Can you buy formula with EBT?
At a glance
- Standard infant formulas are covered but specialized or medical ones may not be eligible under SNAP.
- You can also use your SNAP benefits to purchase oatmeal, purees, jarred baby food, cereal, juice, and other items to help you feed your baby or little one.
- The WIC program is an additional resource that can help parents and caregivers pay for formula.
Yes, your SNAP benefits can be used to buy essential food items, and that includes baby formula.
But certain types of formulas, like special prescription ones, may not meet SNAP guidelines. Read on to learn which formulas and baby food you can purchase with an EBT card.
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Which baby formulas can I buy with my EBT card?#which-baby-formulas-can-i-buy-with-my-ebt-card
If you're eligible for SNAP (also known as food stamps), you’ll receive an EBT card in the mail and get monthly SNAP deposits that automatically load onto your card. You can use your EBT card at any participating food retailer to purchase SNAP-eligible foods, like bread, produce, meat, snacks, and dairy.
Standard baby formulas fall under the dairy category and can be purchased with your EBT card. Examples of SNAP-eligible baby formulas include:
- Powdered milk or soy-based formulas like Kendamil, Bobbie and Similac powdered formulas
- Liquid infant formulas like Enfamil infant concentrate
- Ready-to-feed infant formulas like Gerber Good Start
However, specialized formulas or ones that require a prescription may not be SNAP approved. These formulas are sometimes categorized as medical supplements because they are designed to meet specific dietary or medical needs rather than general nutrition.
A doctor might prescribe a specialized formula for babies with allergies, metabolic disorders, gastrointestinal issues, and other medical conditions.
When in doubt, it’s always a good idea to check with your state's SNAP office or local retailer to make sure your infant formula is covered.
Does WIC pay for formula?#does-wic-pay-for-formula
Yes—WIC is a federally funded nutrition program that provides assistance to people who are pregnant, postpartum, or caring for young children.
If you already receive SNAP, Medicaid, or TANF (also called cash EBT) benefits you automatically qualify for WIC if you’re pregnant or caring for a child under five.
Infant formulas that aren’t covered by SNAP may be WIC-eligible. WIC usually covers medically necessary formulas when you have a doctor’s prescription and supporting documentation, including the medical condition and the amount of formula required.
But keep in mind that only certain brands of formula are WIC-approved and approval will vary by state.
Common WIC-approved formulas include Enfamil and Similac, but the specifics might be different depending on where you live.
Your WIC food package or nutrition plan should list the exact formula names you’re allowed to buy. If not, check with your local WIC office to verify which formulas are available to you.
What other baby products are EBT-eligible?#what-other-baby-products-are-ebt-eligible
In addition to standard infant formula, you can use SNAP benefits to help pay for child-friendly food items such as:
- Cereals
- Juices
- Oatmeals
- Baby food and purees in jars, pouches, or boxes
- Baby-friendly snacks like puffs
But non-food items, like diapers and wipes, are household supplies, not food, so they’re not covered by food stamps.
Is there a limit on how much baby formula you can buy with EBT?#is-there-a-limit-on-how-much-baby-formula-you-can-buy-with-ebt
No, there are no limits on the amount of infant formula you can purchase with EBT. The amount you can buy will solely depend on your available EBT balance.
Tracking your spending and setting a monthly budget for essentials can help you avoid running out of funds before your next deposit.
You can instantly check your EBT balance and manage your spending using the Propel app.
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Additional resources to help with the cost of formula#additional-resources-to-help-with-the-cost-of-formula
There are additional programs and community resources that can help you afford the price of baby formula and other infant necessities. Some of these include:
- Food banks and pantries partnering with baby supply drives
- Community and faith-based organizations providing emergency assistance
- Formula brands offering coupons, samples, and discounts
For additional information on local food and financial assistance services, dial 211 or visit 211.org to find programs near you.
