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Yes, Hy-Vee accepts Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for households in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The Midwestern grocery chain allows customers to use their SNAP benefits for both in-person and online shopping, ensuring access to essential groceries.
Shoppers can use their SNAP EBT cards for eligible food purchases at the checkout register in any participating Hy-Vee store. To meet the demand for online shopping, Hy-Vee has also expanded its digital payment options.
Three Ways to Pay with EBT at Hy-Vee
There are three main ways to use your EBT benefits at Hy-Vee:
Hy-Vee's EBT Strategy
Hy-Vee's approach to EBT payments reflects a modern retail strategy. The company manages in-store and curbside pickup transactions directly. For the more complex challenge of home delivery, Hy-Vee relies on partnerships with technology companies like Instacart and DoorDash.
This became possible after Hy-Vee participated in the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot. This program established the rules for third-party platforms to securely process EBT payments online.
Initially, Hy-Vee's policy only allowed EBT for pickup, as its delivery drivers couldn't process EBT payments at a customer's home. By partnering with Instacart and DoorDash, Hy-Vee overcame this barrier, making home delivery a viable option for EBT users.
Using an EBT card at a Hy-Vee store is a simple process, much like using a debit card. All authorized Hy-Vee locations accept EBT cards for items that are eligible under SNAP rules. Knowing the steps can help ensure a smooth transaction.
How to Use Your EBT Card at the Register
Follow these steps at the checkout lane to avoid confusion or delays.
SNAP vs. Cash Accounts on Your EBT Card: A Critical Distinction
Your EBT card can hold two different types of benefits: SNAP and Cash. Understanding the difference is key to using your benefits effectively.
SNAP Benefits
These funds come from the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. They are strictly for buying eligible food items like:
Cash Benefits
These funds usually come from state programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). They are more flexible and can be used for:
When you check out, selecting "Cash" on the terminal accesses these funds.
Confirming Your Local Store is SNAP-Authorized
While almost all Hy-Vee stores accept SNAP, it's wise to confirm. The most reliable way is to use the official USDA SNAP Retailer Locator tool online.
Authorized stores also usually display a Quest® logo or other signs near the entrance or at checkout lanes. When in doubt, the USDA's online locator is the best source.
Hy-Vee's curbside pickup service, Aisles Online, allows customers to use their SNAP EBT benefits. You can order groceries online and collect them at the store without going inside. The system requires you to have your physical EBT card present at pickup to complete the payment.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Placing a Pickup Order
Follow these steps to place a curbside pickup order using your EBT card.
The Curbside Pickup Protocol: What to Expect
After placing your order, here is what happens when you get to the store.
Managing Split Payments for Ineligible Items
Since SNAP benefits only cover certain food items, you will often need a second payment method.
Bring both your EBT card and a separate credit or debit card to pickup. The EBT card will be charged first for all eligible items. After that, your secondary card will be used to pay for any remaining costs, including:
For home delivery, Hy-Vee partners with third-party services like Instacart and DoorDash. To use your SNAP benefits for a Hy-Vee delivery, you must place your order through one of these partner apps or websites.
The Third-Party Partnership Model
When you order Hy-Vee delivery through Instacart or DoorDash, you are using their platform, payment system, and delivery network. This partnership expands Hy-Vee's EBT options beyond its previous in-store and pickup services. Both Instacart and DoorDash officially support SNAP/EBT payments for Hy-Vee orders.
These technology companies have built systems that meet the USDA's strict security requirements for online EBT transactions. This allows them to separate eligible items and securely process PINs online.
Setting Up Your EBT Card in Delivery Apps
Before ordering, you must add your EBT card as a payment method in the app. You will also need a secondary credit or debit card to cover non-SNAP costs like fees and tips.
Placing a Delivery Order and Paying for Fees
Shopping on these platforms is designed to follow SNAP program rules.
To help with these costs, some platforms offer discounts. For example, Instacart offers a discounted Instacart+ membership for SNAP users, which can reduce or eliminate delivery fees on orders.
Understanding what you can and cannot buy with SNAP benefits is essential. The USDA sets clear guidelines that all retailers, including Hy-Vee, must follow.
The "Hot vs. Cold" Prepared Foods Distinction
A common point of confusion is prepared foods from the deli. The main rule is that SNAP is for food to be prepared at home, not for restaurant-style meals.
The General Rule
Most hot, ready-to-eat foods are ineligible for SNAP. This includes hot rotisserie chickens, items from a hot food bar, or hot pizza. Because they are intended for immediate consumption, they are not covered.
Cold Food Exceptions
In contrast, many prepared foods sold cold are eligible. These are considered grocery items, not ready-to-eat meals. Examples include:
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)
The RMP is a state-level program that allows certain SNAP recipients (elderly, disabled, or homeless) to buy hot meals at participating restaurants. However, this program is not available in every state, and there is no evidence that Hy-Vee participates in the RMP. Shoppers should assume the standard "hot vs. cold" rule applies.
Eligible vs. Ineligible Product Categories
This table provides a clear breakdown of what you can and cannot buy with SNAP benefits at Hy-Vee, based on USDA guidelines.
| Eligible for SNAP Purchase | Ineligible for SNAP Purchase |
|---|---|
| Fruits and Vegetables (fresh, frozen, or canned) | Alcoholic Beverages (beer, wine, liquor) and Tobacco Products |
| Meat, Poultry, and Fish (including shellfish) | Vitamins, Medicines, and Supplements (any item with a "Supplement Facts" label) |
| Dairy Products (milk, cheese, yogurt, etc.) | Hot Foods (items hot at the point of sale, like rotisserie chicken) |
| Breads and Cereals | Live Animals (except fish removed from water and shellfish) |
| Other Staple Foods like snack foods, coffee, and non-alcoholic beverages | Non-Food Items of any kind, including: |
| Bakery Items such as birthday cakes, pies, and donuts | Pet foods |
| Energy Drinks that have a "Nutrition Facts" label | Cleaning supplies |
| Seeds and Plants that produce food for the household to eat | Paper products (paper towels, toilet paper) |
| Cold Deli Items intended for home consumption (e.g., cold sandwiches, salads) | Household supplies and personal care items |
Hy-Vee offers flexible and reliable options for customers using SNAP EBT benefits. By understanding the procedures for each shopping method, you can purchase groceries for your household efficiently.
Here is a summary of your options:
Knowing these different pathways empowers you to choose the best option for your needs, budget, and lifestyle.
No, you cannot use Hy-Vee Perks rewards when paying with an EBT card. While you can benefit from in-store sales and promotions on SNAP-eligible products, the loyalty program does not permit earning or redeeming points on any portion of a transaction paid for with EBT benefits.
If your EBT card is declined, first ensure you have a sufficient balance in your SNAP or cash account. The cashier can try swiping the card again. If it continues to fail, you must use another payment method and contact your state's EBT customer service for assistance.
Yes, many Hy-Vee stores are authorized to accept both WIC and EBT. Since WIC covers a very specific list of items, it is best to separate them from your other groceries and inform the cashier you are making a WIC purchase before they begin scanning your items.
Yes, you can get cashback at Hy-Vee if you have funds available in your EBT "Cash" account, which is separate from your SNAP food benefits. When paying, you must select the "Cash" option on the terminal to access these funds for cashback or to purchase non-food items.
Yes, Hy-Vee's online pickup service generally requires a minimum order of $24.95. To place a smaller order using your SNAP/EBT benefits, you must call your specific Hy-Vee store directly and let them know you need to place a SNAP/EBT online order that is below the minimum.
You cannot use your EBT card to purchase gasoline. SNAP benefits are restricted to eligible food items. However, you can use your EBT card inside the gas station's convenience store to buy approved items like snacks, cold beverages, and other qualifying groceries.
If you identify an incorrect charge on your receipt, you should go to the customer service desk at the store immediately. A representative can process a refund for the incorrect amount directly back to your EBT card. For online orders, contact the customer support for the platform you used (e.g., Instacart).
Yes, most cold catering trays and party platters are eligible for purchase with SNAP EBT at Hy-Vee. This includes items like fruit trays, vegetable platters, and cold sandwich trays. Hot catered foods, however, are not eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Yes, you can use manufacturer's coupons on products you are purchasing with your EBT card. Applying a coupon reduces the total cost of the item before payment is processed, which helps you conserve your monthly SNAP benefits and stretch your food budget further.
Your SNAP benefits do not expire at the end of each month; any remaining balance automatically rolls over. However, it is important to use your card periodically. If your EBT card remains inactive for nine consecutive months, the state will permanently remove any accumulated benefits from your account.
Wondering if your EBT card can buy you a Hot-N-Ready pizza? While EBT is primarily for groceries, some states offer a special program that allows hot food purchases at restaurants. Discover how this program impacts Little Caesars and if you can use your benefits for a quick and easy meal.
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