Does CVS Take EBT [Full Guide]

CVS accepts EBT at most of its stores nationwide. CVS (Consumer Value Store) is one of the most popular and second-largest chains of pharmacies in the United States. But they don’t only have pharmacies. CVS are large stores like marts where you can get everything from food, clothing, electronics, batteries, and machines to cosmetics and skincare.

This article will provide you with all the details about what you can or cannot buy with EBT at Consumer Value Store.

So, without any further ado, let’s get started –

What Is The Electronic Benefits Transfer And EBT Card?

The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) is a method of receiving and paying benefits. It is an electronic system that enables recipients to approve the transfer of their government benefits from an assistance account to a retailer account to pay for products obtained.
These benefits are provided to SNAP-qualified people to pay for eligible food items at grocery stores.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a government program to provide nutrition to low-income people. The program was previously known as Food Stamps. People qualified for SNAP or Food Stamps are entitled to EBT cards to provide these people with food purchasing capability.

This EBT card is like our credit or debit card used to pay for our store purchases. However, you can purchase only those items with your EBT that are considered EBT-eligible at SNAP-authorized stores.

EBT has been used nationwide since June 2004 in all 50 states, including the District of Columbia, Guam, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands.

Does CVS Accept EBT?

Yes, CVS accepts Food Stamps or EBT. That means you can use your EBT card to purchase eligible items at their stores. These eligible items are those grocery products that SNAP covers.

In the next section, Let’s look at SNAP-eligible items available at CVS stores.

What Can You Buy At CVS With EBT?

Many stores in the United States, such as Walmart, H-Mart, and Aldi, accept EBT for your grocery purchase, with some restrictions over the items you can buy using the EBT. Similarly, there are restrictions on the purchase of many items at CVS.

The only difference is that CVS allows you to purchase medicines with SNAP benefits which is not possible with the other grocery stores.

However, you can buy only those medicines prescribed by your doctor. Without a prescription, you cannot shop for medicines at CVS premises.

Below is a list of items you can purchase using your EBT.

• Dairy products such as milk and yogurt
• Fish, meat, or poultry
• Filtered water
• Medicines prescribed by the doctor
• Vegetables and fruits
• Food-producing seeds and plants
• Formulas for your baby’s nutrition

What Can’t You Buy At CVS With EBT?

As stated, you can purchase only items considered EBT-eligible. This means many items are unavailable for purchase at the CVS store using the EBT cards.

In a precise way, any item not covered by SNAP or unrelated to the grocery cannot be purchased with EBT. It would be clearer with the below list of items you cannot buy with EBT.

• Alcoholic beverages
• Clothes
• Cosmetic products
• Cigarettes and tobacco products
• Crockeries
• Decoration essentials
• Hot served foods
• Household supplies (cleaning products, paper goods, etc.)
• Lottery tickets or any other form of gambling
• Personal hygiene items (soap, shampoo, etc.)
• Pet food or live animals
• Supplements and vitamins
• Non-food items such as Toiletries, soaps, shampoo, etc.

Can Someone Use My EBT Card For Me?

Yes. Anyone who is not a member of your SNAP benefits-receiving family can use your EBT at CVS on your behalf to shop for you. The person you trust to use your EBT is called an authorized representative.

Can You Buy Enfamil With EBT?

The purpose of Food Stamps is to provide food to low-income families. Since Enfamil is a baby milk formula that helps parents to provide essential nutrients to their infants, you can use your EBT card to buy Enfamil.

FAQ

Does CVS take EBT online?

It does not accept EBT for online orders.

Does CVS take Food Stamps?

Yes. CVS accepts Food Stamps for eligible food items and medicines.

Can I buy easter baskets with food stamps?

Yes. You can buy an Easter or gift basket containing SNAP-eligible food items. But, EBT cannot be used to purchase food and non-food gift baskets that exceed 50% of their purchase price.

Can I buy baby formula at CVS with Food stamps?

You can buy essential baby formulas at CVS with food stamps.