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Denny’s does accept SNAP payments via Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT), but only at select locations and with additional restrictions. To use your EBT at Denny’s, you must reside in California, be eligible for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and visit an RMP-authorized Denny’s location, according to First Quarter Finance.
The RMP is a state option that allows some SNAP recipients to buy prepared meals at participating restaurants using their SNAP benefits. To be eligible for the RMP, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said that the SNAP recipient must be in a state that has the RMP and all members of the household must be either:
- 60 years of age or older
- Disabled
- Homeless
- A spouse of a SNAP client who is eligible for the RMP
Outside of the RMP, prepared meals cannot typically be purchased at restaurants using an EBT card.
First Quarter Financial also noted that California only offers EBT restaurant meals in select counties: Alameda, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Luis Obispo, Santa Clara and Santa Cruz.
RMP partnerships change regularly, so it’s important to check with your county’s dedicated EBT/RMP website, or you can contact your local Denny’s or benefits administration office.
Before using an EBT at a diner-style restaurant chain, make sure to notify your server that you will be using CalFresh benefits. Once you receive the bill, use your EBT card the same as you would a credit or debit card. Your benefits may cover the full meal as long as you have a sufficient amount on your EBT. If you don’t have enough on your EBT, you may be able to use cash, credit or debit, according to First Quarter Financial.
FAQs
Yes, Denny's does accept EBT, but only at certain locations that participate in the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). Currently, there are 38 Denny's outlets across the United States, primarily in California, that accept EBT. Each restaurant must individually apply and receive approval to process EBT payments.
Can you buy McDonald's with EBT in California? ›
McDonald's participation in the RMP varies by location and state. Currently, states like California, Arizona, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia have programs allowing EBT use at selected fast-food establishments, including McDonald's. The RMP typically covers hot, prepared food.
Can you buy fast-food with EBT in SC? ›
What CANNOT be purchased with SNAP benefits? Households CANNOT purchase any alcoholic beverages, cigarettes or tobacco with SNAP benefits. In addition, households cannot purchase any non-food items, hot foods or food to be consumed in the store with SNAP benefits.
Can you buy fast-food with EBT in Nevada? ›
The EBT card can be used at authorized food retailers, which can include grocery stores, convenience stores like 7-Eleven, and fast-food restaurants like Burger King. Stores interested in becoming SNAP retailers can complete an application online.
Can I use my EBT card at restaurants in California? ›
Restaurants and EBT
California's Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows eligible homeless, elderly, and/or disabled EBT cardholders receiving CalFresh benefits to purchase hot prepared foods at participating restaurants using their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
Can you buy rotisserie chicken with EBT California? ›
Refer to this website for a full list of what you can buy. A good rule of thumb is that you can basically buy anything in the store as long as it's food and that it's not hot food. This means that you will not be able to buy a rotisserie chicken, but you're able to purchase cold sandwiches.
Can you use EBT at Burger King in California? ›
Burger King
It has more than 18,700 locations in more than 100 countries. Burger King accepts EBT cards in Arizona and California. You can enjoy burgers, fries, and other tasty treats at Burger King using your EBT card at participating restaurants, which is a great way to get a hot meal.
What is the highest income to qualify for SNAP? ›
SNAP Income Limits—Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024
| Household Size | Gross monthly income (130% of poverty) | Net monthly income (100% of poverty) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $2,500 |
1 more rowHouseholds CANNOT use SNAP benefits to buy:
Any nonfood items such as: Pet foods.
What can you not use SNAP on? ›
Nonfood items such as pet foods, soaps, paper products, medicines and vitamins, household supplies, grooming items, and cosmetics, also are ineligible for purchase with SNAP benefits.
Ice and drinking water may be purchased with SNAP benefits. Non-food items (diapers, soap, medicine, paper goods, pet food, etc.) cannot be purchased with SNAP benefits.
Does Vegas have EBT? ›
All SNAP recipients in Nevada receive their benefits using EBT. It is your responsibility to protect your benefits.
Where can you use EBT food card in California? ›
Look for the Quest® mark at the store before you shop. You can use your EBT Card wherever you see the Quest mark throughout California and across the country. An ATM is a cash machine found at banks, stores and many other places that allows you to get your cash benefits.
Does California EBT allow hot food? ›
The types of food and certain non-food eligible for purchase with CalFresh include: Any food for human consumption except hot food (but remember, there is also an exception for authorized hot meal programs and approved restaurant meals programs). [MPP § 63-102(e)(2)(H).]
Can you use EBT at Taco Bell in California? ›
In states like Arizona and California, Taco Bell has certain outlets that accept EBT. These locations are part of a broader network of eateries that provide an essential service to those in need.
Does Wendy's accept EBT in California? ›
As of now, Wendy's accepts EBT at 61 of its restaurants, primarily in Arizona and California1. These specific outlets are authorized to process EBT transactions as part of the RMP. It's important for SNAP recipients to verify that the Wendy's location they plan to visit is approved to accept EBT.
