Does Applebee’s Take EBT? The Restaurant Meals Program, Cash Benefits, and Better Options

Does Applebee’s take EBT anywhere?

Applebee’s is a full-service, sit-down chain, and most Restaurant Meals Program restaurants are fast-food or counter-service locations, such as some Burger King, Subway, Jack in the Box, and Denny’s franchises, depending on the state. Each restaurant location has to apply and be authorized by USDA, so participation is decided location by location, not by the chain. We reviewed state RMP information and found no Applebee’s listed. If a sign at a local Applebee’s says it accepts EBT, ask staff whether that applies to SNAP through the RMP before you order.

How the Restaurant Meals Program works

The Restaurant Meals Program is a state option that lets certain SNAP households buy prepared meals at authorized restaurants, because they may not be able to cook or store food. The state chooses whether to run it, contracts with restaurants, and USDA authorizes each location. When you qualify, your EBT card works at participating restaurants like a debit card; some states mark eligible cards in their system automatically.

Who can use SNAP at restaurants

• Older adults: everyone in the SNAP household is 60 or older, plus spouses.
• People with disabilities: household members who receive disability benefits or meet SNAP’s disability definition, plus spouses.
• People who are homeless: households without a fixed, regular nighttime residence.

If one member of your household does not fit, the household usually cannot use the RMP. Ask your SNAP office whether your card is enabled.

Which states have the Restaurant Meals Program?

As of our review, the RMP operates in Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia, with others, such as Colorado, working on it. Some states run it only in certain counties or cities. Each state publishes a list of participating restaurants; search your state SNAP agency’s site for “Restaurant Meals Program.” See our EBT Restaurant Meals Program guide and restaurants that accept EBT near me.

Can I use EBT cash benefits at Applebee’s?

Your EBT card may hold two kinds of benefits: SNAP food benefits and cash benefits such as TANF. Cash benefits can be withdrawn at ATMs or used for cash back at stores, and the money can then be spent anywhere, including restaurants. Federal law blocks TANF cash use at liquor stores, casinos, and adult entertainment businesses, but not restaurants. Watch ATM fees, and remember cash benefits are meant to cover rent and bills too.

Other places to use EBT for prepared food

• Grocery delis: cold sandwiches, salads, and deli items that are not hot at the point of sale are SNAP eligible.
• Rotisserie chicken: eligible only if sold cold; hot rotisserie chicken is not.
• Frozen meals and meal kits from SNAP retailers.
• Online grocery: many retailers accept SNAP online for pickup or delivery.
• Free meals: senior meal programs, soup kitchens, and summer meals for kids.

Applebee’s gift cards and EBT

No. SNAP can buy only eligible food items, so gift cards, including restaurant gift cards sold at grocery stores, cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits, as USDA’s list of eligible items explains. Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) benefits for children follow the same food rules as SNAP. Offers on social media to trade EBT benefits for restaurant gift cards are illegal and often scams that end with stolen benefits. If you want a sit-down meal, cash benefits on your card or local free community meals are the safe options.

Ways to stretch SNAP further

Make sure you are getting the right amount: report rent, utilities, child care, and medical costs (for older adults and people with disabilities), which raise your benefit. A household of one can get up to $306 a month in Oct. 1, 2026 – Sept. 30, 2027. Estimate yours with our SNAP calculator. Use farmers market matching programs where available, which add extra dollars for fruits and vegetables bought with SNAP.

Checking before you order, step by step

1. Confirm your state runs the RMP on its SNAP agency site.
2. Confirm you qualify (60+, disabled, or homeless household).
3. Check the state restaurant list for that exact location.
4. Ask staff before ordering whether they accept SNAP through the RMP.
5. Use cash benefits instead if your card has them and the restaurant is not authorized.

For more specifics, see our guides on whether Denny’s takes EBT and whether IHOP takes EBT.

Related guides

• Does Burger King take EBT?
• Does KFC take EBT?
• Does McDonald’s take EBT?
• SNAP Restaurant Meals Program in Texas

Frequently asked questions

This guide is general information. Restaurant participation changes; confirm with your state and the restaurant. National Relief Program is an independent website and is not affiliated with Applebee’s or USDA.