MILLIONS of food stamp recipients cannot use their SNAP benefits to buy pet food.
But, those that get Temporary Assistance for Needy Families payments may be able to if the financial support is issued through electronic benefit transfer cards.
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TANF is a scheme designed to help low-income families with kids achieve economic self-sufficiency, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.
Claimants must be a resident of the state they apply for the benefits.
They must be a US citizen, a legal alien, or qualified alien to be eligible for the support.
Beneficiaries must have a kid 18 years or under or pregnant.
Those that are under 18 and the head of their household can also apply for the benefits.
Around 37 states issue TANF benefits via EBT cards and recipients can withdraw funds at an ATM.
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This cash could be used to buy pet food.
But, a government law from 2012 means that EBT cards cannot be used in alcohol stores, adult entertainment venues, or gambling premises.
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Food stamps are also issued on EBT cards but Americans cannot withdraw cash.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is aimed at providing nutritious foods to eligible low-income people and families.
The US Department of Agriculture has strict guidelines to ensure the money is being spent on approved products such as fruit and vegetables, meat and poultry, dairy products, as well as water and non-alcoholic drinks.
SNAP benefits can also be used to buy birthday cakes and gifts but the non-food part of the basket must not exceed 50 percent of the total bill.
Food stamps cannot be used to buy gift baskets that contain any amount of alcohol and cigarettes.
EBT cards can be used at authorized retailers and Americans can check their nearest store by checking the SNAP retailer locator tool.
Simply enter a street address, city, and state, or zip code.
Aldi, Kroger, Publix and Safeway are among stores that tend to accept EBT cards.
EBT cards can also be used online. In 2017, the USDA, which oversees SNAP, launched a pilot program for people to order and pay for groceries online.
It has since expanded to almost every state in the US.
Amazon and Walmart were among the original retailers taking part in pilot program.
Online retailers must meet USDA requirements in order to be authorized.
SNAP beneficiaries may also be able to use their food stamps at some fast-food restaurants across the country.
At least six states are recognized by the USDA as participants in a scheme known as the Restaurant Meals Program.
Arizona, California, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia operate the program.
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Illinois is piloting a restaurant meals program in DeWitt County and select zip codes in Cook County.
Restaurants that participate include Burger King, KFC, McDonald’s, and Wendy’s, but this varies state-by-state.
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