Many EBT cardholders are wondering if KFC accepts EBT because cooking can be a difficult task for those who are already struggling to make ends meet.
If you’re wondering if KFC accepts EBT, I’ll clear up any misunderstandings in this post. To learn more, continue reading!
Is KFC accepting EBT in 2022?
KFC is a fast food chain, and is one of the nation’s most popular fried chicken joints, with a variety of different affordable meals. Not all KFC locations will accept EBT payments, but there are some exceptions.
Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) states will be able to use EBT to buy food from a KFC fast food restaurant starting in 2022. As a result of the program, those with disabilities, old age, or a lack of stable housing can purchase KFC meals at a reduced price.
You need to know which states participate in RMP and what meals you can buy at KFC if you use EBT to pay for your meals. This is what I discovered!
Where KFC Accepts EBT Cards
California, Rhode Island, Illinois, Michigan, and Arizona are some of the states that participate in the Restaurant Meal Program and allow you to purchase prepared foods from KFC and other fast food restaurants.
This means that in these states, KFC locations accept EBT.
However, a state must meet specific federal requirements before accepting the RMP program for its residents. Otherwise, people will only be eligible to use their SNAP benefits at a grocery store like Kroger, or Safeway.
States must also show that they can properly operate an EBT system, including all text or communication, cash receipt, cash transaction, cash safekeeping rules, and more.
The eligibility requirements for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), a financial assistance program for low-income families, are in line with the requirements for this program.
In other words, anyone receiving TANF benefits, regardless of whether they reside in a state with its own system or not, must also be eligible to receive cash benefits through an EBT program.
You must meet the following requirements in order to apply for the program:
- Unemployed or with a low level of employment
- Have a low yearly salary.
You must also meet one of the following requirements:
- Be under the age of 18
- Have a child under the age of 18
- Become a mother
At KFC, what can you buy with your EBT points?
Some of KFC’s delectable fare can be purchased with an EBT card, but not all of it. EBT cardholders are eligible for a wide range of hot food items, including:
Chicken
KFC’s most popular dish is the chicken sandwich, which comes with biscuits, gravy, and mashed potatoes.
Juicy Roast
Tender roast slide is a marinated and baked with a special sauce chicken breast.
If you’re a fan of chicken, you’ll enjoy one of KFC’s best hot prepared meals. When compared to other items on KFC’s menu, it is a little more expensive than others.
Potatoes with Gravy
To accompany KFC’s famous chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy are the ideal accompaniments.
Biscuits
Any chicken or tender roast slide would be enhanced by the addition of some sweet biscuits.
Piping-Hot Wings
Hot wings, potato wedges, and onion rings are standard fare at KFC. It’s enough for a few people to share, even though the wings aren’t huge. Because of this, it’s a reasonable price for EBT cardholders.
A Wedge of Potato
All the side dishes mentioned above come with this item, but you can order it as a stand-alone item.
What is EBT?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer, a system that you use to receive government money or benefits electronically.
With this, you can use your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits (more commonly known as SNAP benefits) to make food purchases with your card. There are limits on what can and can not be bought with your SNAP benefits, however.
Most states will not allow you to use your EBT card to purchase prepared food items, such as restaurant meals and items from fast food locations, such as Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, Burger King, McDonald’s, and—yes—even KFC. Because many states will not allow you to use SNAP benefits to purchase hot food / prepared food, you will need to be mindful of what limits your state has placed on the usage of SNAP food stamps.
There are a handful of restaurants that accept EBT regardless of the state, in some circumstances. Starbucks accept EBT, if you are purchasing from a location that is located within a grocery store, for example.
Since electronic transactions are required for benefit distribution, the card facilitates and speeds up the process of issuing public assistance.
The EBT card can be used by cardholders to access a variety of benefits at the point of purchase (POS). KFC snacks and meals can be purchased for less money when using this method than when using cash or a store credit card.
How do EBT cards work?
Visit your local Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR) to apply for an EBT card.
The office will set up an account for you if you have completed your application and are eligible for benefits.
Paying for your monthly benefits is as simple as entering a Personal Identification Number (PIN) that only you know.
Using an EBT card is very similar to using a debit card. The steps are as follows:
Making a purchase by using a credit card at the register
You must press ENTER or OK after entering your PIN number on the keypad.
Any remaining balance can be used at participating restaurants and grocery stores to buy any eligible products after a purchase has been made.
In order to purchase from KFC, only the primary authorized user can use the card. With multiple primary authorized users, they’ll need to agree on who will make and authorize purchases.
Find out if KFC accepts Apple Pay, if their chips are vegan, and if they serve grilled chicken by reading our other articles.
Bottom Line
Restaurant Meals Program states are eligible for EBT purchases from KFC, but only if they participate in the program. KFC is a great place to eat, but it’s not the cheapest because it primarily caters to middle- and upper-income customers..
As a result, many people on government assistance programs, such as EBT, refrain from eating at KFC because they believe the chain to be too expensive.
KFC offers some of its best meals to EBT cardholders, however. It’s important to check if your local KFC accepts EBT before assuming that it is out of your financial reach.
