Chick-Fil-A is one of the most popular chicken fast-food restaurants in the US. It is famous for its different types of chicken meals and for being closed on Sundays. The prices are also quite low and competitive with other fast-food chains. But does Chick-Fil-A accept EBT cards as payment for its meals?
Does Chick-fil-a Take EBT?
Chick-Fil-A does not accept EBT cards as part of the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program or SNAP. This is a federal law that focuses the purpose of monies available to those qualifying for SNAP that it can only be used at certain types of locations.
SNAP is designed to allow the low-income, disabled, and seniors to use government funds to help provide nutritious food for their tables. This means that most EBT cards are accepted at grocery stores where the food must be prepared at home.
However, EBT cards cannot be used at places that serve hot, prepared meals such as Chick-Fil-A. This exception was put into the federal rules to keep the money being supplied from being abused by the recipient. While SNAP is a federal program, it is overseen by state agencies which do mean there is a single exception to the rule.
Check to see if these restaurants accept EBT:
How Does EBT Work for Chick-Fil-A?
Unlike McDonald’s which does offer an exception for those enrolled in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) to use EBT cards at their locations, Chick-Fil-A does not. This is in large part due to how few states have the RMP program implemented and Chick-Fil-A’s policy of not accepting food stamps or similar handouts from the government.
However, the one exception is for individuals that are part of the TENF program. This is a program that allows you to download cash from your EBT card when using it at an ATM. It means that you can pull out the cash and then use that to pay for your meals at Chick-Fil-A. Since you are using cash, Chick-Fil-A will accept the money even if it comes from a government source.
Will Chick-Fil-A Ever Accept EBT?
It’s highly doubtful that the company will accept EBT from SNAP unless there are changes to federal law. In addition, the leadership at Chick-Fil-A does not seem inclined to accept SNAP money even if an RMP is implemented. The company has offered free breakfast and other charitable offerings in the past but does not seem inclined to reverse its policies anytime soon.
Can I use My EBT Card at Chick-Fil-A?
You cannot use an EBT card at Chick-Fil-A, and their EBT policy will likely not be revised in the foreseeable future. That may change depending on several factors which include a change in leadership philosophy at Chick-Fil-A along with new programs from states and the federal government.
As mentioned, the only exception is if you are part of the TENF program and can withdraw cash to be used at any location, including Chick-Fil-A. Otherwise, do not expect that Chick-Fil-A will change either their rules or the state or federal government to do the same in the near future.
