Can You Use EBT at Chick-Fil-A

Many people ask whether Chick-fil-A accepts EBT, SNAP, or food stamps. The short answer is that most Chick-fil-A locations do not accept EBT SNAP benefits, but some customers may be able to pay with EBT cash or qualify under a special program in certain states.

Quick Answer

Question	Answer
Does Chick-fil-A accept EBT	Sometimes in limited situations
Does Chick-fil-A accept SNAP food benefits	No in most cases
Can EBT cash be used at Chick-fil-A	Yes, at many locations
Does Chick-fil-A participate in Restaurant Meals Program	Some locations in eligible states

Why Chick-fil-A Usually Does Not Accept SNAP

SNAP food benefits are generally meant for grocery items and non hot foods. Because Chick-fil-A primarily serves hot prepared meals, standard SNAP benefits usually cannot be used for orders at Chick-fil-A.

This is why many attempts to use EBT for Chick-fil-A orders are declined — most EBT cards only contain SNAP benefits that are not eligible for hot restaurant food.

When Chick-fil-A Can Accept EBT

EBT Cash Benefits

Some EBT cards have a cash benefits balance in addition to SNAP. EBT cash works like a debit card and can often be used anywhere card payments are accepted, including Chick-fil-A.

If your EBT card includes a cash balance, your purchase at Chick-fil-A may go through using that cash portion of the card.

Restaurant Meals Program

Some states have a Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) that allows eligible SNAP recipients to buy hot prepared meals at approved restaurants. In states with RMP, a Chick-fil-A location may accept SNAP benefits under that program.

However, you must be approved for RMP through your state or county benefits office. Even if a Chick-fil-A location participates, your EBT card will be declined if your benefits are not set up for restaurant meal purchases.

Who Qualifies for the Restaurant Meals Program

Eligibility varies by state, but RMP generally applies to people who may not have access to a kitchen or the ability to prepare food:

Common Qualifying Groups
People experiencing homelessness
Elderly individuals
People with disabilities that prevent cooking

Enrollment is required and typically requires documentation from your benefits office.

States Where Chick-fil-A Might Accept EBT

There is no nationwide list for Chick-fil-A participation in the Restaurant Meals Program. Acceptance is location and state specific, and depends on the state’s RMP rules. States known to have RMP options include California, Arizona, and Michigan. Even in these states not every Chick-fil-A will accept EBT.

Why EBT Acceptance at Chick-fil-A Is Confusing

There’s often confusion around the term “EBT” because people use it interchangeably for different benefit types.

Term	Meaning	How It Affects Payment
EBT	Card used to access SNAP or cash benefits	Can hold multiple benefit types
SNAP	Food benefits	Usually not allowed for hot meals
EBT cash	Cash assistance	Works like a debit card
Restaurant Meals Program	Special SNAP allowance	Allows hot meals if authorized

Why Your EBT Might Get Declined at Chick-fil-A

Reason	Description
Only SNAP benefits	SNAP generally cannot be used for hot meal purchases
Store does not participate	Restaurant Meals Program participation varies
Not approved for RMP	Your benefits may not include restaurant meal authorization
Payment system issues	Some locations may not support EBT processing at all

Ordering Options and EBT

Even if a specific Chick-fil-A location accepts EBT for in-store payments, online orders (including app or delivery) typically do not support EBT payments. Many restaurants require you to pay in person at the counter.

Tips Before Trying to Use EBT at Chick-fil-A

Call the store before ordering and ask if they accept EBT
Ask which types of EBT benefits they accept (cash vs SNAP vs RMP)
Order in store if possible, not online
Have a backup payment method available

Is It Smart to Use EBT at Chick-fil-A

Groceries will usually stretch EBT benefits further than fast food. However, Chick-fil-A can still be useful in situations where someone does not have access to a kitchen or needs a hot ready-to-eat meal. Choosing lower-cost menu items can help the benefits go further.

Frequently Asked Questions