The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) has been providing food benefits for low-income Americans for a long time. A SNAP EBT card is supreme and stretches purchasing privileges of eligible food items from grocery stores to superstores such as Walmart. However, even this mighty card has limitations. This article will highlight the ten things you cannot buy with a SNAP EBT card.

Pharmacy Items

Since pharmaceutical products address medical needs rather than nutritional requirements, the SNAP program does not cover them. You cannot purchase vitamins, supplements, and medicines (prescriptions and over-the-counter) with SNAP benefits. You are also not allowed to buy all products labeled with Supplement Facts. Depending on the items needed, you may need to look at alternative payment options, like Medicaid and Medicare.

Pets and Livestock

It is not possible to buy live animals with SNAP benefits. However, shellfish, animals slaughtered before the store pick-up, and fish from the water are exceptional. SNAP benefits cannot also be used to pay for slaughtering live animals.

Tobacco Products

Smoking is another vice that is mainly discouraged. You cannot use SNAP benefits to purchase tobacco products such as cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, or pipe tobacco. E-cig refills and e-cigarettes don’t contain tobacco but are still tobacco products. There are severe penalties for purchasing tobacco products using a SNAP EBT card, and in some states, beneficiaries who disobey the regulations risk disqualification.

Household Supplies

SNAP benefits aim to provide food, which means that non-food items, including paper goods, hygiene products, cleaning supplies, and other home goods, are prohibited.

Non-edible Plants

You are not allowed to use SNAP benefits to buy non-edible plants such as ornamental flowers and decorative foliage since SNAP focuses on nourishment with essential foods. Seedlings that mature to be edible vegetables are, however, allowed.

Alcoholic Beverages

Hard liquor, as well as grocery store beer and wine, are prohibited. You cannot use EBT cards to purchase food at wineries, liquor stores, or other establishments that only sell alcoholic beverages. You can buy energy drinks on SNAP.

Pet Foods

Pet upkeep comes at the owner’s expense. Therefore, pet foods, including dry and wet food for cats and dogs, hay for small animals such as rabbits, and bird seed, are not eligible for SNAP. People might need alternative payment methods, including personal funds, to buy pet food. Additionally, several local pet food aid programs and animal welfare organizations can provide low-income pet owners with food and supplies.

Luxury Items

You cannot use SNAP benefits to buy luxury items such as clothing, jewelry, or electronics. In Alaska, you are allowed to purchase fishing and hunting equipment. Birthdays, however, are not considered a luxury. You can buy a cake for the special event.

Hot Prepared Meals

Food stamps cannot purchase prepared meals and hot foods at the point of sale unless you qualify for the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program. This includes meals from a convenience store, restaurant, or deli. There are a few exceptions to this rule. Some states with the “Restaurant Meals Program” enable SNAP beneficiaries who are elderly, disabled, or homeless to utilize their benefits to pay for hot meals at qualified restaurants. This exception ensures that vulnerable populations can access warm and nourishing meals when they lack the resources to prepare their food at home.

Personal-Care Products and Diapers

You cannot purchase hygiene products on SNAP. This extends to baby wipes and diapers, which may be available to eligible beneficiaries of the Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC).

Bottom Line

On average, SNAP beneficiaries hold a maximum benefit of $281 for individuals and $939 for families. Make use of the EBT card while within the limit while looking for alternatives to cater to the above bills, which may not be available on SNAP.