If you have an EBT card, you might miss out on more than grocery savings. There are many free things with EBT cards go beyond food assistance, including help with educational programs and even entertainment discounts.
This blog post will cover 9 valuable benefits you may access with your EBT card to make the most of your assistance.
What Is EBT?
EBT stands for Electronic Benefit Transfer. It is an electronic system that lets the government’s state benefits departments issue money using a plastic debit card.
In the US, EBT benefits are typically grouped into two main types: food assistance and cash support.
Food benefits are government-approved benefits that individuals can only use to buy non-alcoholic drinks and food.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which was previously known as the Food Stamp Program, distributes food benefits. In California, this program is known as CalFresh.
On the other hand, cash benefits involve state general assistance, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), as well as refugee benefits.
To access their food or cash benefits, you are provided with an EBT card, which operates like a standard ATM or debit card for making purchases. You can use it at EBT participating merchants, ATMs, and POS terminals.
>>> Read more: California Food Assistance Program (CFAP): Benefits & Expansion
List of Free Things with EBT Card
Surprisingly, there are many free things to do with EBT card besides buying groceries.
Participating in SNAP gives you and your family access to various free and discounted EBT benefits California, such as job training and career assistance, gym memberships, museum tickets, and so on.
Museums and cultural attractions
Through a nationwide initiative called “Museums for All,” over 1,400 museums, aquariums, and zoos around the country provide EBT cardholders free entry or SNAP discounts.
For instance, if you provide a valid California ID and an EBT card, the Los Angeles Museum of Natural History will give you free entrance.
A family of four can visit a participating museum for an admission fee of no more than $3. Moreover, there is no limit to the number of museums you may visit or how many times you can visit each.
Energy assistance
SNAP families are immediately eligible for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which offers the following benefits:
- Regular benefits to assist in paying for heating and cooling expenses.
- Crisis assistance for homes enduring utility outages or other energy problems.
- Weatherization services to increase your home’s energy efficiency and lower your heating and cooling expenses.
Each state determines its own LIHEAP eligibility criteria, application procedure, and benefit levels. For example, the average LIHEAP enrollee in California might obtain a bill credit of roughly $1,000 under the program.
Phone and internet services
One of the surprising free things with EBT is related to phone and Internet service. According to Forbes, the median monthly cost of the internet in the United States is around $65.
Nevertheless, the Lifeline Assistance Program, a government effort, offers low-income individuals and families up to $9.25 off their monthly payments. If you live on tribal territories, you will receive a higher monthly savings of up to $34.25.
This program works to erase financial obstacles, allowing participants to stay connected with family, jobs, and other opportunities.
>>> Read more: Can You Get A CalFresh Free Tablet In California? Guide 2025
Transportation
Having an EBT card helps you travel around your town for less. A lot of places provide:
- Bike share memberships.
- Free or discounted bus and metro passes.
- Discounted ride-sharing services in specific cities.
- Workforce programs with free transportation for job interviews.
- State-sponsored auto insurance reductions.
You should contact your local SNAP office to discover free and subsidized public transportation choices.
Notably, a Golden Bear Pass in California provides free automobile day-use entrance to more than 200 state parks and beaches if you present your EBT card.
Gym memberships and wellness programs
SNAP enrollees may take advantage of lower membership costs at many YMCAs across the country. These offers provide access to fitness centers, workout courses, swimming pools, and family-friendly programs.
For the best result, contact your local YMCA to inquire about any unique discount programs or sliding scale prices; many sites promote half-price memberships when you provide your EBT card.
Entertainment
Among the free things with EBT cards, eligible individuals can get free or cheap tickets to local events and festivals, youth sports programs, movies, etc.
Contact your local Parks and Recreation Department or SNAP office for further information.
Education
What are some free things to do with EBT card? Enrolling in SNAP or other government assistance initiatives may allow you to get the following benefits:
- College application fee waivers.
- GED test fee waivers.
- Reduced prices for the SAT and ACT exams.
- Career training programs through the SNAP E&T (Employment and Training)—contact your local SNAP office for career help.
Delivery and subscription services
If you are a SNAP recipient, you may qualify for reduced memberships, such as:
- Prime Access, a discounted Amazon Prime membership for SNAP recipients.
- Discounted Instacart+ membership.
- Discounted DoorDash+ membership.
Other government and community services
Lots of cities provide programs to decrease fines and fees for SNAP individuals. Discuss charge reduction or waiver programs when addressing government services such as libraries, parking tickets, and court costs.
What’s more, SNAP families with small children or older adults are also qualified for additional food assistance programs, such as WIC and SUN Bucks (formerly known as Summer EBT).
Thus, consult with your SNAP office to determine if you are automatically eligible for other kinds of food benefits.
Can You Get a Free Phone with an EBT Card?
In addition to the free things with EBT mentioned earlier, SNAP participants can receive a free government phone or tablet if they apply for the Lifeline program through an authorized service provider like AirTalk Wireless.
These devices not only assure connectivity, but they also help with job searches and emergencies.
Follow these steps to get the best free government phones in California:
- Step 1: Visit the AirTalk Wireless website and enter your ZIP code to check if Lifeline service is available in your area (California ZIP codes: 90001–96162).
- Step 2: Choose a Lifeline plan that fits your needs—with a free device or BYOD (Bring Your Own Device).
- Step 3: Browse the list of available discounted or free smartphones as well as tablets and select your preferred model.
- Step 4: Fill out the online application and upload proof of eligibility through EBT/CalFresh if required.
Note: EBT cards will no longer be accepted as proof starting May 1, 2025. Then, submit your application for review.
- Step 5: Your device will arrive in 7–10 business days if approved. Activate it and start using your free Lifeline service.
Conclusion
Exploring the full benefits of your EBT card can unlock much more than food assistance. From discounted Internet service to free museum entry and entertainment, many free things with EBT card can support your everyday life. Hence, check what’s available in your area—you might be surprised by what you qualify for!
