Shopping with SNAP

Can You Buy Medicine with EBT/Food Stamps? (2025)

May 4, 2025

Understanding what can and cannot be bought with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps recipients spend their benefits wisely. A common question is whether medicine qualifies as an approved purchase.

Can You Buy Medicine with EBT/ Food Stamps?

No, you cannot buy medicine with Food Stamps or EBT.

Medicine is not eligible under SNAP because the program is designed to assist with purchasing food and beverages. SNAP benefits are intended to help low-income individuals and families access nutritious food, and non-food items like medicine fall outside the program's scope. Therefore, recipients must use other means to cover the cost of their medications.

How to Check If Medicine Is SNAP-Eligible

To determine if an item is SNAP-eligible, check its label. If the item has a "Nutrition Facts" label, it is likely eligible. Conversely, if it has a "Supplement Facts" label, it is not eligible. Additionally, hot, prepared foods meant for immediate consumption are generally not SNAP-eligible. For example:

Frozen pizza: It has a "Nutrition Facts" label and is intended for home consumption. Therefore, it is SNAP-eligible.
Hot deli sandwich: It’s hot, prepared, and meant for immediate consumption. Therefore, it is not SNAP-eligible.

If in doubt, compare the product to USDA rules to determine SNAP eligibility.

Large chain stores often use small shelf labels or icons that say "SNAP Eligible" or "EBT Accepted." Websites of large chains like Walmart, Amazon, or delivery platforms like Instacart often let you filter by SNAP-eligible items. If still unsure, ask the shop assistant before making a purchase.

What Else Can You Not Buy with EBT/Food Stamps?

While SNAP benefits cover a wide range of essential food items, there are products like medicine that cannot be purchased with these benefits, including:

Alcoholic Beverages: Beer, wine, and other alcoholic drinks are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Pet Food: Food for pets is considered a non-food item and is not covered by SNAP.
Household Supplies: Items such as cleaning products, paper goods, and other household essentials are not eligible.
Vitamins and Supplements: Products with a "Supplement Facts" label, including vitamins and dietary supplements, cannot be bought with SNAP benefits.

What Happens If You Try to Buy an Ineligible Item with an EBT Card?

If you try to buy an ineligible item with your EBT card, the transaction will be declined at checkout. The cashier or the self-checkout system will notify you that the item cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits. You will need to use another form of payment to complete the purchase for that item. This ensures that SNAP benefits are used only for approved food items.

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Can You Buy Medicine with EBT/Food Stamps?

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any exceptions where medicine can be bought with SNAP benefits?

No, there are no exceptions. Medicine is universally ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits, regardless of the type or location of purchase.

Can trying to buy medicine with SNAP benefits result in a halt of your EBT benefits?

No, attempting to buy medicine with SNAP benefits will not halt your EBT benefits. The transaction will simply be declined, and you will need to use another form of payment for the medicine.

Is a shopping basket containing medicine eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits?

No, if your shopping basket contains medicine, the cost of the medicine will not be covered by SNAP benefits. You will need to pay for the medicine separately using another form of payment.