Yes, CVS accepts EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) for SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program), formerly known as food stamps.
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.
CVS is a pharmacy and general store. CVS sells prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, home health care items, beauty products, toiletries, toys, grocery items, baby items, pet supplies, and home goods. Please refer to their catalog.The SNAP Retail Locator finds locations near you that accept EBT. Locations can be found by city and state or zip code.
A CVS app is available, which offers coupons, online ordering, and store locations. Please proceed to read the rest of this article to fully understand the details of shopping at CVS with EBT.
What Can You Buy With EBT at CVS?
The CVS items that may be purchased with EBT include grocery items such as snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, candy, canned goods, and cereal.
What Can You NOT Buy With EBT at CVS?
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, CVS items that may not be purchased with EBT include prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements, and tobacco products. These Items can be purchased with TANF funds, however.
How to Use an EBT Card at CVS
- Check Your Balance: Before going to CVS, 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.
- 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.
- Swipe your EBT card and enter your PIN. Alternatively, you may need to hand the card to the cashier.
- Take your receipt. Your current EBT balance is on the receipt.
What is the CVS 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.”
CVS return policy allows most unopened products to be returned within 60 days of purchase with the original receipt. Items returned without a receipt may be exchanged for the same item or refunded as store credit.
What CVS Locations Accept EBT?
EBT is accepted at select CVS locations. Please check with the store you would like to visit beforehand to find out whether that location accepts EBT. You may find a CVS location here. CVS is located in all 50 states.
EBT Card FAQ at CVS
Do Cashiers at CVS Know if I’m Using EBT?
Yes, you should tell the cashier that you are using EBT in case they would have to run an EBT card differently from a credit or debit card.
Does CVS Accept EBT For Online Orders?
No. You can only use EBT for in-store purchases at CVS. Online orders must be paid another way.
Can You Use EBT for CVS Delivery?
No. You can only use EBT for in-store purchases at CVS.