Does your state allow using coupons with food stamps/ebt?

Food Stamp paper coupons have been replaced by electronic “debit” cards called “EBT” cards. If someone still has paper coupons, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) says retailers must still honor them. However, USDA does not know how long this policy will last, so they encourage those in possession of paper coupons to use them now.

The electronic food stamp card is officially known in California as the Golden State Advantage Card. Many people refer to it as the EBT card. EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer.

Food Stamp benefits are loaded onto these debit-like cards which can be used anywhere food stamp benefits are accepted. If certified to receive food stamps, benefits should be on the applicant’s card within 30 days from the date an application was filed. 7 C.F.R. § 274.2 (b).

If the applicant qualifies for expedited or “emergency” food stamps, benefits should be available within three days. Once received, the card can be used in California or any other state. 7 C.F.R. § 274.12(h)(10).

The USDA approves retails stores for participation in the Food Stamp Program. Generally, stores must offer a variety of “staple foods” including perishable foods. 7 C.F.R. § 278 et seq.

Any food for human consumption except hot food (but remember, there is also an exception for authorized hot meal programs and approved restaurant meals programs). Seeds and plants to grow food for yourself or your family. Any hot food, including hot food intended for immediate consumption (with the exception of approved meal programs (see MPP § 63-102(e)(2)(C-H) and restaurant meals programs).

For more information, see the FNS page on Eligible Food Items. This program is designed to help households who do not have a place to store and cook food, or who may have a disability that makes preparing meals for themselves difficult. It began in 1978 when federal regulations gave states the option to allow elderly and disabled food stamp households to use food stamp coupons in authorized restaurants.

In 1996, the program was expanded to include homeless food stamp households. Under the program, prepared foods at participating restaurants and grocery stores can be purchased with an EBT card. Participating restaurants must meet requirements placed on them by the county and must be authorized to process food stamp transactions as a restaurant.

Restaurants are prohibited from charging a sales tax or meal tax on prepared foods purchased with food stamp benefits. Food stamp recipients cannot be charged state or local sales taxes on any purchase made with food stamps. MPP § 63-102(H)(3)(e)(ii); 7 C.F.R. § 272.1(b).