Does Target Accept EBT? (Updated 2022)

Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards are used by many people across the United States to cover bills and other essentials. So, does Target accepts EBT?

The answer is an astounding Yes! Although as of now (2022) EBT card is not accepted via online mode which may include Google Pay, Apple Pay, etc. You can use EBT cards at various Target outlets to shop for various daily goods such as milk and other dairy products, cereals, peanut butter, fruits, vegetable, meat, juice, etc. 

Target’s Policy on EBT

Customers can use their SNAP and WIC EBT benefits at over 1,900 Target stores across the country to shop for groceries and other essential items.

However, it should be noted that you can only use your EBT balance to purchase eligible products, any other essentials that are not included in EBT benefits list, you need to pay on your own for that.

WIC labels are used in most Target locations to distinguish items so you can readily identify what you can buy with your EBT card.

Unless otherwise specified, EBT products are covered by Target’s regular 90-day return policy.

Because getting cash refunds for EBT transactions are not legal as per the federal law, if you show a receipt, your EBT card will be repaid, or you will be given shop credit or an equal item in exchange.

About the various locations where Target accepts EBT?

As SNAP EBT cards are one of the most common that is widely used across the nation, Target accepts them at all of their 1,900+ locations.

WIC, on the other hand, is only accepted at authorised outlets, such as most Target Superstores, that are more inclined to accept WIC payments than urban locations since they offer a greater range of foods.

Check with your local store to see if they take EBT cards, or you can use the online store finder to find alternate locations.

What is an EBT Card?

The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is similar to a Debit card that particularly allows SNAP recipients to purchase groceries at a discounted rate. A participant’s SNAP EBT account is deducted when they spend at a SNAP-approved retail location to reimburse the merchant for the food they purchased. Food stamps and cash are deposited on the EBT card, which is protected by a personal identification number (PIN). 

About the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

In the year 2008, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program was renamed as the Food Stamp Program, and all references to stamps or coupons in federal law were replaced with EBT card.

You must meet certain eligibility conditions in order to receive SNAP assistance. To qualify for benefits after 2021, a four-person household must have a gross monthly income of no more than $2,839 per month.

The amount of money loaded onto an EBT card is determined by the household’s size and income. The highest monthly allowance for a family of four was decided to be $782 in 2021.

EBT cards can only be used by recipients at recognised retailers. SNAP does not cover food that is hot at the time of purchase, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, supplements, or other non-food goods like pet food, cleaning supplies, or hygiene products based on stock in the store.

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, is another federal programme that accepts EBT cards. WIC provides nutritious foods to nutritionally vulnerable low-income pregnant, postpartum, and nursing women, babies, and children under the age of five. It also provides nutritional guidance, breastfeeding encouragement and support, and health-care referrals.

Food Items Eligible for EBT Card Purchases at Target

EBT cards are primarily used to cover foods with high nutritional value, with the goal of providing a healthy diet to residents living below the poverty line.

Here’s the list of available Food items

• Dairy items such as milk
• Cheese
• Tortillas, rice, and spaghetti 
• Whole wheat bread and whole grains
• Non-Carbonated drinks and juices
• Tofu and soy products
• Peanut butter 
• Yogurt and Curd
• Fruit and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Cooking Oil

How to use EBT at Target?

1. Load EBT eligible products separately from non-eligible products while shopping.
2. The cashier will swipe your EBT card using the magnetic strip or enter the 4-digit pin, much like a typical debit card. (To get the most out of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, make sure you only buy foods that are qualified SNAP).
3. As it scans each food item in the self-checkout procedure, the computer immediately applies the EBT discount to the qualified goods. In this case, you shouldn’t need to keep the qualified products separate.

If you are eligible for WV Works/Child Support Incentive benefits, you can use your EBT card to withdraw funds. You’ll get frequent payback if you pay with an EBT card at a Target shop near you. The transaction will be refused if you use your EBT card to purchase food that is not covered by SNAP.

But what if you’re caught using your EBT card to purchase non-eligible items?

In that instance, the food stamps agency in your state would investigate and determine whether you broke the law, and then take appropriate action. If the agency discovers that you attempted to purchase prohibited items with your SNAP benefits, you will face severe penalties.

Conclusion

EBT cards such as WIC and SNAP are accepted at Target, allowing EBT card holders to shop for various daily items such as milk and milk related products, meat, grains, Non-carbonated drinks, juices, vegetables, wheat bread etc. You can only use EBT at recognised stores, and you can’t use it to pay for anything online or to fund delivery. Tobacco, alcohol, and medications are all prohibited.

Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q’s)