Can You Use Coupons with Food Stamps Successfully?

Learn how easy using coupons with food stamps can be!

Can you use coupons with food stamps? If you are one of the millions of Americans who use food stamps (now referred to as the SNAP program), you may wonder if you can save money by combining this assistance with coupons. Coupons are a great way to save no matter what you shop with. They can help you stock up on free (or nearly free) foods and stretch your SNAP budget even further.

Using coupons in conjunction with your food stamps is pretty much the same as shopping WITHOUT food stamps. However, things may become a little tricky when buying food and non-food items. So, you should probably separate these items into two different purchases. That way, you can be certain that the proper coupon is applied.

Items that you CAN’T buy with SNAP include Alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, vitamins, medicines, hot food (or food that will be eaten in the store), and non-edible items like laundry supplies, paper products, and pet foods. So, obviously you cannot combine any coupons you have for these items with SNAP. You must purchase these separately.

First off, be sure you know your store’s coupon policies. Some stores may not allow doubling or may only allow a certain number of coupons per purchase. Policies can change so being aware and up to date can save you a headache at checkout. And be sure to give the cashier your coupons BEFORE you swipe your EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, otherwise your coupons will not be applied.

So to answer your question: “Can I use coupons with food stamps?” YES! Make sure you do! Your food stamps are a help but only go so far. Whether on government assistance or not coupons should always be a shopping habit! Below are a handful of great coupons you can find online.