Implementation of EBT online purchasing

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) informs counties that Electronic Benefits Transfer online purchasing will be available on April 28, 2020.  EBT online purchasing will initially be available at Amazon and Walmart.

Both Amazon and Walmart accept EBT for food purchases using CalFresh benefits. Walmart also accepts EBT purchases of non-food items using CalWORKs benefits.  Federal law prohibits using CalFresh benefits to pay delivery charges or other fees for online purchases.  Walmart accepts CalWORKs benefits via EBT to pay for delivery fees. Amazon offers Amazon cash to deposit money to pay for delivery fees or other purchases.

Counties should refer clients to the retailer’s website or the customer service number on the back of the EBT card for assistance with online purchasing.  (ACWDL, April 14, 2020.)