Various factors influence the use of EBT cards in a store. It could be the state laws or the store policy.
This is the same with Subway. You are allowed some purchases with EBT under certain conditions.
The major determinant is if your state has the Restaurant Meals Plan (RMP). The RMP makes it possible for one to purchase goods at Subway with their EBT.
Few states allow the Restaurant Meal Plan, so the Subway shops that enable EBT will also be few.
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Does Subway Accept EBT?
As mentioned earlier, EBT can be used to purchase foodstuff from Subway under certain conditions.
The core condition is qualifying for the RMP, which is restricted to some states. This is usually readily available for people like the elderly, disabled, and homeless.
It is noteworthy that not every day for joint takes part in the RMP, and the same goes for every state.
Your local food stamp agency will have more details about the organizations that fall into favorable conditions.
You can contact them ahead of time. You’ll be told often that they provide food stamps and SNAP benefits for uncooked food. So this mostly rules out fast food places.
Where Can I Use My EBT Card?
That being said since we’ve understood that it all depends on the state involved, if they do RMP, we will highlight the states that do.
They are very few fast-food restaurants on the list; therefore fewer options to pick from.
On the bright side, many other states are jumping on the RMP bandwagon, so there will be more choices soon. Asides from Subway, many other restaurants also accept EBT.
The following are the few states that currently take part in the Restaurant Meal Program:
- California (also in select counties)
- Rhode Island (in certain counties)
- Arizona (now the only state with statewide RMP coverage)
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In this list of states now, there is also a list of fast-food restaurants approved by each state where EBT can be used.
Subway is on the list for all the states that are RMP approved. A great sign to use to make sure is the knife, and fork logo in front of every EBT approved store window or door.
Knowing if EBT is accepted could also be by a simple sign on the glass or window that says, “EBT accepted.” It is as simple as that.
What Can you Buy with EBT?
The rules are a bit set in stone currently. Generally speaking, an EBT card is reserved for non-cooked foods. The criteria for RMP eligibility are:
- 60 years of age or older
- Disabled
- Homeless
- A spouse of a SNAP client who is eligible for the RMP
If you don’t live in the above states, you may still be in luck. Some Subway locations may accept EBT for cold food items.
Frugal Reality noted that this is typically the manager’s decision, and it’s rare to find a Subway that takes EBT in states outside the RMP.
Many people aren’t aware that online purchases with Subway or using the Subway app attract costs to their debit or credit cards, not their EBT.
Most times, when going shopping physically, it is advisable to go with both in instances where some items can’t be paid for with EBT.
According to Frugal Reality, here are some SNAP-eligible goods that can be purchased with an EBT card at Subway:
- Bread and cereals
- Red meat
- Dessert items
- Dairy products and vegetables
- Cold sandwiches and salads
- Soft drinks and energy drinks
- Pork products
- Chicken meat and other poultry products
- Snack crackers and chips
Once you’re eligible for the RMP and live in any of the states, California, Arizona, or Rhode Island and have decided to buy hot, ready-made food at Subway, don’t hesitate to contact the store to confirm whether or not they accept EBT cards.
Sometimes, even if you reside outside of these states, you can and should still contact the Subway near you to see if they accept EBT for cold food items as well, by any chance.
SEE ALSO: Does Subway Have Soup?
Conclusion
Subway accepts EBT cards based on the laws of the state you are in.
There are currently only three states that accept Restaurant Meal Plan, a gate pass for an EBT card to be used.
After it has been confirmed that it is allowed, you’ll also have to scale the hurdle of knowing what to buy and what is accepted. Already cooked food cannot be purchased with an EBT card.
