In a significant move to improve food accessibility for millions of Americans, the popular delivery platform Uber Eats now accepts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards for grocery orders. This development marks more than just a new payment feature; it represents a crucial step toward supporting independent living and wellness for the 42 million people who rely on SNAP benefits nationwide.
By integrating EBT payments, Uber Eats is helping to bridge a critical gap for individuals who face significant barriers to accessing fresh and healthy food.
For many, especially older adults, people with disabilities, and those without reliable transportation, a simple trip to the grocery store can be a major challenge. These obstacles, combined with the reality that many communities are “food deserts” with limited access to full-service supermarkets, contribute to food insecurity across the country. Online grocery delivery can transform this reality, turning a difficult or impossible task into a few simple clicks on a smartphone or computer.
As organizations like the National Council on Aging (NCOA) have pointed out, assistance programs like SNAP are most effective when they are easy for people to use. Allowing SNAP benefits to be used on a widespread platform like Uber Eats provides a convenient and powerful new way for people to get the nutritious food they need every day.
This major change is enabled by a strategic partnership between Uber and specialized financial technology companies like Forage, which focus on securely processing government benefit payments online. This collaboration allows Uber to navigate the complex technical and regulatory requirements of handling EBT transactions, which in turn speeds up the process of adding more grocery stores to the program.
While this initiative provides a clear social benefit, it also represents a calculated business decision. By entering the EBT market, Uber gains access to a large and reliable, government-funded consumer base that receives over $100 billion in benefits annually. This strategy allows the company to expand its market share and build its brand as a socially conscious corporation while providing a service that directly addresses food insecurity for vulnerable populations.
The Direct Answer: Can You Use Food Stamps on Uber Eats?
The simple and direct answer is: Yes, you can now use your SNAP EBT card to pay for eligible groceries on Uber Eats from participating stores nationwide.
However, there are very important rules and limitations to understand. The most critical point is that your SNAP benefits on Uber Eats can only be used to buy groceries. This service does not apply to ordering hot, prepared meals from restaurants on the platform. This is a fundamental rule of the national SNAP program that all online retailers must follow.
Furthermore, it is important to know that federal law prohibits the use of SNAP benefits to pay for any non-food charges. This means that costs such as delivery fees, service fees, and tips for the delivery driver cannot be paid for with your EBT card. To cover these expenses, you will always need to have a secondary payment method, such as a credit or debit card, linked to your Uber Eats account.
Getting Started: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using your SNAP EBT benefits on Uber Eats is a straightforward process. The platform has designed the experience to be user-friendly, from adding your card to finding eligible items and checking out.
How to Add Your EBT Card to the Uber Eats App
Before you can shop, you need to add your EBT card to your Uber Eats account as a payment method. This is a one-time setup that saves your card for future orders.
- Open the Uber Eats app on your smartphone or visit the Uber Eats website. Tap on the “Account” icon in the menu.
- From the Account screen, select the “Wallet” option.
- In your Wallet, tap the button that says “+ Add payment method.”
- From the list of available payment options, choose “EBT.”
- You will then be prompted to enter your EBT card number. After entering the details, save the card to your profile.
It is worth noting a practical tip shared by users in online forums: if you add your EBT card but it does not appear as a payment option when you try to check out, try closing the Uber Eats app completely and then reopening it. This simple step often resolves the issue and makes the EBT payment option visible.
There are two key rules to remember when adding your card. First, you can only have one EBT card saved to your Uber Eats account at a time. Second, the platform is currently set up to accept SNAP benefits only; it does not process EBT cash benefits for purchases.
Finding Participating Stores and SNAP-Eligible Items
Once your EBT card is linked to your account, the next step is to find stores and items that are eligible for SNAP payment. Uber Eats has built-in filters to make this easy.
To find participating retailers, look for the “SNAP” filter on the home screen of the app. Tapping this filter will automatically show you a list of all the grocery stores, convenience stores, and other retailers in your delivery area that accept EBT payments for online orders.
As you browse a participating store, every item that can be purchased with your benefits will be clearly marked with a “SNAP” tag, usually right below the item’s price. This clear labeling allows you to fill your shopping cart with confidence, knowing which items will be covered by your EBT funds and which will not.
How to Check Out and Split Your Payment
The checkout process on Uber Eats is designed to handle split payments smoothly, separating your order between your EBT card and a secondary payment method.
When you are ready to complete your purchase, proceed to the checkout screen. Here, you must make sure that your EBT card is selected as a payment method. The app will automatically calculate the total cost of all the SNAP-eligible items in your cart and apply that amount to your EBT card balance. For added control, you also have the option to manually enter the specific dollar amount you wish to charge to your EBT card for that order.
A critical part of the process is the requirement of a secondary payment method. You must have another card, such as a credit or debit card, on file to cover all costs that are not eligible for SNAP payment. This second card will be charged for any non-grocery items in your cart, as well as all associated fees, including the delivery fee, service fee, and any tip you choose to leave for the driver. Your order cannot be completed without this secondary payment method.
Understanding the Rules: What You Can and Can’t Buy
To use SNAP EBT on Uber Eats successfully, it is essential to understand which products and fees are covered by your benefits and which are not. These rules are set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and apply to all retailers that accept SNAP, both in-store and online.
Items Covered by Your SNAP Benefits
Your SNAP benefits are intended to help you purchase staple foods for your household. The categories of eligible items are broad and cover most grocery products.
Eligible food categories include:
- Fruits and vegetables, whether they are fresh, frozen, or canned.
- Meat, poultry, and fish.
- Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, and yogurt.
- Breads and cereals.
- Other staple foods like rice and beans.
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages like juice and bottled water.
- Seeds and plants which produce food for the household to eat.
Costs Not Covered by Your SNAP Benefits
Just as important is knowing what cannot be purchased with your EBT card. Trying to buy ineligible items or cover non-allowable fees with SNAP benefits will result in a transaction error.
Ineligible items include:
- Hot foods that are prepared and sold for immediate consumption, such as a rotisserie chicken or hot soup from a deli.
- Any food ordered from a restaurant.
- Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and cannabis.
- Vitamins, medicines, and dietary supplements. If a product has a “Supplement Facts” label, it is considered a supplement and is not eligible for SNAP purchase.
- Non-food items of any kind, including cleaning supplies, paper products, household goods, hygiene items, and pet food.
Ineligible charges include:
- Delivery fees.
- Service fees charged by the platform.
- Tips for the delivery driver.
To provide a clear and simple reference, the table below summarizes what can and cannot be paid for with your SNAP EBT card on Uber Eats.
| Pay with SNAP EBT Card | Pay with Credit/Debit Card |
| Groceries (Fruits, Vegetables, Meat, Dairy, Bread) | All Delivery & Service Fees |
| Pantry Staples (Rice, Pasta, Canned Goods) | Driver Tips |
| Snacks and Non-alcoholic Drinks (Juice, Water) | Hot & Prepared Foods |
| Seeds and Plants for Growing Food | Restaurant Meals |
| Alcohol & Tobacco | |
| Vitamins & Medicine | |
| Household Supplies & Pet Food |
Where to Shop: A Look at Participating Retailers
The ability to use SNAP EBT on Uber Eats depends on whether grocery and convenience stores in your area have partnered with the platform for this program. The list of participating retailers is growing, but it started with several major national and regional chains.
The Initial Launch Partners
When Uber Eats first rolled out its EBT payment option in late 2024, it did so in partnership with a number of well-known stores. These initial partners provided a strong foundation for the program across the country.
The list of launch partners includes:
- Albertsons
- Safeway
- Jewel-Osco
- Vons
- Walgreens (at participating locations nationwide)
- Duane Reade (in New York only)
These partnerships mean that customers can order a wide range of SNAP-eligible groceries and essentials from these stores for delivery through the Uber Eats app.
The Promise of Expansion
Uber has publicly stated its commitment to growing the list of retailers that accept SNAP EBT payments on its platform. The company is actively working to onboard more grocery partners in the coming months. This expansion is powered by its collaboration with the payment processing company Forage, which helps streamline the technical integration needed for new retailers to join the program.
Because the list of available stores is constantly evolving and can vary by location, the best way for users to find the most current information is to check the Uber Eats app directly. By using the “SNAP” filter on the app’s home screen, you will always see the most up-to-date list of participating stores that deliver to your specific address.
Unlocking Extra Savings: Special Offers for SNAP Users
Recognizing that the extra fees associated with delivery can be a barrier for individuals on a tight budget, Uber Eats has introduced special promotions specifically for new EBT users. Since SNAP benefits cannot legally be used to cover delivery fees, tips, or other service charges, these offers are designed to temporarily eliminate or reduce those out-of-pocket costs, making the service more affordable and encouraging people to try it for the first time.
These promotions are a strategic investment by Uber to attract a new, fee-sensitive group of customers. By lowering the initial cost, the company makes it easier for users to experience the convenience of the service and link the required secondary payment card, with the hope that they will continue as regular customers after the promotional period ends.
The Uber One Free Trial
The most significant promotion available is a free three-month trial of the Uber One membership program. The primary benefit of Uber One is unlimited $0 delivery fees on eligible grocery and restaurant orders that meet a certain minimum subtotal.
To qualify for this offer, you must meet three conditions:
- You must be a new Uber One member.
- You must add your SNAP EBT card to your Uber Eats account.
- You must also add a secondary payment method (a credit or debit card).
It is important to understand that after the three-month free trial is over, the membership will automatically renew at the standard monthly rate. This charge will be applied to the secondary credit or debit card you have on file, not your EBT card. You can cancel the membership at any time before the trial ends to avoid being charged.
Introductory Delivery Fee Waivers
For users who may not want to sign up for a membership trial, Uber Eats also offers a more straightforward introductory deal. New EBT users can receive a $0 delivery fee on their first three SNAP-eligible grocery orders. This promotion provides an immediate, short-term benefit that allows users to try the service multiple times without incurring delivery costs.
An Important Distinction: The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)
One of the most common areas of confusion regarding the use of EBT cards involves the purchase of hot, prepared food. It is critical for users to understand the difference between the standard SNAP grocery program and a separate, state-run initiative called the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This distinction explains why you can buy groceries on Uber Eats with EBT but cannot order from restaurants.
This potential for misunderstanding is significant. A person living in a state with an RMP, like California or Arizona, may know that their EBT card can be used at certain fast-food restaurants. When they hear that “Uber Eats now accepts EBT,” it is natural to assume this includes restaurant orders. However, this assumption is incorrect and can lead to frustration and failed transactions.
The reason for this limitation is that Uber’s platform is integrated with the federal online grocery purchasing program, which has different rules and technology than the state-level RMPs. An expert guide must clarify this difference to prevent user error.
What is the RMP?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a voluntary, state-run program authorized by the USDA that allows certain vulnerable populations to purchase prepared meals at approved restaurants using their SNAP benefits. The program is specifically designed for SNAP recipients who may not be able to prepare their own meals, including those who are:
- Elderly (age 60 or older)
- Living with a disability
- Experiencing homelessness
Only a handful of states, including Arizona, California, Illinois, and Maryland, have chosen to operate an RMP. Within those states, restaurants must apply and be individually approved by the state and federal government to participate in the program.
Does Uber Eats Participate in the RMP?
No. Based on all available information, Uber Eats does not currently participate in the Restaurant Meals Program in any state.
The EBT payment system on Uber Eats is exclusively for purchasing eligible grocery items from participating grocery and convenience stores. Third-party delivery services like Uber Eats do not appear on the official lists of approved RMP vendors published by states that operate the program. Therefore, even if you are eligible for the RMP in your state, you cannot use your EBT card to order hot food from restaurants through Uber Eats.
The Competitive Landscape: EBT on Other Delivery Platforms
Uber Eats is not the only major delivery platform to enter the online SNAP market. Its primary competitors, Instacart and DoorDash, have also launched EBT payment options, each with a slightly different approach to attracting and serving this customer base. This creates a competitive environment where platforms are testing different value propositions, including store selection, subscription costs, and introductory offers, to win over the online SNAP shopper.
Using EBT on Instacart
As a platform that has always focused on grocery delivery, Instacart has the most extensive network of participating retail partners. Its program allows EBT payments from a wide range of major grocery chains across the country, including ALDI, Costco, Kroger, Publix, and Sprouts. For its subscription service, Instacart offers eligible EBT users a discounted Instacart+ membership for $4.99 per month for one year, which provides benefits like $0 delivery fees on orders over a certain amount.
Using EBT on DoorDash
DoorDash, which began with restaurant delivery but has rapidly expanded into grocery and convenience, also has a robust EBT program. It partners with thousands of stores, including major retailers like ALDI, Safeway, Dollar General, and 7-Eleven. Similar to Instacart, DoorDash offers a discounted membership for EBT users. Its DashPass plan is available for $4.99 per month for one year and includes $0 delivery fees on eligible orders.
The following table provides a side-by-side comparison of the EBT programs on Uber Eats, Instacart, and DoorDash to help users determine which platform may best fit their needs.
| Feature | Uber Eats | Instacart | DoorDash |
| Primary Focus | Groceries & Restaurants | Groceries | Restaurants & Groceries/Convenience |
| EBT Subscription Offer | Free 3-month Uber One trial, then full price (~$9.99/mo) | $4.99/mo Instacart+ for 1 year | $4.99/mo DashPass for 1 year |
| Key Retailers | Albertsons, Safeway, Vons, Walgreens | ALDI, Costco, Kroger, Publix, Sprouts (most extensive grocery list) | ALDI, Safeway, Dollar General, 7-Eleven |
| Can Fees Be Paid with EBT? | No | No | No |
Conclusion: The Future of Food Access
The introduction of SNAP EBT payments on Uber Eats is a transformative development in the effort to ensure everyone has access to nutritious food. For the first time, millions of Americans can use their food assistance benefits on one of the nation’s largest delivery platforms, a change that offers unprecedented convenience, choice, and dignity. The process is designed to be user-friendly, allowing individuals to easily add their EBT card, shop from a growing list of local grocery and convenience stores, and have their food delivered directly to their door.
However, to use the service successfully, it is vital for users to understand the rules. The program is strictly for eligible grocery items and does not apply to restaurant meals, a key distinction from the state-run Restaurant Meals Program. Furthermore, all non-food costs, including delivery fees, service fees, and driver tips, must be covered by a separate credit or debit card. To help offset these costs, Uber Eats provides valuable promotions for new EBT users, such as a free trial of its Uber One membership, which can eliminate delivery fees for a limited time.
Ultimately, the expansion of online EBT purchasing across major platforms like Uber Eats, Instacart, and DoorDash marks a positive and meaningful step forward. It leverages modern technology to solve age-old problems of food access, empowering older adults, people with disabilities, and families with limited transportation to shop for healthy food independently. As these programs continue to evolve and more retailers are added, they hold the promise of building a more equitable and food-secure future for communities across the country. For the best experience, users should regularly check the app for participating stores in their area and remain mindful of the non-SNAP-eligible fees associated with each order.