USDA Launches SNAP Online Purchasing Pilot – Currently, SNAP participants will be able to select and pay for their groceries online, during a two-year test (pilot) launched today in New York State. Amazon and Walmart will participate in the initial pilot launch on April 18, 2019, with ShopRite joining early the following week. ShopRite and Amazon are providing service to the New York City area and Walmart is providing online service in upstate New York locations.
As it stands now, Amazon and Walmart are currently able to accept SNAP EBT payments through their websites. So, with your EBT card, you can order for groceries online from Amazon and Walmart website. The system is developed to allow online purchasing only by SNAP households with electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards issued by New York for this start of the online pilot project. Online retailers will be limited to delivery in the pilot areas in New York only.
How to know if these retailers can deliver to my home?
In order to determine if grocery delivery is available for your location, just visit the retailer websites. To ensure system functionality, most retailers will be launching slowly. See some suggestions on where to look for the initial roll-out:
- If you’re located in the New York City area, try Amazon.
- If you’re located in upstate New York, try Walmart Grocery.
The delivery zip codes available are those where retailers are able to provide their full line of groceries, which includes the ability to deliver perishable items to that area.
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How will I know when the pilot is available in additional States or with additional retailers?
Always check back to https://www.snapbenefits.net, as any updates will be posted here. As the pilot progresses, more retailers and States will be launching the ability to pay with SNAP EBT online.
Can SNAP be used to pay for delivery?
Only eligible food may be purchased with SNAP benefits. The delivery fees and other associated charges may not be paid for with SNAP benefits.
Is using my EBT card online secure?
The use of your EBT card online will still require your unique personal-identification-number (PIN). There is currently one company that has a PCI compliant method of encrypted-PIN entry that is necessary for online shopping. All participating pilot retailers are working with this same company to offer secure PIN entry.
NOTE: The pilot will test both online ordering and payment. SNAP participants will be able to use their benefits to purchase eligible food items, but will not be able to use SNAP benefits to pay for service or delivery charges. Visit the SNAP Online Purchasing pilot webpage for more information.
