Does Dollar General Take EBT & Food Stamps? [Eligible Items, How To + More] 

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, more and more Americans are having to rely on EBT and food stamps to get by. If you use these and regularly shop at Dollar General, you might be asking – does Dollar General accept EBT and food stamps? 

Here’s what I found out about Dollar General’s EBT and food stamp policy:

Does Dollar General Take EBT & Food Stamps? 

Yes, Dollar General is one of many US retailers that accept EBT, SNAP, WIC, and food stamps for payment in-store. However, some individual Dollar General stores may have their own rules regarding EBT and food stamps, so it is best to check with your local store to confirm whether you can use them before shopping.

Want to know more about using EBTs or food stamps at Dollar General? Read on below: 

What Can I Buy With EBT And Food Stamps At Dollar General?

According to the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) guidelines that govern EBT and food stamp usage, they can be used to buy:

  • Fruit and vegetables 
  • Meat, poultry, and fish 
  • Dairy products 
  • Bread and cereals 
  • Other food, such as snacks and non-alcoholic drinks 
  • Seeds and plants to produce edible food 

However, you can’t use them to buy non-food items or any of the following: 

  • Alcohol or tobacco 
  • Vitamins, medicines, or supplements 
  • Live animals (except shellfish, fish removed from the water, and animals slaughtered before pick-up from the store) 
  • Prepared foods for immediate consumption 
  • Hot food 
  • Pet food 

Some Dollar General stores may have their own rules on what products EBT and food stamps can be used on, so if in doubt, ask a store manager for advice. 

Does Dollar General Accept EBT In California, Illinois, and Missouri?

Yes, according to several reports from Helping Americans Find Help, Dollar General does accept EBT cards at their California, Illinois, and Missouri locations.

How Do I Pay With EBT Or Food Stamps At Dollar General? 

How Do I Pay With EBT Or Food Stamps At Dollar General? 

To pay with your EBT card or food stamps, go to the checkout as normal when you finish shopping, and when asked for payment, swipe your EBT card and enter its PIN code.

Because the SNAP program only covers certain food, you may have to pay for ineligible products in a separate transaction using a different payment method. 

Can I Use EBT And Food Stamps To Shop Online At Dollar General? 

No, Dollar General’s list of accepted payment methods for online shopping does not include EBT or food stamps. A number of stores have begun trialing online EBT use due to the coronavirus pandemic, but Dollar General has so far not announced any plans for EBT use for online shopping. 

Can I Use EBT And Food Stamps To Pay For Dollar General Pickup Or Using The DG Go App? 

No, Dollar General’s terms and conditions state that EBT and Food Stamps are not accepted as payment methods for either DG Go or the Dollar General pickup service. If you want to use these services, you will have to use a different payment method, such as a credit or debit card. 

To learn more about Dollar General, you can also read up on their pet policy, the gift cards they sell, and how often Dollar General restocks.

Conclusion: Does Dollar General Accept EBT And Food Stamps? 

Dollar General does accept EBT, WIC, SNAP, P-EBT, and food stamps in its stores, but you cannot use them to pay online, in the DG Go app or for the Dollar General Pickup service. You should also check that your local store does not exclude EBT or food stamp payments. 

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Marques Thomas

Marques Thomas graduated with a MBA in 2011. Since then, Marques has worked in the retail and consumer service industry as a manager, advisor, and marketer. Marques is also the head writer and founder of QuerySprout.com.

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