General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsEBT abusing the system
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— Dcmfox (@dcmfox.bsky.social) 2025-07-27T19:32:58.636Z
marble falls
(72,545 posts)I worked in a Grocery store for over 20 years...WIC is not abused...EBT used to be when they gave you EBT cash. People would trade it for other things to people who weren't in the system.
Now its a card, they have to show their ID card that shows they are the person receiving the food...
They get X amount per month and can buy what they want, deli items. aren't permitted.
If they want a bunch of expensive steak, sure they can, but it takes a big chunk of the money..
Lifeafter70
(1,197 posts)I currently work at a grocery store and have never been instructed to ask for ID in regards to ebt cards. The person using it is required to use a pin and that is it. No iID is required.
EBt card that shows their name, it has no picture...I've been out of the Grocery for a while, but that is how Idaho did it..It has the EBT info that you fill out as a checker
Lifeafter70
(1,197 posts)I have been a checker more than 30 years in three different states. Wic vouchers were the only thing I was required to fill out and that was only the authorized product.
Idaho may have been different but EBT cards can be used acrossed state lines and do not require the checker to ask for ID. In fact it is an invasion of privacy to do so. It is no different than using a debit card. As long as the correct pin is used it is not my job to ask for ID. To do so further stigmatizes those that need food assistance.
synni
(785 posts)I've been on EBT for 25 years, in multiple states. The only identification is your PIN. Your name is NOT printed anywhere on your EBT card, so there is no way to compare names on the card with your photo ID.
Also, when you apply for a card, you CAN apply to allow another person to use your card. (For instance, someone like me, who's disabled, and can't always make it to the supermarket, so you can give written permission for someone else to use the card on your behalf.) That person's name is on file, but it isn't on your card, either. So it wouldn't do any good for a cashier to ask for ID.
And also, SNAP EBT cards can be used in self-checkouts. Again, no ID required.
That is it, the PIN number...Sorry I used ID but I forgot its there pin..that is the number checkers had to write down
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