What is EBT

First things first – what is EBT and do you qualify? EBT stands for Electronic Benefits Transfer and is how many people access their “food stamps” – their SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). To learn more about SNAP and determine whether you are eligible, go to https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/recipient/eligibility

Here’s a general overview of eligibility requirements: your gross income must be at or below 130% of the federal poverty level ($2353 a month for a household of 3 people), or your net income after housing, childcare and medical expenses must be at or below poverty level ($1810 for a household of 3.) You must be a US citizen or qualified non-citizen. There are also asset limits, adjustments if anyone in your household is disabled or over 60, or may be work requirements.

Nationwide Discounts

The staff of Beautiful Soles has complied a list of discounts for low income families that have EBT cards. (SNAP / Food Stamps), current as of June 2023. I have not independently verified these.

Amazon Prime: Recipients of Washington Basic Food and EBT Cash benefits (or Medicaid benefits) can qualify to save 50% off their Prime membership. If you order off Amazon a lot or are looking for a cost-effective alternative to traditional TV services, Amazon Prime will probably be worth it to you.

Farmers’ markets: You can also use your EBT card at participating farmers’ markets to purchase fresh produce. The USDA’s Food Nutrition Service (FNS) provides a monthly list of the names and locations of markets across the country that are currently authorized to accept Basic Food benefits.

Internet and phone: Through the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), eligible Basic Food recipients could receive up to a $30 per month discount on internet service and up to $75 per month for households on qualifying Tribal lands. Basic Food households may also qualify for free or low-cost landline or cell phone service through the Federal Lifeline Program. Consult with your service provider for more information.

COMCAST INTERNET $10/MONTH & LAPTOP $149: Comcast is another company that offers low cost internet for EBT card holders. The Comcast internet plan offers high speed internet for only $9.95 per month. If you qualify for their low-cost internet, they’ll allow you to purchase a computer for $149.

Hot & ready pizzas at 7/11! Buy a frozen pizza at select 7/11 locations and they’ll cook it for you on site! Before you go, it is best to call the location you are thinking about going to so you can make sure they will accept your card.

Strawberry Plants .org: Use your EBT card for You Pick farms! Strawberry Plants is dedicated to helping people develop an appreciation for all things strawberry, and the love of strawberries often develops on a U-Pick strawberry farm as buckets and buckets of beautiful berries are plucked for pies, preserves, and fresh eating. Go to their website to find what farms are near you that you can use your EBT card for.

YMCA. Discounts for low-income individuals and families. If you qualify for food stamps, you may qualify for a discounted YMCA membership! Contact your local YMCA for details.

Seattle Area Discounts

The Children’s Museum of Skagit County welcomes low-income families for $3 per person, up to four people per EBT card. They also accept WIC, CHIP, Provider One, Apple Health or Foster Parent cards for this discount. Proof of eligibility is required.

KidsQuest Children’s Museum (Bellevue)– If you have both an EBT card and photo ID, then you can pay just $3 for up to four people to play at KidsQuest Children’s Museum. Children who are less than one year old are always free. On the third Thursday of the month, admission is always just $1 each between 5pm and 8pm.

Everett Imagine Children’s Museum: $3 per person with EBT Card. Designed with kids ages 1-12 in mind, Imagine Children’s Museum encourages children to experiment, pretend, splash, think, wander, create and explore. Meander past the giant tree to discover the wildlife clinic, drama stage, railroad, an airplane and so much more!

Seattle – Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) – $2 per person. Discover the history and the future of the great city of Seattle with the rare objects, historic images and hands-on exhibits offered by MOHAI. Permanent exhibits include True Northwest, Maritime Seattle and the Bezos Center for Innovation. Temporary Exhibits include the Kid-struction zone, Edible City and more.

Seattle Aquarium Single Tickets- Discounted one-time-use admission tickets and annual memberships are available to qualifying Washington state resident individuals and families with an EBT card.

Seattle – Museum of Pop Culture (MoPOP). Individuals and families presenting an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card and a valid form of photo ID can receive free admission (excluding special programs and exhibits) for up to four individuals.

Seattle – Pacific Science Center (PacSci). The Pacific Science Center has an incredible access membership for families who are receiving public assistance (including both Medicaid and Washington Food Stamps). It’s just $19 PER YEAR for up to 2 adults and 6 children!

Seattle – Seattle Art Museum. As a part of Museums for All, SAM offers free admission to low-income families and individuals receiving SNAP benefits when you show your EBT card. This includes 4 free admissions and children under the age of 14 are free and do not count towards an admission pass.

Seattle Children’s Museum. Bring your Washington EBT card or ProviderOne Card to Seattle Children’s Museum and receive special discounted admission! Food stamps (EBT) cards enable you to visit the museum for just $1 per person for the entire family. A ProviderOne card enables the person named on the card to play for $1, as well.

Seattle Children’s Theatre. Families with a current WA food stamps card can get up to two adult tickets for $10 each and six FREE children’s tickets! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Weekend performances must be purchased day-of-show, but Thursday and Friday performances may be purchased up to two weeks in advance.

National Nordic Museum. The First Thursday of every month is FREE. Please select your tickets below and your complimentary discount will be applied at checkout. Reserve your tickets in advance online and make sure to stop at the Admissions Desk to check in for First Thursday. Access to special exhibitions is available for $5 per person on First Thursdays.

Wing Luke Museum. As a part of Museums for All, SAM offers free admission to low-income families and individuals receiving SNAP benefits when you show your EBT card. This includes 5 free admissions.

Burke Museum – EBT and SNAP cardholders can enjoy Burke Museum for free. The museum also holds Free First Thursdays where all guests get free admission on every first Thursday of the month. Click here to learn more about other discounts they offer.

Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium – Tacoma. Discounted Tickets: Up to 6 daytime admission tickets for $5 each for the adult receiving the benefit and their legal dependents (aged 3-18).Discounted Membership: An annual Wild Access membership for $40. This household membership covers 2 named adults and all legal dependents ages 3-18. Children 2 and under are always free. Wild Access discounts cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. Photo ID and EBT Card or WICC card must be presented at our front gate to purchase Wild Access daytime admission tickets and memberships.

Woodland Park Zoo. $5 per person/$35 per YEAR. If you have WIC or EBT, then you can get $5 per person (children 2 and under are free) tickets to Woodland Park Zoo! You can purchase tickets for up to six family members. You must be a Washington State resident to use this discount. They also offer a $35 per year membership called the Explorer Pass, for families who receive EBT or WIC in Washington State. The pass covers two named adults and up to six children 3-18 years old (children 2 and under are free). For Washington residents only.

Northwest Railway Museum. $3 or less per person. The Northwest Railway Museum invites the public to experience a working railroad while also exploring the history of the railroads in the Pacific Northwest. The museum is open seven days per week and spans several locations, including the historic Snoqualmie Depot, Railway History Campus and Centennial Trail Exhibit.

If you know of other options, please comment!