Does McDonald’s Accept SNAP Benefits as Payment?

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While you generally cannot purchase food from McDonald’s using your SNAP benefits (via your EBT card), there are some exemptions. For example, if you get Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits or qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), you could do so.

To determine if your local McDonald’s location accepts SNAP, it’s best to either check with your state’s EBT office or contact the restaurant directly. Simply put, whether your McDonald’s accepts SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) depends on your location and the restaurant’s participation in the RMP. Here’s a brief guide below, and here is some more useful info.

Does Your State Have RMP and Allow SNAP Beneficiaries To Purchase McDonald’s?

The RMP is a state option that allows certain SNAP beneficiaries to buy prepared foods at restaurants with their SNAP benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture says that eligible individuals are typically those who might not be able to prepare meals for themselves or who do not have permanent housing to prepare or store food. 

To be eligible for RMP, you must qualify for SNAP in a state that has an RMP, which includes Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New York and Rhode Island. Further, all members of the household must be either:

• Age 60 or older
• Disabled
• Homeless
• The spouse of a SNAP client who is eligible for the RMP

RMP-eligible individuals may purchase food at a McDonald’s using their SNAP benefits if the restaurant is in a state that has RMP, has approval from the state, and was authorized by the Food and Nutrition Service to accept SNAP benefits.

Can You Use TANF Benefits at McDonald’s?

The TANF program gives grant funds to states and territories to provide families with financial assistance and other support services. To qualify for TANF benefits, you must be a U.S. citizen, legal alien or qualified alien, reside in the state you applied and be unemployed or underemployed with low or very low income. One of the following must also be true:

• Have a child age 18 or younger
• Be pregnant 
• Be 18 years of age or younger and the head of your household 

States may issue TANF benefits through EBT cards. Though you cannot use your TANF benefits directly at McDonald’s, you can withdraw this money at an ATM, which can then be used to purchase food from restaurants like McDonald’s.

Caitlyn Moorhead contributed to the reporting for this article.

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