A full list of everything you get for free with SNAP
Your EBT card does more than just buy groceries. Enrolling in SNAP (also called food stamps) can get you and your household access to all sorts of free and discounted perks, including museum tickets, public transit passes, job training and career services, and gym memberships.
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Museums and cultural attractions#museums-and-cultural-attractions
Through Museums For All, show your EBT card at museums, zoos and more and get free or reduced admission:
- Museums of science and natural history
- Art galleries
- Zoos and aquariums
- Botanical gardens
- Children's museums
Over 1,400 museums, zoos, and aquariums nationwide participate in Museums For All, which offers admission of $5 or less for up to four people per EBT card. Just show your photo ID and EBT card—no registration needed.
Transportation#transportation
Get around your community for less when you have an EBT card. Many places offer:
- Free or reduced bus and subway passes
- Bike share memberships
- Discounted ride-sharing services in select cities
- Free transportation to job interviews through workforce programs
- State-sponsored auto insurance discounts
Talk to your local SNAP office to find out more about free and reduced public transit options. And remember that if you’re in California, a Golden Bear Pass grants free vehicle day-use access to over 200 state parks and beaches when you show your EBT card.
Energy assistance#energy-assistance
Get help with heating and cooling bills, home weatherization, and protection from utility shut-offs through LIHEAP, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program.
SNAP households automatically qualify for this federal benefit which provides the following types of assistance:
- Regular benefits that help pay for heating and cooling costs
- Crisis benefits for households facing utility shut-offs or other energy emergencies
- Weatherization services to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your heating and cooling costs
Each state manages its own LIHEAP eligibility criteria, application process, and benefit amounts. You can receive one payment per heating or cooling season.
Phone and internet services#phone-and-internet-services
EBT households can get free or heavily discounted phone and internet plans through Lifeline. In most states, qualifying households get up to $9.25 off their monthly bill (with extra savings of up to $34.25 per month for people living on Tribal lands).
Some states increase the benefit amount or the types of discounted packages offered with state funding. In California, SNAP recipients can get up to $19 off their monthly phone or internet bill. In Oregon, eligible households can choose from these Lifeline benefits:
- Up to $15.25 off your monthly phone bill
- Up to $19.25 off your monthly high-speed internet bill
- A free cell phone and data service
Some internet service providers also offer discounted internet plans to families who receive benefits like SNAP or TANF.
Entertainment#entertainment
EBT cardholders can enjoy free or discounted tickets to:
- Local events and festivals
- Movies
- Youth sports programs
- Summer camps for kids
Check with your local SNAP office or parks and recreation department to find out more.
Gym memberships and wellness programs#gym-memberships-and-wellness-programs
Many YMCAs nationwide offer reduced membership rates for SNAP participants. These discounts give you access to fitness facilities, swimming pools, workout classes, and kid-friendly programs.
Contact your local YMCA to learn about any specific discount program or sliding scale rates—many locations offer half-price memberships when you show your EBT card.
Education#education
Being enrolled in SNAP or other government benefit programs could help you get:
- GED test fee waivers
- College application fee waivers
- Reduced fees for SAT and ACT tests
- Career training programs through the SNAP E&T (Employment and Training)—check with your local SNAP office for job assistance
Other government and community services#other-government-and-community-services
Many cities like San Francisco have programs that reduce fines and fees for SNAP participants. Ask about fee reduction or waiver programs when dealing with government services like parking violations, libraries, and court expenses.
Check with your city councilmember or local representative for:
- Free tax preparation services
- Free legal aid
- Job placement assistance
There are other food assistance programs that SNAP households with young children or seniors are also eligible for, including WIC and SUN Bucks (also called Summer EBT). Check with your SNAP office to see if you automatically qualify for other types of food benefits.
Delivery and subscription services#delivery-and-subscription-services
If you get SNAP or other benefits, you may be eligible for discounted subscriptions, including:
- Prime Access, which is discounted Amazon Prime membership for people who get benefits like SNAP
- Discounted Doordash+ membership
- Discounted Instacart+ membership
