Major food retailers are required to accept food stamps (officially known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program or SNAP benefits) by law. Do Big Lots fall under this category of authorized retailers, allowing customers to use their SNAP EBT cards to purchase eligible food items at their stores. This provides a convenient way for individuals and families receiving government assistance to access affordable food products from a reputable retailer, helping them meet their nutritional needs. By accepting food stamps, Do Big Lots plays a vital role in ensuring that low-income households have access to nutritious food options.
SNAP Qualification
To qualify for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain eligibility criteria set by the USDA. These criteria include:
- Income limits: Your gross monthly income must be below a certain limit, which varies depending on your household size and composition.
- Asset limits: Your total assets, excluding certain exempt assets, must be below a certain limit, which also varies depending on your household size and composition.
- Work requirements: Able-bodied adults aged 18 to 49 without dependents must meet certain work requirements to receive SNAP benefits. These requirements may include working a certain number of hours per week or participating in a workfare program.
- Citizenship and residency requirements: You must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen and you must reside in the state where you are applying for SNAP benefits.
To apply for SNAP benefits, you can contact your local SNAP office or apply online. You will need to provide proof of your identity, income, assets, and expenses. Once your application is approved, you will receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which you can use to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
Big Lots and SNAP Benefits
Big Lots is a national retailer that sells a variety of products, including food. Big Lots accepts SNAP benefits for the purchase of eligible food items. Eligible food items include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Snacks and beverages
To use SNAP benefits at Big Lots, you must present your EBT card at the checkout counter. The cashier will swipe your card and deduct the amount of your purchase from your SNAP balance. You can use SNAP benefits to purchase eligible food items at Big Lots even if you are not a SNAP recipient. However, you will not receive any discounts or promotions on your purchase.
Acceptable SNAP Items at Big Lots
| Acceptable SNAP Items | Examples |
|---|---|
| Fruits and vegetables | Fresh, frozen, canned, or dried fruits and vegetables |
| Meat, poultry, and fish | Fresh, frozen, or canned meat, poultry, and fish |
| Dairy products | Milk, cheese, yogurt, and eggs |
| Bread and cereal | Bread, tortillas, cereal, and pasta |
| Snacks and beverages | Chips, pretzels, crackers, and soft drinks |
Unacceptable SNAP Items at Big Lots
| Unacceptable SNAP Items | Examples |
|---|---|
| Tobacco products | Cigarettes, cigars, and chewing tobacco |
| Alcohol | Beer, wine, and liquor |
| Pet food | Food for dogs, cats, and other pets |
| Vitamins and supplements | Vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements |
| Household items | Cleaning supplies, paper products, and other household items |
What Payment Methods Does Big Lots Accept?
Big Lots accepts various payment methods for food purchases, offering customers flexible options to complete their transactions. Here are the accepted payment methods at Big Lots:
- Cash
- Credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover)
- Debit cards
- Big Lots credit card
- EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits
- Google Pay
- Apple Pay
- Samsung Pay
- Big Lots gift cards
Note that the acceptance of EBT cards, including SNAP benefits, may vary by location. It’s always recommended to check with your local Big Lots store before making a purchase.
Does Big Lots Offer Additional Payment Options?
Yes, Big Lots provides additional payment options for customers’ convenience:
- Buy Now, Pay Later: Big Lots partners with Affirm to offer flexible payment plans, allowing customers to spread out their payments over time.
- Layaway Program: Customers can set aside items and pay for them in installments over a specific period, typically ranging from 30 to 90 days.
- Big Lots Credit Card: Applying for a Big Lots credit card can provide customers with special financing options, exclusive discounts, and rewards.
Table of Accepted Payment Methods at Big Lots:
| Cash | Credit Cards | Debit Cards | Big Lots Credit Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| EBT (SNAP) | Google Pay | Apple Pay | Samsung Pay |
| ✔* | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Big Lots Gift Cards | Buy Now, Pay Later (Affirm) | Layaway Program | |
| ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
*Acceptance of EBT cards may vary by location. Please check with your local Big Lots store for confirmation.
Remember that payment methods and policies may change over time. It’s always a good practice to check with your local Big Lots store or visit their official website for the most up-to-date information on accepted payment methods.
Big Lots and Food Stamps (EBT)
Big Lots accepts Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which are used to distribute food stamp benefits in the United States. With an EBT card, you can purchase a variety of eligible food items at Big Lots.
Eligible Food Items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Other food items, such as snacks, beverages, and condiments
You cannot use your EBT card to purchase non-food items, such as clothing, household goods, or electronics.
Example
Here is an example of a transaction using an EBT card at Big Lots:
Customer: Hi, I’d like to use my EBT card to purchase some groceries.
Cashier: Sure, I’ll need to see your EBT card and a valid ID.
Customer: Here you go.
Cashier: Okay, your card is approved. You have $200 in available benefits.
Customer: Great, I’d like to buy these apples, bananas, and milk.
Cashier: The total for your purchase is $15.99. You have $184.01 remaining in your benefits.
Customer: Thank you.
Additional Information
If you have any questions about using your EBT card at Big Lots, you can contact the store manager or customer service department.
Can I Use Food Stamps at Big Lots?
Big Lots is a discount retailer that sells a variety of items, including food. Many people wonder if they can use their food stamps, also known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, at Big Lots. The answer is yes, you can use your food stamps at Big Lots to purchase eligible food items.
Eligible Food Items
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereal
- Snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
You can also use your food stamps to purchase seeds and plants that produce food for your household to eat.
Ineligible Food Items
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Pet food
- Vitamins and supplements
- Hot foods that are ready to eat
You cannot use your food stamps to purchase non-food items such as clothing, household supplies, or gasoline.
Store Locator and Contact Information
To find a Big Lots store near you that accepts food stamps, you can use the store locator on the Big Lots website. You can also call the Big Lots customer service number at 1-800-BIG- LOTS (1-800-244-5687) to inquire about using food stamps at a specific store.
| Store Name | Address | Phone Number |
|---|---|---|
| Big Lots Store #1 | 123 Main Street | (123) 456-7890 |
| Big Lots Store #2 | 456 Elm Street | (456) 789-0123 |
| Big Lots Store #3 | 789 Oak Street | (789) 012-3456 |
Thanks for sticking with me ‘til the end, I really do appreciate it. I know there’s not a ton to be found about this topic so I hope I could help clarify things for you. If you’re looking for more information on budgeting and saving money, there are resources available at your local food bank, community center, or library, or you check out some of my other articles. I’m always adding new content, so be sure to swing by again later – I’d love to see you again. In the meantime, stay fabulous, my friend!