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If you receive EBT cash assistance, you qualify for tens of thousands of items on Amazon, discounted Prime and access to thousands of free TV shows and movies.

Benefits include qualifying food purchases through Amazon, Amazon Fresh, or Amazon’s partnership with Whole Foods Market. 

SNAP recipients also pay just $6.99 per month for a Prime membership (compared to the regular price of $14.99), which gives you access to free 1- or 2-day shipping on millions of eligible items (not just SNAP-eligible items).

Sign up for an EBT Amazon membership now at a 53% discount, or use a FREE 30-day trial >>

We’ll talk later about a few ways you can still use your cash assistance on Amazon. 

Keep reading to learn:

What you can buy with Amazon EBT

How to use EBT benefits on Amazon

• Paying with cash on Amazon
• Using PayCode on Amazon
• How EBT works with Amazon Prime
• How does EBT work with Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh?

Tips to make the most of your EBT benefits on Amazon

1. Consider paying for Amazon Prime
2. Filter your search for SNAP-eligible foods
3. Buy items in bulk 
4. Read product descriptions
5. Compare brand pricing
6. Use cash-back apps to earn Amazon gift card money

What are cool things you can buy on Amazon with EBT?

What can you buy from Amazon with EBT (food and non-food eligible items)? 

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, ​​nearly one third of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients use someone else’s car, walk, bike, or take public transit to get to the grocery store.¹ 

But Amazon is more than just convenient. If you receive SNAP benefits on an EBT card, you can choose from thousands of food items from Amazon not found at your local store — including luxury goods and pantry staples, for which there are more than 188 pages of results for SNAP-eligible foods. 

On Amazon, you can use your EBT card to pay for: 

• Fruits
• Vegetables
• Meat and fish
• Dairy products
• Breads
• Canned items
• Pantry staples (like flour and sugar)
• Non-alcoholic drinks
• Snacks
• Seeds and plants to grow food
• Baby food and formula

Prices on these items are comparable to what you’d find in a grocery store, and in some cases come at a lower price. 

For example, I compared the prices of three SNAP-eligible items on Amazon vs. how much they cost at my local Giant Eagle grocery store (located throughout Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland and Indiana):

A family pack of Mott’s Assorted Fruit flavored snacks cost $9.99 at Giant Eagle and $7.58 on Amazon:

A pack of organic boneless chicken thighs cost $6.99 per pound at Giant Eagle and are the same price per pound through Whole Foods on Amazon: 

An 18-ounce box of Post Honey Bunches of Oats cereal costs $5.99 at Giant Eagle and $3.79 on Amazon: 

Of course, there are cases where items purchased on Amazon are more expensive, especially those offered through Whole Foods Market, which has a reputation for its high prices. However, a 2019 note published by investment bank Morgan Stanley² found that prices at Whole Foods had fallen nearly 7% since Amazon’s acquisition.

Organic bananas were $0.49 more per pound through Amazon: 

If you receive TANF benefits, you currently cannot use your EBT card to directly pay for items on Amazon. That means the only items you can purchase with an EBT card on Amazon are food items.

However, there are three ways you can pay for other items with EBT cash on Amazon:

1. Take out cash to buy an Amazon gift card in store
2. Load cash funds directly to your Amazon gift card balance at participating stores
3. Use Amazon’s PayCode feature to reserve an order and pay cash later

How to use EBT benefits with Amazon

To use your EBT benefits with Amazon, you must have a valid Amazon account. Note that Amazon business accounts aren’t eligible³ — only personal accounts.

If you receive EBT cash assistance, also known as Temporary Assistance For Needy Families (TANF), you also qualify for a discounted Prime membership and a free 30-day trail but cannot directly use your EBT card to buy non-food items on Amazon.

1. Start by going to Amazon’s EBT page and click the button that says “Add your SNAP EBT card.”

2. From there, you can add your EBT card number to your account and start adding approved items to your cart. You can either shop directly from Amazon’s EBT page, or you can search for specific items to see if they are categorized as “SNAP-eligible purchases.”

3. When you’re ready to purchase the items in your cart, you’ll be prompted to enter your EBT pin number to place your order.

Amazon delivers nationwide and has free shipping for orders over $35, or you can get free two-day shipping with an Amazon Prime membership. 

SNAP and TANF recipients can get a discounted Prime membership for $6.99 per month (regular price $14.99 per month) — a 53% discount.⁴

You can also qualify if you show proof of enrollment in any of these government assistance programs: 

• Medicaid
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Direct Express Prepaid Debit Card
• Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Women, Infants, and Children program (WIC)
• Puerto Rico’s Nutrition Assistance Program card (Tarjeta de la Familia)

For each of these programs, you must upload either a photo of your eligibility letter and/or your EBT card to receive discounted pricing. 

Paying with cash on Amazon

To load cash funds onto your Amazon account, you can either purchase a gift card in any store that sells them or visit a participating retailer to load EBT cash funds directly to your account. 

Here’s how it works: 

1. Get money out of your TANF account at a qualifying ATM or cash-back store. Learn more about EBT cash withdrawals and how to get free food here. Also, learn about discounts you can get with an EBT card.

2. Search for a participating Amazon Cash retailer. Each location will indicate whether you need to scan a barcode to load cash or whether you can provide your phone number to access your account (some locations offer both). 

2. Click on the location to access your unique barcode and either print it out or send it to your phone. 

3. At the store, ask the cashier to scan your barcode, or provide your phone number and ask to add Amazon Cash to your account. You can add any amount between $5 and $500.⁵ Some locations may have a kiosk or ATM to add Amazon funds. 

4. When you shop on Amazon.com, use your gift card balance to pay for the items you need. 

Using PayCode on Amazon

PayCode allows you to place an order on Amazon, then pay for it in cash at a participating Western Union banking location. 

At checkout, you’ll be given a barcode, which you’ll have to show along with a valid ID at the PayCode location. Once you’ve paid for your items, Amazon will ship them to you. 

How does EBT work with Amazon Prime?

An Amazon Prime membership gives members access to free one or two-day shipping on millions of eligible items, unlimited free streaming of online movies, TV shows, and music, and some exclusive deals and discounts. 

There are thousands of free titles available on Amazon Prime video, including new releases like “Renfield” and classic favorites like “The Breakfast Club.”

Plus, you can watch Emmy-winning Amazon originals like “Fleabag” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.”

If you receive SNAP or TANF benefits on an EBT card, you can get a discounted Amazon Prime membership for $6.99 per month (normally $14.99 per month). 

Even if you’ve uploaded your EBT card as proof that you receive government benefits, you will still need to add your EBT card to your Amazon account and enter your PIN to submit an order online.

How does EBT work with Whole Foods and Amazon Fresh?

Amazon offers a variety of grocery items through Amazon Fresh and Whole Foods, which it acquired in 2017.⁶ Amazon Fresh is available to Prime and non-Prime members,⁷ while Whole Foods is only available to Prime members, though Amazon has announced this will soon change.

These are some differences between the grocery services⁷:

With both delivery options, it’s customary to leave a tip for the delivery driver at checkout, which unfortunately cannot be paid out from your EBT card funds. You’ll either have to tip with another credit card or pay cash upon delivery. 

In addition to its partnership with Whole Foods, Amazon also offers delivery through the following retailers in select areas. Shopping is done directly through the Amazon website or app: 

• Bristol Farms
• Cardenas Markets
• Weis Markets
• Save Mart

Tips for making the most of your EBT card on Amazon

If you want to use your EBT card on Amazon, these are some tips to save money and increase your spending power: 

1. Consider paying for Amazon Prime

If you’re going to be purchasing SNAP-eligible items on Amazon often, consider getting a Prime membership, which costs $6.99 per month for EBT cardholders — more than half off the regular price. A Prime membership gets you: 

• Free 2-day shipping on most items (some items qualify for 1-day shipping)
• Access to Amazon Prime streaming for TV shows and movies, many of which are free
• Exclusive discounts (including 10% off Whole Foods products on sale)

Without a Prime membership, you have to spend a minimum of $35 to get free shipping, and orders can take five to eight days to be delivered once all of your items are available to ship.⁸ Shipping costs are not covered until EBT benefits. 

2. Filter your search for SNAP-eligible foods

If you’re looking for a specific food item on Amazon, you can search for it and see which options are labeled as SNAP eligible. However, if you need to stock up on a lot of groceries, Amazon offers a search page of only SNAP-eligible groceries.

3. Buy items in bulk 

Buying in bulk can save you money on non-perishable items. If you search for “bulk EBT food” on Amazon, these are some options you’ll find: 

4. Read product descriptions

Sometimes Amazon product images can be misleading. Make sure you carefully read the item’s description to make sure you know what quantity/size food items you’re purchasing. 

5. Compare brand pricing

Just like you would at the grocery store, shop around for different product listings to find the best price. 

6. Use cash-back apps to earn Amazon gift card money

This Reddit user says she uses the rewards she earns on apps like Ibotta and Shopkick to buy Amazon gift cards: 

What are some items that you can get on EBT that might not be obvious?
byu/ObligationWarm5222 inpovertyfinance

You can also take surveys or complete short tasks online to earn free Amazon gift cards that you can load onto your account.

What are cool things you can buy on Amazon with EBT?

In addition to staple groceries, there are a few cool and lesser-known things you can buy on Amazon with EBT, including items you can use as gifts, or luxury treats for yourself. Here are a few examples:

Planter kits like this organic tomato windowsill planter kit, which includes everything you need to start your own indoor tomato plant:

This Reddit user claims that while most seeds and produce plants are eligible, you typically have to pay for the rest of the supplies out of pocket (soil, planter, fertilizer, etc.): 

What non-food items are SNAP EBT eligible, and how can I find them out?
byu/blue92877 infoodstamps

You can also get coffee pods on Amazon with your EBT card from brands like Nespresso and Keurig. Other items you can buy include:

• Energy drinks
• Cake decorating items like edible airbrush paint color and food coloring
• Emergency food kit supply

Some gift baskets on Amazon are also available to purchase with EBT, so long as the basket is mainly food-based. 

These Reddit users shared some more items they like to buy with their EBT cards on Amazon, including spice rack, plant seeds, and a coffee machine: 

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Check out these other free resources for low-income families:

Sign up for an EBT Amazon membership now at a 53% discount, or use a FREE 30-day trial >>

SOURCES

1. “National Household Food Acquisition and Purchase Survey,” May 24, 2023. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/foodaps-national-household-food-acquisition-and-purchase-survey/
2. “Whole Foods Cut Prices. It Saved Us 5 Cents,” April 3, 2019. New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/04/03/technology/whole-foods-prices.html
3. “Shop with SNAP EBT on Amazon,” Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/snap/register?ref=omps_new_promo_lp_ing_en
4. “Prime Access,” Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/58f8026f-0658-47d0-9752-f6fa2c69b2e2/qualify
5. “What is Amazon Cash?” Amazon.com. https://www.amazon.com/b?ie=UTF8&node=14583169011
6. “Amazon bought Whole Foods five years ago for $13.7 billion. Here’s what’s changed at the high-end grocer,” Aug. 25, 2022. CNBC. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/08/25/how-whole-foods-has-changed-in-the-five-years-since-amazon-took-over.html
7. “Amazon begins offering grocery delivery for customers who are not Prime members,” Aug. 2, 2023. Associated Press. https://apnews.com/article/amazon-fresh-prime-delivery-nonprime-b66d4475b321988f99dfce34519187ed
8. “How are Shipping and Delivery Dates Calculated?” Amazon.com https://www.amazon.com/gp/help/customer/display.html?nodeId=GV8H5D3MMAR7JBLF

If you are replacing your old dishwasher, washing machine, clothes dryer, refrigerator, or any other major appliance, you might be wondering how to get it out of your house. 

According to the EPA,¹ an estimated 5.3 million tons of waste was generated from old appliances in 2018, the last year data was collected. 

If you want to make sure your appliance doesn’t end up in a landfill, keep reading to find options for:

Old appliance pickup

• Charities that haul away appliances
• Utility companies that haul away appliances
• Appliance brands that haul away appliances
• Stores that haul away appliances

Appliance disposal

Appliance recycling programs

Sell old appliances

• Craigslist
• ebay
• Facebook Marketplace

What about getting rid of broken appliances?

• 1-800-GOT-JUNK
• Metal scrapping services
• National Dumpsters

Old appliance pickup 

Some nonprofit organizations and companies will pick up your old appliances, either for free or for a fee:

Charities that haul away appliances

These charities will take your old appliance for free. Note that Goodwill does not accept large appliances in most locations. 

Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity accepts used appliances for sale in its ReStore thrift stores. Some locations offer free pickup. Proceeds are used to build Habitat homes for families in need. 

Habitat accepts these gently used appliances that are in working order and no more than 8 years old²:

• Air conditioners
• Dryers
• Furnaces
• Microwaves
• Ovens
• Range hoods
• Range tops
• Refrigerators
• Toasters, blenders and other small appliances
• Washing machines

Salvation Army

The Salvation Army offers free appliance pickup for resale in its thrift stores. Proceeds from the sale of your appliance fund Salvation Army programs that help people in need.

The Salvation Army accepts freestanding appliances,³ including:

• Washers and dryers
• Small appliances like toasters and blenders
• Freezers
• Microwaves
• Refrigerators

Appliances they won’t accept include:

• Stoves
• Non-working appliances
• Appliances missing a power cord or part
• Any gas fueled appliances
• TVs older than five years
• Built-in appliances

Utility companies that haul away appliances

Some utility companies offer recycling programs with free pickup, and some might even pay you for your old appliances. 

For example, Pittsburgh-based electricity provider Duquesne Light⁴ offers its customers a $50 rebate if they donate an old refrigerator, freezer, AC unit or dehumidifier. 

So what’s the catch? Duquesne Light says this program is an incentive for customers to invest in newer, more energy-efficient appliances, which in turn reduces the company’s need for more power plants. In other words, your new appliances save your utility company money.

This Reddit user reported getting paid $150 for his old refrigerator from his utility company: 

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Contact your utility provider to see if they offer an appliance recycling program. 

Appliance brands that haul away appliances

These appliance brands offer haul away services when you purchase and schedule a new appliance installation: 

• Frigidaire – Free
• General Electric – Free
• Maytag – $20
• Samsung – Free
• Whirlpool – $20

Most brands will pick up major appliances like: 

• Washers
• Dryers
• Ranges
• Cooktops
• Dishwashers
• Microwaves
• Hoods

Stores that haul away appliances

These stores/online retailers will haul away your old appliances when you purchase a new one. Depending on where you live and the type of appliance you’re replacing, there may be fees involved: 

• Best Buy*
• Costco
• Home Depot
• Lowes
• Sears
• Wayfair

*Best Buy also offers appliance haul away services for $199.99 without the purchase of a new appliance.⁵

Appliance disposal

The EPA⁶ recommends disposing of old appliances through a utility company or qualified retailer to avoid releasing hazardous materials into the environment, including:

• Refrigerants like chlorofluorocarbon or hydrochlorofluorocarbon – Often found in window air conditioning units and dehumidifiers
• Insulated foam – Found in refrigerators and freezers manufactured before 2005
• Compressor oil – Found in refrigerators
• Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) – Found in old fluorescent lighting fixtures, old electrical devices, and appliances like televisions and refrigerators manufactured before 1979
• Mercury – May be found in gas-fired appliances like ovens, water heaters, furnaces, and pool heaters manufactured before 2000

People on Reddit shared their best tips for quickly disposing of unwanted appliances:

1. Schedule a pickup through your trash provider:

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2. Wait for free bulk trash events in your area:

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3. Leave your appliances on the curb:

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4. Post on Facebook or Craigslist:

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Appliance recycling programs

According to the EPA,⁷ these are a few reasons it’s important to properly recycle old appliances: 

1. Reduce emissions of ozone-depleting substances (ODS)
2. Reduce energy consumption
3. Reduce greenhouse gas emissions
4. Prevent hazardous substances from ending up in a landfill

The EPA offers a search tool to find a Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD) partner program in your state. 

RAD partners will pick up your old refrigerator, freezer, window air-conditioning unit, or dehumidifier directly from your home. If none are available in your area or you have a different type of appliance, you can recycle your old appliance through: 

• Appliance retailers and manufacturers
• Charity organizations
• Junk removal companies
• Utility companies

Sell old appliances

If your old appliance is still functioning and in decent condition, you may be able to find someone who wants to buy it from you. Try listing your appliance for sale in these places: 

Craigslist

It’s free to post items for sale on Craigslist, including old appliances, and you don’t even need to create an account. Just upload photos, add an item description, and set your asking price. You’ll receive messages from interested buyers to arrange a pickup. 

If you are having someone come to your home for appliance pickup, it’s a good idea to vet the person ahead of time through a phone or video call. Check out our list of safety tips for online dating that also apply here.

Also, check out these other sites like Craigslist.

ebay

A quick search on ebay for appliances like washing machines and oven ranges brings up mostly small appliances (compact washer, toaster ovens, microwaves, etc.). However, you can sell large appliances on ebay. 

Most listings include an option for free local pickup. 

For most items, ebay takes a 13.25% commission on the total amount of your sale.⁸

Facebook Marketplace

Like Craigslist, it’s free to sell on Facebook Marketplace, though you do need to have a Facebook account (free to join). What’s great about listing on Facebook Marketplace is that you can also crosspost your appliance in specific groups (like community buying and selling groups) to get your listing in front of more people. Payments can be handled through Facebook messenger or in person.

Nextdoor and Offerup are two more apps where you may be able to sell an old appliance. 

Learn about more things to sell to make money, including:

• Clothing
• Jewelry
• Furniture
• Vehicle

Plus, check out these 21 apps for selling stuff.

If you’re in the market for a new appliance, you may be able to get a free refrigerator or other appliance from Facebook Marketplace.

What about getting rid of broken appliances?

If your municipality, utility company, or trash collector does not offer a recycling program, you can hire an appliance removal company to get rid of old appliances. 

Check out these options and learn about more ways to get rid of junk:

1-800-GOT-JUNK

1-800 Got Junk accepts most items as long as they’re non-hazardous and can be lifted by two crew members. 

When you schedule an appointment with 1-800-GOT-JUNK, a team member will come to your home to evaluate your old appliance and offer a quote to remove it based on how much room it takes up in their truck. If you accept the offer, 1-800-GOT-JUNK will remove your appliance from your home.

1-800-GOT-JUNK has a B+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

These are some other junk removal services that may be available in your area: 

• College Hunks Hauling Junk
• Junk King
• Waste Management Bagster

You can find junk removal services in your area by searching for “junk haulers near me” or “junk removal near me.” Find out how to get rid of junk in your area.

Metal scrapping services

Metal scrapping companies will pay you for old appliances and break them down for their scrap metal parts. You may not get much cash from selling your items for scrap metal, but it will keep reusable materials out of the landfill.

This Reddit user says he has made about $20 scrapping a washing machine (though prices vary by location): 

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Search for “metal scrapping near me.”

If you are getting rid of an old TV or other electronic device, check out our post on electronic scrapping.

National Dumpsters

If you’re doing a full renovation of your space and have multiple appliances to get rid of at once, you can rent a Dumpster from a company like National Dumpsters. 

They have many locations across the U.S. and accept most large and small appliances. Dumpsters come in a variety of sizes, and you can schedule pickup and delivery around your schedule.

SOURCES

1. “Durable Goods: Product-Specific Data,” Dec. 3, 2022. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. https://www.epa.gov/facts-and-figures-about-materials-waste-and-recycling/durable-goods-product-specific-data
2. “8 things to donate when renovating,” Habitat for Humanity. https://www.habitat.org/stories/8-things-to-donate-when-renovating
3. “Salvation Army Thrift Store FAQs,” Salvation Army. https://satruck.org/Faq
4. “Appliance Recycling Program,” Duquesne Light Co. https://www.dlcwattchoices.com/appliancerecycling/
5. “Haul-Away with Responsible Recycling,” Best Buy. https://www.bestbuy.com/site/recycling/tv-appliances-haul-away
6. “Frequently Asked Questions about Safe Disposal of Refrigerated Household Appliances,” EPA. https://www.epa.gov/section608/frequently-asked-questions-about-safe-disposal-refrigerated-household-appliances#
7. “Responsible Appliance Disposal (RAD),” EPA. https://www.epa.gov/rad/consumers
8. “Selling fees,” ebay. https://www.epa.gov/rad/consumers

According to the U.S. Office of Family Assistance,¹ approximately 417,300 adults and 1.43 million children received Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits, also known as cash assistance, in 2021 (the most recent data available). 

If you receive TANF, you may be able to withdraw cash from your EBT card at ATMs and through cash-back purchases at participating stores. 

In this post, we’ll talk about: 

What is EBT cash?

• How to Qualify For EBT Cash

How EBT cash works

• How to withdraw EBT cash

States with EBT cash benefits

Where you can withdraw EBT cash

How to avoid SNAP fraud

Other (legit) ways get fast cash

What is EBT cash?

Recipients of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) benefits receive an EBT card loaded with their designated funds. 

While SNAP recipients cannot withdraw cash from their EBT card and can only spend SNAP funds on food, TANF recipients in most states can withdraw money from ATMs to pay for various expenses such as rent, gas, and other essential items. Cash benefits from TANF are often referred to as EBT cash. 

Both programs have separate qualifications, and you may qualify for one or both depending on your household income and size. 

“My EBT cash comes in handy each month because I can always depend on it while I’m budgeting for important household items,” says Caprece, a single mom of four from Illinois. 

Check out our state guides to learn the eligibility requirements for SNAP and TANF in your state: 

How to Qualify For EBT Cash

These are the basic qualifications for EBT cash through the TANF program²:

• U.S. citizen
• At least 18 years old
• Resident of the state in which you apply
• Unemployed or underemployed and have a low or very low income (each state has its own income eligibility requirements)

You must also meet at least one of the following qualifications:

• Have a child 18 years old or younger
• Pregnant
• 18 years old or younger and the head of your household

How EBT cash works

EBT cash benefits are deposited into your account on a monthly basis and can be:

1. Withdrawn as cash from participating ATMs
2. Used to purchase qualifying items directly (like a debit card) at stores that accept EBT
3. Withdrawn as cash back when you purchase items from a store that accepts EBT

In general, can use your EBT cash card to pay for a variety of expenses, including:

• Food 
• Clothing
• Household supplies and toiletries
• Utilities

However, you can’t use your card at liquor stores, wine stores, or in casinos. Not all stores accept EBT cash, so make sure you search for “stores near me that accept EBT.”

The National Conference of State Legislatures³ has a comprehensive list by state of which items can and cannot be purchased with EBT cash. 

While you can’t use EBT cash directly on Amazon, you can use it to purchase Amazon gift cards. Learn about more ways to use EBT cash on Amazon. Plus, check out our guide to EBT discounts and freebies.

How to withdraw EBT cash

When withdrawing cash at an ATM, you can use your EBT card just like you would use a debit card. Insert the card, and enter your PIN (which participants select upon card activation). Select “Checking,” and you can either view your account balance or withdraw cash if you receive TANF benefits. 

Check out this video of how to withdraw cash from an ATM: 

Each state sets a monthly limit on the number of free EBT cash withdrawals you can make at participating ATMs without paying a surcharge. After that, you will be charged a small fee for each additional ATM withdrawal, which is automatically taken out of your cash benefit account. 

You can check the balance on your EBT card by visiting ConnectEBT.com. 

Some ATMs and stores have EBT withdrawal limits per day. For example, in Tennessee, most ATMs have a daily limit of $300, though some go as high as $1,000 or as low as $20.⁴

Caprece says she likes to withdraw the total amount of her monthly TANF benefit at a convenience store when it gets loaded onto her card.

“This just makes it easier on me, so I don’t have to worry about fees or forgetting to withdraw a portion of my monthly limit,” Caprece says.

Find EBT ATMs near me:

States with EBT cash benefits

All 50 states have a version of the TANF program, though it goes by different names in some states. Benefits.gov provides information about cash benefits programs by state.¹

In the state of New York, for example, qualified residents can receive EBT cash benefits for up to 60 months in a lifetime, including months of TANF-funded assistance received in other states.⁵

In most states that offer EBT benefits, payouts vary based on the family’s monthly income and household size. 

A family of four in Indiana that meets the eligibility and income requirements can receive up to $346 per month in EBT cash benefits.⁶ 

Check with your state’s Department of Human Services or Family and Social Services Administration to find out more information about your state’s TANF program and how much you may qualify for. 

Where to withdraw cash from EBT cards

When you search “EBT ATM near me” online, you may or may not see exact locations for surcharge-free ATMs in your neighborhood. You can also use the MoneyPass ATM locator and type in your zip code to find ATMs nearby that allow EBT withdraws. 

You can also look for ATMs and storefronts in your area that have a Quest or EBT logo. 

The following banks also typically offer surcharge-free withdrawals from EBT cards:

• Bank of America
• Citibank
• Capital One
• U.S. Bank 
• Chase
• Flagstar Bank
• Wells Fargo

Avoid SNAP fraud

SNAP fraud occurs when someone steals or fraudulently obtains EBT card benefits from another person. It’s important to protect your EBT card by keeping it in a secure place and not sharing your PIN with anyone. 

If your EBT card is lost or stolen, you should immediately report it to the card issuer. Also, be wary of strangers who offer to buy your benefits for cash, which is illegal and can result in the loss of your SNAP benefits.

Some people may confuse the two, but SNAP (food assistance) benefits are different from EBT cash benefits (TANF), and you can’t withdraw cash or transfer money from SNAP funds.⁷ 

Retailers that offer to exchange SNAP benefits for cash (also called trafficking SNAP benefits), or sell items that are not allowable can be found guilty of retailer fraud and face criminal charges.⁸

To report EBT fraud, you can:

• Contact the program in your state
• Call 800-424-9121 or 202-690-1202
• Write to the USDA Office of Inspector General, PO Box 23399, Washington, DC 20026-3399
• Submit a report  online on the U.S. Department of Agriculture website

Here’s what some Reddit users had to say about experiencing EBT card scams and theft and how they protect themselves:

Be aware of scams impacting EBT cardholders
byu/kmimr infoodstamps

Other (legit) ways get fast cash

Whether you’ve already used your EBT cash benefits for the month or don’t qualify for assistance there’s still other legitimate ways to get cash fast when you need it. You can get money fast by:

• Selling things you own and no longer want or need
• Selling your jewelry for extra cash
• Getting a same-day pay or temp job
• Using cash-back apps to earn money back on everyday purchases
• Recycle scrap electronics for cash
• Get a profitable side hustle like tutoring online, pet sitting, or working as a proofreader

Also, check out these resources for low-income families:

SOURCES

1. “Characteristics and Financial Circumstances of TANF Recipients Fiscal Year 2021,” U.S. Office of Family Assistance. https://www.acf.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ofa/fy2021_characteristics.pdf
2. “Temporary Assistance for Needy Families,” Benefits.gov. https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/613
3. “Restrictions on Use of Public Assistance Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cards,” National Conference of State Legislatures. https://www.ncsl.org/human-services/ebt-electronic-benefit-transfer-card-restrictions-for-public-assistance
4. “Tennessee EBT Cash Access Location Report,” Tennessee Department of Human Services. https://www.tn.gov/content/dam/tn/human-services/documents/TN_locations.pdf
5. “Temporary Assistance,” Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance. https://otda.ny.gov/programs/temporary-assistance/
6. “About TANF,” Family and Social Services Administration. https://www.in.gov/fssa/dfr/tanf-cash-assistance/about-tanf/
7. U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://ask.usda.gov/s/article/Can-I-withdraw-cash-from-an-ATM-with-my-Supplemental-Nutrition-Assistance-Program-Electronic-Benefit
8. “SNAP Fraud Prevention,” U.S. Department of Agriculture. https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fraud

If you’re one of the 63% of formerly incarcerated people¹ still looking for a job a year after being released — or you have some other blemish on your record you don’t want a future employer to know about — there are plenty of jobs that don’t require a background check. 

Most no-background-check jobs range from entry-level positions to freelance jobs and independent contractor roles. If you’re looking for a job that doesn’t focus heavily on your past, but rather on your work ethic and employable skills, keep reading for: 

No background check jobs near me

Looking for jobs that don’t do background checks near you? While you may have a hard time finding positions in health care, education, law enforcement, and child care that don’t require background checks, there are employment opportunities in many other fields, including the restaurant industry, hospitality, and landscaping, just to name a few. 

Note that each individual employer sets its own standards for obtaining background checks. Consult employer review sites like Glassdoor to find out if the company you’re applying for conducts background checks as part of its hiring process. 

Even if they do, some employers may be willing to look past a spotty work history or past criminal offenses. You can even use an online background check tool to review your records before applying. This way, you can be prepared to explain the questions from the employer during the interview.

A spokesperson from the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) said having a criminal record may not automatically disqualify you from getting a job, especially if the conviction is not recent or related to the duties of the particular job. 

All hourly wages in this post are based on average and high-end estimates reported by Ziprecruiter.²

Construction

Salary potential: $24 – $36 per hour

Whether you’re looking to work as a skilled trade worker or help direct traffic during road construction, some construction employers may not run a background check. 

The qualifications for a construction job will depend on the specific type of role. You may need to attend trade school and obtain licenses and certifications to be allowed to work on certain projects. 

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Dispatcher/scheduler

Salary potential: $20 – $30 per hour

Various types of companies hire dispatchers —  from bus companies to service companies. Dispatchers work in a fast-paced environment and are responsible for receiving calls, monitoring driver logs, and dispatching different team members to various locations during the workday.

You only need a high school diploma or GED to become a dispatcher for transportation. While it’s not required, having data entry experience, typing efficiently, knowing how to use different computer programs, being able to multitask, and having excellent communication skills are also preferred.

Get started with IBM’s Introduction to Project Management certificate course

Housekeeper

Salary potential: $15 – $21 per hour

Housekeepers can be employed in residential, commercial, and hotel settings. This job doesn’t require a degree or certification, but it helps to have experience with cleaning efficiently. Housekeepers are responsible for wiping down surfaces, dusting, mopping, deep cleaning, and even restocking toiletries and supplies. 

Some companies may not require a background check, but if you choose to work independently, your clients may ask for one.

Reddit has several discussion about hotel housekeeping jobs and background checks:

Why are most positions at a hotel not subject to background checks?
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Landscaper

Salary potential: $17 – $23 per hour

No matter where you live, there are opportunities in the landscaping industry. Landscapers are responsible for cleaning up lawns and taking care of small shrubs, edging, mulching, and even light tree trimming. Some landscaping jobs are seasonal, but you may still find opportunities for snow plowing and shoveling during the winter if you live in an area that gets snow. 

To get started as a landscaper, you just need a high school diploma or GED. Companies will provide training to operate different lawn care tools and machinery. 

While certifications are optional, over time, you may want to expand your skill set by becoming a Certified Lawn Care Technician. A certification through the National Association of Landscape Professionals³ includes advanced services like exterior landscape installation and irrigation, turf maintenance, and more.

This is what Reddit said about landscaping jobs with felony records:

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Painter

Salary Potential: $21 – $31 per hour 

Professional painting is a hands-on job that anyone can learn and pays well. If you’re looking to skip a background check, painting companies may consider hiring you based on experience or may even be willing to teach you on the job. 

Some states require lead painters to be licensed, especially if working on commercial properties. However, there are assistant opportunities and smaller local painting companies that may not have these requirements. Painters should have a high school diploma or GED at minimum.

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Server

Salary Potential: $14 – $25 per hour

While some restaurants will require that you have previous serving experience, you may be able to find entry-level serving jobs or start as a host or staff member at a quick-service restaurant. 

Servers earn the bulk of their income from tips, so your compensation will vary depending on the restaurant pricing. This is a role that will likely require you to work some evenings and weekends. 

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Stylist/barber

Salary Potential: $20 – $39 per hour

If you have experience cutting or styling hair, you can get a job at a local salon or barbershop. You will need to earn a professional license from your state if you expect to rent space to do hair in a salon. Look for a state-approved beauty or cosmetology school to enroll in a program. It may take a year or more to complete all of your licensing requirements and take a final exam.

For example, in Pennsylvania, you must complete between 1,200 and 2,000 hours of instruction to become a licensed cosmetologist or barber.⁴

Both roles may require some marketing effort to build a book of clients, but you can likely book clients based around your schedule. 

Call center

Salary Potential: $18 – $25 per hour

As a call center agent, you’ll speak with customers by phone, gathering details to resolve any issues they have or answer questions.

You don’t need a license to perform this work, though you will likely have to complete on-the-job training. Call center jobs are ideal for people who can communicate well, follow procedures, take good notes, and quickly learn about a product or service. However, call centers are notorious for high turnover rates due to burnout. Agents are constantly monitored for performance and often deal with disgruntled customers. Plus, depending on how the center is set up, you may work in close quarters without much privacy.

This free course with certificate is a good foundation: Customer Service Fundamentals

Background-friendly remote jobs

A background friendly job is one that considers hiring people who have a history with criminal or civil judgments or even a pending case. While a background check is still performed, it is not held against you, even if you have a felony or misdemeanor conviction. In short, hiring decisions won’t take your legal history into account.

If you want the flexibility of working from home and you have a reliable computer and internet connection, these jobs might be a good fit: 

Customer service

Salary Potential: $23 – $44 per hour

Customer service is a popular industry that produces an average of 373,400 job openings each year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.⁵ Many companies offer work-from-home customer service and customer support roles. 

Background check requirements will vary by company, and you also don’t need a degree to get started. If the position is entry-level, you may only need a high school diploma to get a job. 

Again, this free course with certificate is a good foundation: Customer Service Fundamentals

Research assistant

Salary Potential: $22 – $33 per hour

A research assistant is a support role that involves various tasks such as fact-checking, proofreading, taking notes, conducting interviews, and fact-checking different types of data.

This is a common role in higher education, but several other professions rely on research assistants, including journalists, entrepreneurs, podcasters, and more. 

Upwork is a great place to find and apply for paid research assistant gigs. Having a four-year degree can help you get hired but may not be required depending on the clients you target. It also helps to be organized, detail-oriented, and to be able to locate and cite relevant sources. 

This online certificate course from University of California Davis gives you valuable fundamentals for academic research: Academic Research Types and Methods

Transcription work

Salary Potential: $17 – $33 per hour

Transcription work involves listening to audio recordings and typing out the content. This job is perfect for those with good typing skills and attention to detail. Most pay by per assignment or by number of hours worked.

According to people who have worked as transcriptionists, there are plenty of transcription companies that don’t require a background check.

One Reddit user recommends popular companies like Rev and Transcribe Me, which hire freelancers for transcription work. 

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You can improve your typing skills and practice transcribing different files on sites like Express Scribe, which offers free practice files to time yourself and track your accuracy. 

Video editor

Salary Potential: $29- $52 hour

If you have a passion for editing videos and an eye for detail, you can find work as a video editor either through freelance gigs or full-time employment. Video editing is something you can do from the comfort of your home so long as you have the right equipment and software. 

At the bare minimum, you’ll need a computer, internet, and basic editing software such as iMovie if you have a Mac computer or Windows Video Editor if you have a PC. Most professional video editors use software like Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere Pro, or Final Cut Pro. 

From Skillshare, for free: Start Your Freelance Video Editing Career Specialization

Video editors on Reddit also recommended the free version of Davinci Resolve:

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You can find work by editing videos for YouTubers, small business owners, and even larger companies or departments in colleges or universities.

To take on basic video editing work, you may not need a degree, but it could help to attend some video editing classes either online or at your local college. Having a portfolio of previous work will also help you land gigs. 

Why many companies require background checks

Background checks are a standard part of the hiring process for many companies, and employers use them to verify identity, look at criminal history, and review your past employment history.

A background check is a basic safety measure in most cases that helps companies feel more confident that they are hiring reliable and trustworthy employees who won’t pose a risk to the company or its customers. 

According to the EEOC spokesperson, companies primarily require a background check to reduce theft and fraud. 

She said other companies are also concerned about workplace violence, as well as their potential liability for negligent hiring if they fail to investigate an applicant’s background.

Some employers may also have to comply with federal, state, and local laws that prohibit individuals with certain offenses from working particular jobs.

FAQs 

How do you answer background check questions?

Most jobs will conduct a background check using a third-party system or and simply require that you consent to the process. That said, you may still need to answer questions about your background on the application form. 

When asked about your educational, professional, and criminal history, the EEOC says it’s important to be honest about your situation. If you don’t have a degree or didn’t finish college, state this on your application since it could show up on your background check. 

What causes a red flag on a background check?

Several things can cause a red flag on a background check. These include:

• Criminal convictions
• Outstanding warrants
• Bad credit
• Falsified education credentials
• Negative employment history

Employers may also consider factors such as substance abuse issues when making a hiring decision.

If you want to see which red flags may show up on your own background report, consider running a background check on yourself from a site like Truthfinder or Instant Checkmate.

What fails you on a background check?

A background check doesn’t produce a pass/fall result. Instead, it reveals important information that an employer may want to know before they decide to hire you. That said, some employers may not want to hire someone who doesn’t have the credentials needed for the job or who has blemishes on their record. 

These strikes against you could mean you “fail” the background check for that specific employer. An employer may reject you after a background check for: 

• Criminal record
• Bad credit
• Falsified education credentials
• Negative or falsified employment history (like being fired from a previous job)

Can you omit a job on background check?

It’s not advisable to omit a job on a background check. Employers conduct background checks to verify your work history and ensure that you have been honest about your past employment. 

If you omit a job on a background check, it may raise questions about your honesty with your potential employment.

What do employers look for on a background check?

What employers look for in a background check varies based on the type of job and industry standards. In general, however, employers typically look for:

• Criminal history
• Credit score
• Employment history
• Education credentials
• Professional licenses

They may also consider other factors, such as social media profiles and reference checks, when making a hiring decision.

“I think the best way to describe your criminal background is to be brief about the offense and focus on what you have learned and the growth you’ve had on a personal level,” says Brianna Rooney, former tech recruiter, founding recruiter of Forbes.jobs, and founder of recruiting agency TalentPerch.

At the end of the day, each company reserves the right to weigh the findings of a background check when considering whether you’re the best candidate for a job.

Does Amazon do background checks?

According to current and former Amazon employees, background checks are typically performed as part of Amazon’s hiring process:

Background check for Amazon?
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What company does Amazon use for background checks for fulfillment center?
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Bottom line: Jobs without background checks exist

Jobs that don’t do background checks are harder to find, but they do exist. If you’re considering freelancing, starting a business, or picking up a trade, you may not even need to worry about background checks. 

There are also job sites specifically for people with a past criminal record, like jailstojobs.org and jobsforhumanity.com.

If you are applying for a job that requires a background check, it’s always best to disclose any past convictions upfront, along with your employment and education history. 

Rooney says you should aim to work at a company that accepts and is willing to mentor you if you have shown a commitment to bettering yourself. 

“That’s the first thing I tell people when I hire them,” Rooney says. “They won’t be with my company forever, but no matter, I promise, they will leave a better version of themselves — and I keep that promise.”

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• Same-day pay jobs
• How to get to six figures
• Recession-proof jobs
• How to become a doula and build a six-figure business
• How to make money testing products at home