivery. Both of these options can be used with SNAP benefits, so the choice is yours!
Here’s a quick comparison:
| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| Pickup | You select a time to pick up your groceries at your local Walmart store. |
| Delivery | Your groceries are delivered to your home. |
Keep in mind that you might have to pay a delivery fee if you choose home delivery. However, Walmart sometimes offers free delivery depending on your order total, location, or any special promotions. Whether you choose pickup or delivery, make sure you select a time that works for you.
Paying With Your EBT Card at Checkout
When you get to the payment section of checkout, you should see the option to use your EBT card. It should be listed alongside other payment methods, such as credit cards or debit cards. If you’ve already linked your EBT card, the system should automatically recognize it. If not, you’ll be given the opportunity to add it.
You’ll need to select your EBT card as the payment method for the SNAP-eligible items in your cart. Then, you’ll be asked to enter your EBT card PIN. Make sure you enter this PIN correctly, as incorrect entries may result in your order being rejected. If you’re paying for a portion of the order with a credit card, you’ll enter the payment info for that payment option as well.
Once you’ve entered all the necessary information, review your order one last time to make sure everything is correct. Double-check the items, the pickup or delivery time, and the payment methods. After you confirm, submit your order!
Here is a breakdown of the steps:
- Select your groceries and add them to your cart.
- Proceed to checkout.
- Select your EBT card as the payment method.
- Enter your EBT card PIN.
- Review and submit your order.
What Happens if Your EBT Balance Isn’t Enough?
Sometimes, you might have a cart full of groceries, but your EBT balance isn’t enough to cover the entire order. What happens then? Don’t panic! Walmart’s system is designed to handle this situation, making it easy to pay the remaining balance with another payment method.
When your EBT balance is not enough, the system will inform you of the shortfall. You can then choose to either remove some items from your cart to lower the total cost, or you can pay the remaining amount with a credit or debit card. You’ll simply select the credit or debit card option and enter your card information to cover the difference.
If you don’t have another payment method, you may need to edit your order to meet the amount available on your EBT card. In some cases, you could also try contacting customer service if there is a problem with your balance or if you think there is an error with the amount charged. They can potentially offer solutions or help to adjust the order if necessary.
Let’s look at a quick example:
Your grocery bill is $75. Your EBT balance is $50. You can choose to:
- Remove $25 worth of items.
- Pay the remaining $25 with a debit/credit card.
Managing Your Walmart.com Orders and Returns
After placing your order, you’ll want to keep track of it. You can view your order details on the Walmart.com website or app. This includes the items you ordered, the pickup or delivery time, and the total cost. This allows you to monitor the progress of your order and to make sure everything is on track.
What if you need to return an item you purchased using your EBT card? Walmart’s return policy applies to items purchased with food stamps, just like any other purchase. Make sure you keep your receipt, which has important information about your purchase and how to return it.
When you return a SNAP-eligible item, the refund usually goes back to your EBT card. The amount of the refund will be credited to your SNAP account, so you can use it for future purchases. If you used another payment method in addition to your EBT card, the refund may be split across the various payment methods. Contact Walmart customer service or your local store if you have any questions.
Keep the following in mind when managing your order:
- Track your order online or through the Walmart app.
- Keep your receipts.
- Return items as per the Walmart return policy.
- Refunds for SNAP-eligible items usually go back to your EBT card.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with a straightforward process, you might run into a few hiccups when paying with food stamps on Walmart.com. Common issues include problems with your EBT card being declined, incorrect balances, or trouble with the website itself. Don’t worry – help is available!
If your EBT card is declined, the first step is to double-check the information you entered (card number, expiration date, and PIN). Make sure you’ve entered them correctly. Verify that you have enough funds on your EBT card to cover the purchase. It is also possible the card has been locked for security reasons.
If you’re having trouble with the website, try clearing your browser’s cache and cookies, or try using a different web browser or the Walmart app. Sometimes, technical issues can cause problems, so a simple refresh or a different browser can fix it.
If you need further help, you can contact Walmart customer service. They are usually able to provide assistance with payment issues, order issues, or technical problems. Here’s how you might reach them:
- Visit Walmart.com and find the “Contact Us” section.
- Use the online chat feature.
- Call their customer service number.
When you have trouble, the customer service department is there to help you get the best experience possible.
Conclusion
Using food stamps on Walmart.com is a convenient way to buy groceries. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you should be able to easily order your groceries online and have them delivered or picked up at your convenience. Remember to double-check the eligibility of your items and to manage your account settings. Happy shopping!