SNAP, Medicaid, and WIC discounts Additional Discounts, Benefits and Programs for SNAP Recipients

Do you receive SNAP? If so, there are additional discounts and benefits that you can receive by being a SNAP recipient. Some of these are offered by the government, some by private companies or nonprofits, and some are government funded benefits provided through private companies.

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Discounts on Phone and Internet (Lifeline)

The Lifeline program is a government benefit program that provides free or discounted phone service. For example, you could be eligible for a free cell phone plan that includes unlimited talk and unlimited texting. Lifeline can also be used to get a discount on existing phone or internet plans. Read more about Lifeline here.

Utility and Energy Assistance (LIHEAP)

Need assistance with your heating bills? LIHEAP is a government program that provides financial assistance to pay for heating and cooling bills. If you're eligible for SNAP, there's a pretty good chance you'll be eligible for LIHEAP. You can use this screening tool to check your eligibility and apply. Additionally, many states offer other utility bill assistance programs separate from LIHEAP. There's also the Weatherization Assistance Program, a government program that can help make your home more energy efficient and cost-effective.

Discounts on Internet Plans

Some providers offer internet plans specifically for clients who receive Lifeline, SNAP, WIC, or other government assistance programs. Some options here include Access from AT&T, Verizon Forward, and Internet Essentials from Xfinity. There used to be a government program called the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), however it is no longer accepting new applications.

Free School Lunch and Summer EBT (Sun Bucks)

If your household receives SNAP benefits, your children automatically qualify for free school lunch programs. Additionally in many states households can get $120 per child for summer groceries through a government program called SUN Bucks (Summer EBT). If you're enrolled in SNAP and are eligible, you'll likely get this benefit automatically added to your EBT card if available in your state. For more information, see the Providers Guide to Summer EBT 2024.

Discounts on Amazon Prime, Instacart+, and Walmart+

SNAP recipients can get 50% off Amazon Prime, 50% off Instacart+ for one year, and 50% off Walmart+. You can use an EBT card to purchase eligible grocery items from these retailers.

Double Up Food Bucks

The Double Up program provides matching dollars on fruits and vegetables purchased with SNAP EBT at participating retailers. For example, if you purchase $10 of fruits and vegetables, you automatically would get another $10 to spend on fruits and vegetables. Typical matching dollar limits are $10 or 20 per day, depending on your state.

Discounts on Public Transportation

This depends on your location, but many cities offer discounts on public transportation for SNAP recipients. Some example discounts include New York City (50%), Washington D.C. (50%), Los Angeles (20 free monthly rides), and Pittsburgh (50%). In many cities this also includes bike share programs.

Free or Reduced Admission to Museums, Zoos, and Aquarium

The Museums for All program provides discounts at over 1,300 museums. Many Zoos and Aquariums also offer discounted tickets.

College Application Fee Waiver

Fee waivers are available for the SAT test and some other college applications expenses.

Health Insurance (Medicaid and Premium Tax Credit)

If you're eligible for SNAP and do not have health insurance, consider applying for Medicaid, a government-run health insurance program. Being eligible for SNAP won't automatically make you eligible for Medicaid, but you can use our website's Medicaid guides for every state to see if you're eligible based on your income.

If you're not eligible for Medicaid, you still might be able to get a significant discount on health insurance through the Premium Tax Credit (a tax credit that lowers the cost of health insurance monthly premium payments). You can use this calculator to see if you qualify for financial help for purchasing a Marketplace health insurance plan.
Already have SNAP? Use our SNAP benefits calculator to get a dollar estimate and see if you're getting all the SNAP deductions you may be eligible for.