Does McDonald’s Accept SNAP Benefits: Fast food can be a convenient option for people who may not have the resources or ability to cook at home. This has led many to ask: Does McDonald’s accept SNAP benefits as a form of payment? With millions of Americans relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), knowing where these benefits can be used is essential, especially in times of need.
Although SNAP benefits (formerly known as food stamps) typically cannot be used at restaurants like McDonald’s, there are certain exceptions that make it possible. Under specific programs and circumstances, eligible individuals may be allowed to use their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards at select McDonald’s locations. In this article, we’ll explore the rules, eligibility, and how it all works.
Does McDonald’s Accept SNAP Benefits as Payment?
The question “Does McDonald’s accept SNAP?” does not have a simple yes or no answer. In general, McDonald’s does not accept SNAP for regular purchases. However, there are limited exceptions under federal and state programs, particularly the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. These programs aim to support individuals who are elderly, disabled, homeless, or otherwise unable to prepare their own meals.
To use SNAP at McDonald’s, three conditions must be met:
- You live in a state that participates in the RMP.
- You meet the eligibility criteria for the RMP.
- The McDonald’s location is approved to accept SNAP under that state’s RMP.
Overview Table
| Criteria | Details |
| Standard SNAP Use at McDonald’s | Not accepted for regular food purchases |
| RMP Participation Required | Yes, only available in select states |
| States with RMP | Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island |
| Eligible Individuals | Age 60+, disabled, homeless, or spouse of eligible recipient |
| TANF Usage at McDonald’s | Not directly; can withdraw TANF funds via ATM |
| Approval Needed by McDonald’s | Must be authorized by the state and USDA to accept SNAP |
| Check Eligibility | Contact your local EBT office or McDonald’s location |
Does Your State Have RMP and Allow SNAP Beneficiaries To Purchase McDonald’s?
One of the only ways you can use SNAP at McDonald’s is through the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP). This federal option allows certain states to give additional flexibility to SNAP recipients who cannot prepare their own food due to age, disability, or homelessness. States must opt into the program and approve participating restaurants.
As of 2025, only seven states offer RMP:
- Arizona
- California
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- New York
- Rhode Island
If you live in one of these states, and meet the program’s criteria, you may be able to use your EBT card at participating McDonald’s locations. Still, not every McDonald’s in these states participates, so it’s best to check with the restaurant or your local SNAP office.
Who Is Eligible for the RMP?
The RMP is designed for individuals who have limited access to cooking facilities or are physically unable to prepare food at home. According to the USDA, you may qualify if:
- You are 60 years of age or older
- You are disabled as defined by your state
- You are homeless
- You are the spouse of a SNAP recipient who qualifies for the RMP
All household members must meet these requirements to be eligible. If you are eligible and live in a state with RMP, and your McDonald’s is approved under the program, you can use SNAP benefits to buy prepared meals.
Can You Use TANF Benefits at McDonald’s?
If you receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), your benefits might also be issued on an EBT card. However, this type of assistance is separate from SNAP and works differently. You cannot use TANF directly at McDonald’s, but you can withdraw your TANF funds from an ATM and then use the cash at McDonald’s or other restaurants.
TANF is meant to support low-income families with children or individuals facing serious financial challenges. It provides cash aid rather than food-specific benefits, offering more flexibility in how the money can be spent.
How To Know if Your McDonald’s Accepts SNAP
Because not all McDonald’s locations accept SNAP—even in RMP-participating states—it’s important to confirm before you try to make a purchase. Here’s how to check:
- Contact your local SNAP or EBT office to verify your RMP eligibility
- Call or visit the McDonald’s in question and ask if they accept EBT cards under the RMP
- Use official state resources to find a list of approved restaurants participating in RMP
Avoid third-party websites or apps that are not affiliated with your state’s SNAP program. These may not have up-to-date information or could even be fraudulent.
Stay Informed and Avoid Scams
With increasing misinformation online, it’s important to rely only on official sources for details about SNAP benefits and restaurant eligibility. Websites like irs.gov, your state’s human services department, or local EBT office will have the most accurate information.
Be especially cautious about online claims that say you can “apply now” for SNAP benefits at McDonald’s or other fast food places—these are often misleading. If in doubt, always verify before providing personal details.
FAQs
1. Can I use my SNAP EBT card at McDonald’s?
Not usually. Only approved McDonald’s locations in states with the RMP may accept EBT for food purchases.
2. What is the RMP and how does it help?
The Restaurant Meals Program allows eligible SNAP recipients to buy hot meals at certain restaurants if they can’t cook at home.
3. Which states let you use SNAP at McDonald’s?
As of now, seven states participate: Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, New York, and Rhode Island.
4. Can I use TANF money at McDonald’s?
Yes, but indirectly. You can withdraw TANF funds from an ATM and spend the cash at McDonald’s.
5. How do I know if my McDonald’s accepts SNAP?
Contact the restaurant directly or check with your state’s EBT office for confirmation.
Final Thought
The answer to “Does McDonald’s accept SNAP?” is mostly no—but there are exceptions. If you qualify under the RMP and live in a participating state, you may be able to use your SNAP benefits at certain McDonald’s locations. Otherwise, you’ll need to use other forms of payment, or withdraw TANF funds if you’re eligible.
Have more questions about SNAP or RMP? Let us know in the comments and check out our other articles for updates on benefits, programs, and eligibility guides!
