EBT

Does Taco Bell Accept EBT?

3 years ago

4 mins 3 secs

Are you thinking about visiting Taco Bell and wondering, “Does Taco Bell accept EBT?”. Low-income families can supplement their food budget with the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) through the Use of Electronic Benefits Cards (EBT). However, can you use your EBT card at Taco Bell to buy food?

According to Money Inc., Taco Bell does accept SNAP. Eligible people can use their EBT cards to make purchases, provided they are eligible for the Restaurant Meal Program (RMP) and live in a state that participates in the program. ACCORDING TO THE USDA, the RMP is available to restaurants in Arizona, California, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia.

Individuals who are incapable of cooking for themselves or have no permanent home where food can be cooked or stored are eligible for the program. All members of the family must be one of the following:

60 years old or older
Disabled
Homeless
A SNAP client’s spouse who is eligible for the RMP

SNAP EBT cards are accepted in various food stores countrywide, but the RMP program is slightly different. According to Money Inc, you can only use the RMP to make purchases at participating restaurants in the state where you applied.

What is Taco Bell?

Founded in 1962 by Glen Bell, Taco Bell is an American chain of fast-food restaurants based in Irvine, California. Taco Bell restaurants are owned and operated by Yum! Brands, Inc. Taco Bell serves Mexican-inspired foods.

Their menu includes tacos, quesadillas, burritos, novelty and specialty items, nachos, and value menu items. According to Taco Bell’s 2018 annual report, more than 93 percent of the company’s 7,072 restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees and licensees.

See also Does Trader Joe’s Accept EBT?

Does Taco Bell Accept EBT?

In some Arizona and California counties, few Taco Bell outlets take EBT. In addition to Florida, other states that provide a restricted version of the Restaurant Meals Program may include a few Taco Bell restaurants that accept EBT (RMP).

At the very least, you can use your EBT card at Taco Bell if you live in a state with a restaurant meals program and meet the state’s eligibility conditions.

Only six states have signed up for the Restaurant Meals Program: Arizona, Maryland, Rhode Island, Illinois, California, Florida, and Michigan. Due to this, you cannot use your SNAP EBT card at Taco Bell unless you live in one of these states.

Because California and Arizona have the most extensive EBT programs, most Taco Bell restaurants that accept EBT are clustered in those states.

In California and Arizona, Wendy’s, Burger King, KFC, Domino’s, Subway, Jack In The Box, and McDonald’s all accept EBT.

Some Taco Bell stores refuse to accept SNAP benefits even in regions where the Restaurant Meals Program exists. Because each restaurant site must apply for and receive approval to process food stamps before they can begin accepting EBT payments, this is the case. It’s up to each state’s SNAP agencies to decide whether or not to approve each location.

However, in other areas, you might be able to find Taco Bell fast food places that accept EBT. In that situation, you’ll be limited to buying cold snack foods and soft drinks to consume on the go at the discretion of the store management.

Why Does Taco Bell Only Accept EBT in Some States?

The way the Restaurant Meals Program is operated is why Taco Bell only accepts EBT in some areas. Although the RMP program was designed by SNAP to allow elderly, homeless, and disabled participants to purchase hot, prepared food in restaurants, it is not mandatory for all states to participate.

According to federal laws, it is up to each state to decide whether or not to extend SNAP benefits through the RMP. As a result, the majority of states opt out of the program. As a result, Taco Bell meals are ineligible for SNAP purchases in all states without RMPs.

RMPs are only in effect in the six states indicated above. So, Taco Bell items are eligible for RMP purchasing in such states. However, eateries must apply and be approved by local SNAP state offices before they may begin accepting EBT payments.

Only a few Taco Bell restaurants in Arizona and California are now approved to accept food stamps.

EBT is only accepted at a few Taco Bell restaurants in a few counties.

Conclusion

Taco Bell, which has approximately 7,000 restaurants across the United States, is the ideal spot to go late at night for a Mexican-inspired dinner. Some locations are open 24 hours.

Taco Bell is a popular hangout spot for high school and college students. It’s also one of the eateries that hire people aged 16 and up. This is perfect for teenagers who enjoy fast food and want to make some money. Employees benefit from discounts and freebies without having to spend anything.