Does Big Lots Take EBT?

Yes, Big Lots accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps. 

Big Lots appears on the SNAP Retail Locator, which finds locations near you that accept EBT. Locations can be found by city and state or zip code. 

For those who qualify, TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families) deposits funds onto the same EBT card as SNAP benefits, and TANF funds can be used like cash, to be spent on necessities such as food, rent, medical bills, transportation, or child care.

Big Lots is a discount store that sells a variety of items such as toys, furniture, mattresses, home goods, personal care items, groceries, pet supplies, apparel, and baby items. Products may be purchased in-store or online. Please proceed to read the rest of this article to fully understand the details of shopping at Big Lots with EBT.

What Can You Buy With EBT at Big Lots?

The Big Lots items that may be purchased with EBT include any grocery items such as candy, bakery items, snacks, dried goods, canned goods, cereal, condiments, and non-alcoholic beverages.

What Can You NOT Buy With EBT at Big Lots?

According to this government website, products such as hot foods, alcohol, tobacco products, non-food items, vitamins, medicines, and supplements may not be purchased on EBT. For example, Big Lots items that may not be purchased with EBT include home goods, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter medicine, pet supplies, personal care items, apparel, furniture, and baby items. These items can be purchased with TANF funds, however.

How to Use an EBT Card at Big Lots

1. Check Your Balance:  Before going to Big Lots, check your balance on your EBT account to make sure you know your spending limit. You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your card and following the prompts on the call.
2. Separate Items:  In order to avoid charging items that are not eligible on your EBT card on accident, it’s best to separate EBT eligible items and regular items before checkout. It is a good idea to present the EBT eligible items to the cashier first and pay first using your EBT card. The cashier will then tell you your total for the non-EBT items, and you would pay for them another way. You may use cash or a debit card for non-EBT items. Aldi does not accept credit cards.
3. Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN. Alternatively, you may need to hand the card to the cashier.
4. Take your receipt. Your current EBT balance is on the receipt. 

What is the Big Lots Return Policy for Items Purchased With EBT?

According to this federal law, all SNAP recipients must be treated like any other customer. It says that “you may return or refund an item bought with a Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, so long as store policy allows it. 

All refunds for food items that you purchased with SNAP benefits go directly onto your EBT card. Cash refunds are not allowed for food items purchased with SNAP benefits under any circumstances.”

“Most merchandise purchased in a Big Lots store can be returned to a store within 30 days of the date of purchase. The merchandise must be in its original condition, complete with accessories, packaging and instructions, and be accompanied by a receipt. Refunds will be issued in the same form of payment originally used for the purchase.”

What Big Lots Locations Accept EBT?

Select Big Lots locations accept EBT. You may find a Big Lots location here. The listings for individual stores on the previously mentioned website will indicate whether that store accepts EBT. There are Big Lots stores in the 48 contiguous states.

EBT Card FAQ at Big Lots