Does Applebee's Take EBT? Payment Options & SNAP RMP Info

The question of does applebees take ebt is common for those wanting to use Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for a restaurant meal. The direct answer is that Applebee's restaurants do not accept Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for meals. This policy applies to their locations nationwide.

Understanding SNAP and Restaurant Meals

While this might be disappointing, SNAP benefits are mainly for buying unprepared food. However, programs like the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allow certain eligible SNAP recipients to use EBT cards at authorized restaurants. Applebee's official website, in its payment methods and gift card sections, doesn't list EBT as accepted. This aligns with information from other sources stating their non-acceptance of EBT.

Why Applebee's Generally Doesn't Accept EBT Payments

The main reason Applebee's and similar full-service restaurants usually don't accept EBT cards relates to SNAP's core purpose. SNAP helps low-income individuals and families buy eligible food for home preparation from places like grocery stores. Hot, prepared foods, like those at Applebee's, are generally not covered by standard SNAP EBT rules.

Factors Influencing Applebee's Decision

Several factors likely contribute to Applebee's choice not to accept EBT, even where the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) exists:

• Administrative and Compliance: Participating in EBT, especially via RMP, involves setup, equipment, processing, and ongoing compliance with regulations. This can mean extra administrative work and costs.
• Menu and Business Model: The RMP allows prepared meal purchases for eligible individuals. However, Applebee's business model and extensive menu might not easily fit the operational changes needed for RMP participation. Standard SNAP rules focus on staple foods, not restaurant meals.
• Voluntary Participation: Restaurant participation in the RMP is optional. Applebee's may have decided that dealing with varied state RMP rules and making operational changes across its many locations doesn't align with its business strategy. Since RMP is the only way a restaurant like Applebee's could accept EBT for prepared meals, their absence from RMP lists suggests they haven't chosen this path.

The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) Explained

What is the RMP?

The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a key aspect to understand when discussing EBT at restaurants. It's a state-run SNAP option, overseen by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). It lets certain SNAP recipients buy prepared meals at approved restaurants with their EBT cards. The RMP aims to help vulnerable SNAP clients who can't prepare their own meals or lack stable housing for food storage and preparation, providing access to hot, nutritious meals.

Who Qualifies for RMP?

Not all SNAP recipients are eligible for the RMP. It specifically targets these groups :  

• Individuals aged 60 or older.
• Individuals with disabilities receiving disability payments or benefits due to a permanent disability.
• Individuals experiencing homelessness.
• The spouse of a SNAP client eligible for the RMP.

State SNAP agencies identify eligible households. Their EBT cards are specially coded for use at RMP-participating restaurants. If a SNAP recipient isn't in one of these categories, they can't use their EBT card for restaurant meals, even in an RMP state at a participating restaurant.

How Restaurants Join the RMP

For a restaurant to accept EBT through the RMP, it must meet several conditions :  

1. Be in a state that operates an RMP. States decide whether to have an RMP and how to structure it (e.g., statewide or in specific counties).
2. Get approval from the state agency running the RMP.
3. Provide a signed agreement to the FNS and be authorized by FNS.
4. Have Point-of-Sale (POS) equipment that can process EBT transactions.

Each state can also set its own rules for choosing participating restaurants. This state-level control means RMP availability and operations vary, which can be complex for national chains.

States with Restaurant Meals Programs: Is Applebee's Included?

RMP Availability

The Restaurant Meals Program isn't available everywhere; states decide whether to offer it. As of early 2025, these states have an active RMP, though the coverage (statewide or specific counties) can differ :  

• Arizona
• California
• Illinois (limited to Cook and Franklin Counties)
• Maryland
• Massachusetts
• Michigan
• New York (program expanding, active in some counties)
• Rhode Island
• Virginia

Applebee's Participation Status

Despite these states having RMPs, checks of official state RMP participant lists and related resources show Applebee's is NOT currently listed as a participating restaurant in any of them. For people in these states, it's vital to check official state resources for the latest list of approved RMP vendors.  

State RMP Details and Contacts

The table below summarizes RMP participation by state and gives links to official state program information or contacts. This helps users verify details and check for updates, as RMP participation can change.

For the most thorough information on state RMP programs, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website is a key resource.

How to Find Local Restaurants Participating in the RMP

Checking Official Resources

For SNAP recipients meeting RMP criteria (elderly, disabled, or homeless), finding participating local restaurants means checking official state or county resources. There isn't one national database of all RMP restaurants because states, and sometimes counties, manage the program.

Methods for Locating RMP Restaurants

Here’s how to find RMP-approved restaurants:

• Contact your local SNAP office: Your local Social Services or Human Services agency managing SNAP should provide a list of authorized RMP restaurants or guide you to one.
• Check state agency websites: Many states with RMPs list participating restaurants online. The USDA's RMP page has contact info for each state's RMP coordinator, which can help find these lists.
• Look for RMP signage: Participating restaurants often display an official RMP sign, possibly with a "Fork & Knife" logo, showing they accept EBT cards from eligible individuals.
• Remember location specificity: Even if a restaurant chain is in the RMP, not all its locations might be. Approval is usually per address.

Information on RMP restaurants is scattered, so relying on official state and local government sources is best.

Dining Alternatives: Restaurants That May Accept EBT in RMP States

Exploring Other Options

Since Applebee's isn't in the RMP, eligible SNAP recipients needing restaurant options must look elsewhere. The types of RMP-participating restaurants vary but often include:

• Fast food chains: Many common fast-food places are often on RMP lists. Examples include McDonald's, Subway, Burger King, KFC, Taco Bell, Jack in the Box, Pizza Hut, Domino's, Carl's Jr., and Popeyes.
• Local and smaller restaurants: State RMP lists also frequently feature various smaller, local restaurants and delis.

Important Verification Note

It's crucial to remember that a chain's name here doesn't guarantee any specific location accepts EBT. Participation depends on the state, county, and individual restaurant's authorization. Always check official state RMP lists or contact the restaurant directly before trying to use EBT. The RMP provides a prepared meal experience, different from using EBT at grocery stores for items to cook at home.

Other Ways to Utilize Your EBT Benefits

Primary Use of EBT Cards

Beyond restaurant meals, EBT cards are the main way SNAP recipients access food benefits for many eligible purchases. Most commonly, EBT is used for unprepared food at authorized retailers, such as:

• Grocery stores
• Supermarkets
• Farmers' markets (many offer programs boosting buying power for fresh produce)  
• Convenience stores (for eligible food items)

Online EBT Purchases

Also, more online grocery retailers and delivery services are now authorized to accept EBT for online purchases of eligible food. Major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Aldi allow online EBT purchasing in many states. Note that SNAP benefits usually cover only eligible food costs, not delivery fees, service charges, or other non-food items with online orders.

Key Points on Applebee's and EBT Use

Here's a summary of key information about Applebee's and EBT cards:

• Applebee's restaurants do not accept EBT cards for meals. This is their policy nationwide.  
• The SNAP Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) is a state option. It allows eligible SNAP recipients (elderly, disabled, or homeless) to use EBT benefits at some authorized restaurants.  
• Current information shows Applebee's is not an RMP participant in any state offering the program.  
• SNAP recipients who think they might qualify for RMP should contact their state's official SNAP agency. They can confirm eligibility and get a list of currently participating local restaurants.

For those eligible for the RMP, checking these official state resources is the best way to find dining options where EBT benefits can be used for prepared meals.

Frequently Asked Questions