How to get the most out of SNAP with Propel

We know it can be a struggle to put food on the table for you and your family. SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, helps make groceries more affordable – and more than 40 million Americans rely on it to save money. You may be eligible for $199 per month with SNAP, or even more if you have a large family. Click here to see if you qualify!

Do you already have SNAP? Here are some quick tips to help you get the most out of your benefits, and how to take advantage of some extra perks from our partners at Propel – which makes it easy to check your EBT balance, access exclusive deals, and stay up to date on government benefits information. You can download the Propel app here. 

• Be a smart shopper: saving a few bucks every week can add up to big savings over the course of a year! Pick store brands over big name products, take advantage of store loyalty programs if available, plan your meals ahead of time so you don’t buy too much. Want to see everything you can buy with SNAP? Check out the list from our friends at Propel.

• $23 per month is just the start! Only see $23 in your account? You made it through a mountain of paperwork to apply for SNAP, and hooray - you're approved! When you get your EBT card, you may see only $23 dollars loaded per month - what gives? That’s the minimum monthly amount SNAP gives you, but the good news is you may be able to get more money (potentially hundreds per month) by submitting some additional forms. Want to find out more? Our friends at Propel have compiled a how-to guide here.

• Seniors qualify too: Struggling to afford groceries on a fixed income? If you’re 60 or older, you may qualify for food assistance through SNAP, yet millions of eligible seniors aren’t getting the help they deserve. It can be easier for older adults to qualify, and you could get benefits even if you own a home or receive Social Security. Want to find out more? Our friends at Propel have compiled a how-to guide here.

• Be on alert for fraud – and report it if you think you see it: Your food benefits are meant for you—not scammers. But EBT theft is on the rise, and may be even higher than reported, with fraudsters using skimmers and fake messages to steal from people who rely on food assistance. So be on alert! There are steps you can take to protect your benefits and prevent theft before it happens. Find out more with this guide from Propel here.

• Know where to shop: You can use your EBT card at most major grocery stores—including favorites like Target, ALDI, Costco, and Whole Foods—so you’ve got options when it comes to finding the best deals. Many stores also let you use SNAP benefits for online orders, grocery pickup, or delivery, which can save you time and help you stick to your list. Not sure if your go-to store takes EBT? Our friends at Propel have made it easy to check: find answers about Target, ALDI, Whole Foods, Costco, and more.