Uber Eats does not currently accept EBT as payment, even in states where online grocery delivery is allowed

Uber Eats is a restaurant delivery service, not a grocery store. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — which is what your EBT card accesses — only covers food you prepare yourself, not meals prepared and delivered by restaurants. This rule applies everywhere, regardless of state.

Some states do allow SNAP to pay for groceries ordered online through services like Amazon Fresh, Instacart, or Walmart.com. But those are grocery retailers. Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub, and similar apps deliver prepared food from restaurants, which SNAP does not cover under any circumstance.

If you are looking for food delivery that accepts SNAP, your options are limited to online grocery orders placed through retailers that have been approved by your state's SNAP program.

Key Takeaways

  • EBT cannot be used on Uber Eats because Uber Eats delivers restaurant meals, and SNAP only covers unprepared food you cook yourself.
  • Some states allow SNAP to pay for groceries ordered online through approved retailers like Amazon Fresh, Instacart, or Walmart.com.
  • Restaurant delivery apps (Uber Eats, DoorDash, Grubhub) do not accept SNAP in any state.
  • To learn about your state allows online grocery orders with SNAP, contact your state's SNAP program or call 211.

Which states allow SNAP for online grocery orders

As of 2024, most states have approved at least one online retailer for SNAP purchases. The retailers vary by state — some states allow Amazon Fresh, others allow Instacart, Walmart.com, or regional chains. A few states allow multiple retailers.

The fastest way to find out what is available in your state is to call your state's SNAP office directly or contact 211 (dial 2-1-1 from any phone). They can tell you which retailers accept EBT in your area and whether you need to set up your account in a particular way.

You can also visit your state's SNAP website. Search "[your state] SNAP online ordering" or "[your state] SNAP Amazon Fresh" to find the official page. The state website will list approved retailers and any special steps you need to take.

How to order groceries online with SNAP if your state allows it

The process depends on which retailer you use. Most approved retailers require you to link your EBT card to your account before you can pay with it. You will enter your card number, expiration date, and PIN — the same way you would at a store checkout.

Some retailers ask you to verify your identity or confirm your address before the first purchase. This is normal and takes a few minutes. After that, you can add groceries to your cart and select EBT as your payment method at checkout.

Delivery fees and tips cannot be paid with EBT — only the food itself. You will need a separate payment method (debit card, credit card, or cash on delivery) for those charges. Some retailers waive delivery fees for SNAP customers, so check the retailer's website for current promotions.

What you can and cannot buy with SNAP online

The rules are the same whether you order online or shop in a store. SNAP covers fruits, vegetables, meat, fish, poultry, dairy, bread, cereals, snacks, and beverages. It does not cover hot or prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, vitamins, medicine, or non-food items.

When you order online, the retailer's website usually shows you which items are SNAP-may be able to access. Items that cannot be purchased with SNAP will either be grayed out or marked as ineligible. This prevents you from adding them to your cart by mistake.

If you accidentally add an ineligible item, the checkout will reject it or ask you to remove it before you can complete the purchase. You will not be charged for items SNAP does not cover.

Delivery times and fees for online grocery orders

Delivery times vary by retailer and your location. Amazon Fresh typically delivers within one to two hours in areas where it operates. Instacart and Walmart.com usually offer same-day delivery in most areas, though delivery windows can be two to four hours or longer during busy times.

Delivery fees range from free (on some orders over a certain amount) to $5 to $10 per order, depending on the retailer and your membership status. Some retailers offer free delivery for SNAP customers or waive fees during promotional periods. Check the retailer's website or app for current offers.

Tips are not covered by SNAP and must be paid separately. Most retailers suggest a tip of 15 to 20 percent of your order total, though tipping is not required.

What to do if your state does not allow online SNAP orders yet

Not all states have approved online retailers for SNAP. If your state is not yet participating, you can still use your EBT card at physical grocery stores, farmers markets, and some local food co-ops. Some farmers markets also accept SNAP for online orders placed in advance, though this varies by location.

You can also contact your state's SNAP office to ask when online ordering might become available. Some states are still in the process of setting up agreements with retailers. Calling 211 or your state's SNAP hotline can tell you the current status and whether there is a timeline for expansion.

In the meantime, if you need food delivered, community meal programs, food banks, and local nonprofits sometimes offer delivery services. Call 211 to find programs in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use EBT on any food delivery app?

No. Restaurant delivery apps like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and Grubhub do not accept SNAP because they deliver prepared meals. SNAP only covers unprepared food you cook yourself. Some states allow SNAP for online grocery orders, but only through approved retailers like Amazon Fresh or Walmart.com, not restaurant delivery services.

What if I have a different type of benefits card?

This guide covers SNAP (food assistance). Other benefits like cash assistance or childcare subsidies have different rules and cannot be used on Uber Eats. If you receive other types of benefits, contact your state's benefits office to learn what you can purchase with that card.

Do I need a membership to order groceries online with SNAP?

It depends on the retailer. Amazon Fresh requires an Amazon Prime membership, though some states have negotiated free or reduced-cost Prime access for SNAP customers. Instacart and Walmart.com do not require memberships. Check your state's SNAP website or call 211 to find out what is available in your area.

What happens if I try to buy something ineligible with SNAP online?

The retailer's system will not allow you to purchase ineligible items with your EBT card. If you add an ineligible item to your cart, the checkout will either remove it automatically or ask you to remove it before you can complete the purchase. You will not be charged for items SNAP does not cover.