If you’re a regular visitor to Panda Express and a beneficiary of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), you might have wondered if you can use your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card to purchase your meals. Panda Express is one of the most popular Chinese fast-food chains in the United States, and it’s common to see it located in malls, airports, and other popular spots. In this article, we’ll explore whether or not Panda Express accepts EBT as a form of payment and what you need to know before trying to use your EBT card there.
What is EBT?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer, a system used by federal and state governments in the United States to provide benefits to qualified individuals. The EBT card acts like a debit card and allows users to purchase groceries and other eligible items.
Does Panda Express take EBT?
Unfortunately, Panda Express does not accept EBT as a form of payment. The company only accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. EBT benefits are limited to specific items that are considered necessary for a healthy and nutritious life, and prepared food is not included in those items.
What are the alternatives to using EBT at Panda Express?
If you’re a beneficiary of the SNAP program, there is an alternate program called Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT). P-EBT is a federal program that provides food benefits to families who lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The P-EBT card works similar to an EBT card, but you can use it to purchase food from online retailers and grocery stores. Unfortunately, it cannot be used at restaurants like Panda Express.
What are the benefits provided by SNAP?
The SNAP program provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families in the United States. The benefits are provided through a monthly EBT allotment that can be used to purchase eligible food items. These items include fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy, bread, and cereals. However, SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase prepared or hot food items.
What are the eligibility criteria for receiving SNAP benefits?
The eligibility criteria for receiving SNAP benefits include:
- Living in the United States
- Being a U.S citizen or a legal non-citizen
- Meeting specific income and asset requirements
What are the income guidelines for receiving SNAP benefits?
Income guidelines depend on the household size and gross income. Gross income includes all income earned before taxes and deductions. Here are the income guidelines for SNAP eligibility in the 48 contiguous states and D.C:
| Household Size | Monthly Gross Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $1,383 |
| 2 | $1,868 |
| 3 | $2,353 |
| 4 | $2,839 |
| 5 | $3,324 |
| 6 | $3,809 |
| 7 | $4,295 |
| 8 | $4,780 |
| For each additional person, add: | $486 |
How can you check your SNAP balance?
You can check your SNAP balance by:
- Looking at your last receipt from a grocery store that accepts EBT
- Calling the EBT customer service number located on the back of your EBT card (1-800-997-2555)
- Logging into the website or mobile app for your state’s EBT program
Can EBT be used to buy fast food?
Unfortunately, fast food cannot be purchased with EBT benefits. The EBT program’s goal is to provide low-income families with nutritious food, and fast food is generally considered to be an unhealthy option. However, people with disabilities, elderly, and homeless individuals may qualify for unique programs that allow them to purchase meals from restaurants with EBT benefits.
What other restaurants accept EBT?
Restaurants that accept EBT benefits may participate in state-specific programs that aim to help senior citizens, people with disabilities, and the homeless access meals. Some of the restaurants that accept EBT include:
- Carl’s Jr.
- Domino’s
- KFC
- Subway
- Taco Bell
Conclusion
Panda Express does not accept EBT cards as a form of payment. The company only accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards. However, beneficiaries of the SNAP program can use their P-EBT card to purchase eligible food items from grocery stores and online retailers. If you’re a SNAP beneficiary, it’s important to understand the program’s eligibility requirements, income guidelines, and what items you can purchase with your EBT card.
FAQ
Here are some of the most common questions and their answers related to the topic of whether Panda Express accepts EBT:
- Can I use my EBT card at Panda Express?
- No, Panda Express does not accept EBT as a form of payment.
- What is the P-EBT card?
- The Pandemic Electronic Benefit Transfer (P-EBT) card is a federal program that provides food benefits to families who lost access to free or reduced-price school meals due to school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- What are the income guidelines for SNAP eligibility?
- Income guidelines depend on the household size and gross income. Gross income includes all income earned before taxes and deductions. The specific income guidelines for SNAP eligibility can vary by state, but you can contact your state’s SNAP office for more information.
- Can I use EBT benefits to buy fast food?
- No, EBT benefits cannot be used to purchase fast food items. However, people with disabilities, elderly, and homeless individuals may qualify for unique programs that allow them to purchase meals from restaurants with EBT benefits
References
- https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap
- https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/snap-income-eligibility-limits
- https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility
- https://www.usa.gov/food-help