How Can I Turn My Food Stamps Into Cash?
In this community resources guide, I want to talk about the topic of turning food stamps into cash and if this is even an option.
If you have food stamps, you may wonder if it’s even possible to get cash from your SNAP benefits. Continue reading to learn if withdrawing cash from an ATM with food stamps is a viable option.
Can I Withdraw Cash From An ATM With My Food Stamps Card?
No, you cannot withdraw cash from an ATM with your food stamps card. Your food stamps are meant to be used for purchasing food items only.
In most states, the health and human services department will issue an EBT card that works for both the food stamps program and the TANF program. This causes confusion and makes people believe you can turn food stamps into cash.
While you can withdraw money from an ATM with an EBT card if you receive TANF, you cannot get money from an ATM if you qualify for food stamps.
How To Get Money From An ATM With An EBT Card
You will need to first qualify for TANF and then be issued an EBT card. TANF stands for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. The TANF program provides cash assistance to low-income families with children under 18.
If you qualify for TANF, you will be issued an EBT card that can be used at ATMs to withdraw cash for basic needs. You can also use your EBT card to make purchases at grocery stores and other retailers that accept EBT.
How To Turn Food Stamps Into Cash
There is no legal way to turn food stamps into cash. However, some people will buy your food stamps for money. It’s quite common to hear of people selling food stamps, but this goes against the SNAP rules. This is considered fraud and is punishable by law. If you are caught selling your food stamps, you could be fined, jailed, or lose your benefits.
While you cannot legally sell your food stamps, you can, however, make food stamp purchases with apps that provide you with cash-back rewards.
Getting Cashback Rewards From Your Food Stamps
With apps like Ibotta, you can get cashback rewards when you shop for groceries online with your EBT card. For instance, Ibotta has special promotions where you can spend $30 and specific retailers and get $10 back in bonuses.
Using your EBT card to get cash back on apps like Ibotta workers like this:
- Find retailers that accept food stamps on the cashback app of your choice. You’ll find a list of stores that allow you to make EBT purchases online here.
- Make a purchase with your EBT card on the cashback app.
- Claim your earnings in the cashback app.
Ibotta is just one example, though. Any app that you use that offers cashback, try to find grocery stores that accept EBT payments. If they are listed on your cashback app then use your food stamp card to buy your food items that way, you can also benefit from the rewards you earn.
Conclusion
So, if you are wondering if you can turn food stamps into cash, the answer is no. Even if you receive SNAP benefits, you cannot use your EBT card to withdraw cash from an ATM. You can only use your EBT card to purchase food.
If you qualify for TANF on the other hand, then you can use your EBT card to get cash from an ATM. TANF benefits allow you to purchase state-approved basic needs items with your EBT card or with cash that you withdraw.
While it is common for people to sell food stamps, know that this is illegal and could result in your losing your benefits, being fined, or serving time in jail.
Similar Articles That May Interest You:
Nick Bryant is the author of Understanding Healthcare Is Half The Battle and a Senior Counselor with 13+ years of experience working in community health and mental health. He enjoys spending time with his family, watching WWE on Friday nights, and working toward a Google Data Analytics certification. If you have additional questions about community resources or government assistance programs, simply leave a comment below and he will follow up as soon as possible.
