Does Big Lots Accept EBT?

3 years ago
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Does Big Lots accept EBT? Many people ask this question when visiting Big Lots. The EBT program relies on a vast distribution network of supermarkets to provide food assistance to the poor and hungry. Due to fluctuating economic conditions, many people prefer using EBT cards in retail and grocery stores to lower their out-of-pocket expenses.

In 2022, Big Lots will accept EBT in all stores that stock items eligible for SNAP. The company plans to have more EBT/SNAP-compliant stores to reach more consumers. Additionally, you can find out which Big Lots stores accept EBT through the company’s website.

What is Big Lots?

Big Lots Inc. is a major American retailer based in Columbus, Ohio, operating more than 1,400 stores nationwide. Sol Shenk founded consolidated Stores Corporation in 1967 in Ohio, eventually becoming Big Lots.

In 1982, Odd Lots, a warehouse outlet store owned by Consolidated Stores Corp., opened in Columbus, Ohio. Revco bought Odd Lot Trading Company in 1983, the New Jersey closeout retailer. 

When Consolidated’s Odd Lots began expanding from Columbus, Revco objected because yet another chain operated by a closeout retailer with national ambitions with a similar name as the subsidiary owned by Revco.

In certain areas around Columbus, stores may use the Odd Lots name. Consolidated began to open stores outside the radius under the Big & Small Lots brand name. Big Lots became the brand name for all Odd Lots stores eventually. 

As of 1985, the American Stock Exchange began listing Consolidated Stores Corp. as a separate public company. The company was listed on the New York Stock Exchange between 1986 and 1993 under the symbol CNS.

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Does Big Lots Accept EBT?

Big Lots’ participating stores that sell eligible items for SNAP benefits will accept EBT in 2022. The company intends to expand its stores that accept EBT/SNAP to reach more customers. 

Big Lots’ website also contains a list of affiliate stores that accept EBT, which can be found by visiting that site. When traveling outside of the state, Big Lots will accept your EBT temporarily.

Those who move and intend to stay in a new state for an extended time must cancel their EBT benefits in the former state and reapply in the new state. EBT is not yet officially accepted by Big Lots for online shoppers. 

Consequently, Big Lots stores that accept EBT will be able to offer a fantastic variety of products that are eligible for EBT payments. As long as your EBT card is active, you can use it at Big Lots. 

SNAP certification is when you are still receiving benefits from your SNAP case. After the certification period, you must recertify to continue to receive benefits, depending on your household’s situation.

Recertifying at least 15 days before the expiration of your current certification is required if you don’t wish to have your benefits interrupted. 

What is the Process of Using EBT at Big Lots?

Federal funds are used to administer the SNAP/EBT program. States are responsible for administering the program.

Accordingly, depending on the state, the process varies at different Big Lots locations but generally follows the following:

  • Look at the back of your card or call the number on the back to find out what you may have spent by checking your balance
  • Go to the checkout lane with your groceries. Ensure that everything you purchase qualifies for EBT
  • Your EBT card can be swiped at the POS terminal or given to the clerk at Big Lots
  • Key in your four-digit PIN. Asterisks (****) will appear on the keypad instead of the numbers you enter.
  • Press the ENTER key.
  • You will have to enter the amount of your purchase and press OK/YES if it is correct.
  • Following that, you’ll get a printed receipt with the store name, address, amount, and EBT balance for the store in which you made the purchase.
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Keep your receipt next time you shop so you know your balance. By following these steps, you use EBT at Big Lots.

Conclusion

From 2022, Big Lots will accept EBT at all its participating stores selling items eligible for SNAP benefits. A company’s expansion strategy includes plans to open more stores accepting EBT/SNAP. You can also find a list of the EBT-accepting affiliate stores on Big Lots’ website. Big Lots will accept your EBT temporarily if you are traveling out of state.

EBT benefits in a new state must be canceled in the previous state and reapplied in the new state for those who move and plan to stay in the new state for extended periods. But online shopping at Big Lots is not yet compatible with EBT.

If you’re interested in finding out more, you can find all our Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) articles here. Here are some of our most popular articles about EBT:

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