Your EBT card does more than pay for groceries. In 2026, SNAP cardholders can access discounts and free or reduced-cost benefits across dozens of programs — from internet service and smartphones to museum admission, zoo tickets, and Amazon Prime.
Most people never claim these benefits because they don’t know they exist. This guide covers every major perk your EBT card unlocks and exactly how to access each one.
Internet & Phone Benefits
Free or Low-Cost Internet Service
EBT cardholders qualify for the Lifeline program — a federal program that provides a discount of up to $9.25/month on phone or internet service. In some states and with some providers, this makes basic internet free or nearly free.
Participating providers include AT&T, Comcast Xfinity (Internet Essentials), Cox, Spectrum, and many others. Each provider sets its own pricing within the Lifeline framework.
To apply, you need proof that you receive SNAP benefits. Learn more in the full guide to free internet with SNAP or see the Lifeline program application.
Free or Discounted Smartphones
Through the Lifeline program, EBT cardholders may also qualify for a discounted or free smartphone with a monthly data plan. Carriers like SafeLink Wireless, Access Wireless, and TruConnect participate.
See the full breakdown in the guide to free phones with EBT.
Free Wi-Fi Access
Some libraries, community centers, and municipal broadband programs offer free Wi-Fi access to SNAP cardholders. Comcast Internet Essentials — one of the largest low-income internet programs in the country — accepts SNAP as qualifying proof.
More details in the guide to free Wi-Fi with EBT.
Amazon, Streaming & Shopping Discounts
Amazon Prime Discount
Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership at $6.99/month (versus the standard $14.99/month) for EBT and qualifying government assistance cardholders. This gives you access to free two-day shipping, Prime Video, Prime Music, and all other Prime benefits at less than half the regular price.
To sign up, go to Amazon’s Prime for EBT page and verify your card. Full walkthrough in the guide to Amazon EBT discounts.
Online Grocery Shopping with EBT
Your EBT card also works for online grocery orders at Amazon Fresh, Walmart Grocery, Instacart (at participating stores), and other authorized retailers. You pay for the food portion with EBT — delivery fees and tips are paid separately.
See how it works in the guide to using EBT on Amazon.
Technology: Free Devices
EBT cardholders may qualify for free or deeply discounted tech devices through several programs:
- Free smartphone — Through Lifeline-connected carriers. See free phones with EBT.
- Free tablet — Some states and nonprofit programs distribute tablets to SNAP recipients. See free tablet with food stamps.
- Free iPad — Discounted or free iPads are available through select state programs and initiatives. See free iPad with EBT.
- Free iPhone — Certain carrier programs offer iPhones to qualifying Lifeline recipients. See free iPhone with EBT.
- Free laptop — Some digital equity programs and nonprofits provide free laptops to SNAP households. See free laptop with EBT.
Availability varies significantly by state and program. These programs often have limited enrollment windows — check the individual guides for current availability.
Museums, Zoos & Cultural Institutions
Museums for All
The Museums for All program offers free or reduced-price admission ($3 or less per person, up to 4 people) to over 900 museums across the country when you show your EBT card at the door. Participating institutions include science museums, art museums, children’s museums, history museums, and more.
No advance registration required — just show your EBT card and a photo ID when you arrive. See the full list of participating museums in the guide to free museums with EBT.
Zoos & Aquariums
Many zoos and aquariums participate in similar EBT discount programs — either through Museums for All or their own local programs. Admission discounts typically range from 50% off to free for EBT cardholders and their immediate family.
See participating locations in the guide to EBT discounts at zoos.
Transportation
Free or Discounted Bus Passes
Many public transit agencies across the country offer reduced fares or free bus passes to SNAP/EBT cardholders. Eligibility and the level of discount varies significantly by city and transit agency.
See the full guide to free bus pass with EBT for a breakdown by state and city.
Energy Assistance
LIHEAP — Free Help with Utility Bills
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is a federal program that helps low-income households — including most SNAP recipients — pay heating and cooling bills. Benefits can cover hundreds of dollars in energy costs per year.
SNAP recipients automatically meet the income threshold for LIHEAP in most states and can apply separately. Learn how in the guide to what is LIHEAP or go straight to the LIHEAP application.
Summer EBT for Children
Families receiving SNAP automatically qualify for Summer EBT — which provides $120 per eligible school-age child during summer months to replace free school meals. No separate application is needed for SNAP households.
See the full guide to Summer EBT for enrollment details and dates.
Full EBT Discounts Directory
For a complete, regularly updated list of every retailer, brand, and program offering EBT discounts — organized by category — see the EBT discounts directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is free with an EBT card?
EBT cardholders can access free or discounted internet service (through Lifeline), free smartphones, free museum and zoo admission (through Museums for All), discounted Amazon Prime ($6.99/month), and potential energy bill assistance through LIHEAP. Children in SNAP households also receive Summer EBT benefits automatically.
Does having an EBT card get you free internet?
Yes — EBT cardholders qualify for the Lifeline federal program, which provides up to $9.25/month off internet or phone service. With some providers, such as Comcast Internet Essentials, this can make basic internet service free. See the free internet with SNAP guide to find participating providers in your area.
Can I get Amazon Prime free with EBT?
Not free, but significantly discounted. Amazon offers Prime at $6.99/month — less than half the standard price — for EBT and government benefits cardholders. You need to verify your EBT card through Amazon’s Prime for EBT page to access this rate.
What museums are free with EBT?
Over 900 museums across the country participate in the Museums for All program, offering free or $3-or-less admission per person (up to 4 people) to EBT cardholders. Just show your EBT card and a photo ID at the door — no advance registration needed. The free museums with EBT guide has the full list.
Can I get a free phone with my EBT card?
Yes — through the federal Lifeline program, EBT cardholders may qualify for a free or discounted smartphone and monthly data plan. Carriers including SafeLink, Access Wireless, and TruConnect participate. See the free phones with EBT guide for current offers by carrier and state.
Do any streaming services offer EBT discounts?
Amazon Prime is the most widely available streaming discount for EBT cardholders — $6.99/month versus $14.99/month. This includes Prime Video along with all other Prime benefits. Other major streaming services (Netflix, Hulu, Disney+) do not currently offer EBT-specific discounts.