Beyond monthly food benefits, having an EBT card unlocks access to a wide range of completely free stuff with EBT — products and services most SNAP recipients never realize are available. From free internet and phones to free museum admission and free grocery delivery periods, dozens of programs exist specifically to help SNAP households access things that would otherwise cost money.
This guide covers what is free with food stamps in 2026 — every EBT free program available, organized by category, along with exactly how to apply for each program.
Free Internet Access
Comcast Internet Essentials
What’s free: In some qualifying circumstances, the first 60 days of Comcast Internet Essentials service are free. After the trial, the ongoing rate is $9.95/month — not free, but heavily discounted from standard broadband pricing of $40-$80/month.
Who qualifies: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, public housing assistance, and other qualifying programs.
How to apply: Visit internetessentials.com or call 1-855-846-8376.
Cox Connect2Compete
What’s free: Some Cox service areas offer the first year of Connect2Compete internet completely free for qualifying households, particularly those with school-age children.
Who qualifies: SNAP recipients and households with children in the National School Lunch Program.
How to apply: Visit cox.com/connect2compete.
Library WiFi Hotspots
Many public libraries lend free WiFi hotspot devices to library card holders — no cost, no SNAP verification required beyond a library card. Check with your local library system for hotspot lending programs.
Free or Discounted Phone Service
Lifeline Program
What’s free: The federal Lifeline program provides a $9.25/month discount toward phone or internet service. Many providers structure their Lifeline plans so that with the discount applied, basic phone service is completely free to the qualifying household.
Who qualifies: SNAP, Medicaid, SSI, Federal Public Housing Assistance, or income at or below 135% of the federal poverty level.
Major free Lifeline providers:
- Assurance Wireless (T-Mobile network) — free monthly minutes, texts, and data
- SafeLink Wireless (Verizon/TracFone network) — free monthly service
- Access Wireless — free monthly plan available
- StandUp Wireless — free monthly plan
- enTouch Wireless — free monthly plan in select states
How to apply: Visit lifelinesupport.org to find providers in your state, or apply directly through a provider’s website using your EBT card as proof of SNAP enrollment.
Free Devices — Tablets and Phones
Free Government Phone Through Lifeline
Many Lifeline providers include a free basic smartphone with enrollment — no cost for the device itself. The phone is typically an entry-level Android smartphone.
How to get one: Apply through a Lifeline provider like Assurance Wireless or SafeLink Wireless. The free phone is provided upon approval in most cases, though availability and phone models vary by state and provider.
Free or Discounted Tablets
Some providers and programs occasionally offer free or heavily subsidized tablets to qualifying households — particularly for households with school-age children or seniors. Availability changes frequently as funding programs are updated.
For the most current information on free tablet programs and how to apply, see our dedicated free tablet with EBT article, which tracks currently available offers.
Free Museum and Attraction Admission
Museums for All
What’s free: Free or $3-or-less admission at over 700 participating museums nationwide, for up to 4 family members per visit.
Who qualifies: Any active EBT cardholder.
How to access: Show your EBT card and photo ID at the admissions desk of any participating museum. Find participating locations at museums4all.org.
Many Zoo and Aquarium Programs
What’s free: Many zoos offer completely free admission for EBT cardholders, particularly through the AZA SAFE SNAP initiative and local community partnerships.
How to access: Show your EBT card at the zoo’s admissions window. See our full zoo discounts with EBT article for a state-by-state list of participating zoos.
National Park Access
What’s free: SNAP recipients may qualify for a free America the Beautiful annual pass, providing entry to over 2,000 federal recreation sites including national parks, forests, and wildlife refuges.
How to access: Visit any National Park Service entrance with your EBT card and photo ID.
Free Food Beyond SNAP Benefits
WIC (Women, Infants, and Children)
What’s free: WIC provides specific food packages at no cost — separate from and in addition to SNAP benefits — for pregnant women, new mothers, and children under 5. Covered items include milk, eggs, cheese, whole grains, produce, and infant formula.
Who qualifies: Pregnant women, postpartum women, and children under 5 who meet income guidelines (SNAP enrollment automatically qualifies you for WIC’s income requirement).
How to apply: Contact your local WIC office — search “[your state] WIC office” or visit your state health department website.
Food Banks and Food Pantries
What’s free: Free groceries with no income test, no SNAP requirement, and no application process at most locations. Food banks operate independently of SNAP and are available to anyone in need.
How to find one: Visit feedingamerica.org and search by zip code, or dial 211 to be connected with local food assistance resources.
School Meal Programs
What’s free: Children in SNAP households are automatically eligible for free school breakfast and lunch through direct certification — no separate application needed in most districts.
How it works: Your child’s school is notified automatically when your household is enrolled in SNAP. Confirm with your school’s front office that direct certification has been applied to your child’s account.
Summer EBT / Sun Bucks
What’s free: Summer EBT provides an additional $120 per eligible child in the summer months when school meals are not available, loaded directly onto a card similar to a standard EBT card.
Who qualifies: Children who qualify for free or reduced-price school meals, including SNAP households.
How to apply: Many states automatically enroll SNAP households; check with your state’s Summer EBT program for enrollment details.
Free Delivery Programs
Amazon Fresh Free Pickup
What’s free: Amazon Fresh grocery pickup is free at participating locations for all customers, including EBT cardholders — no membership required, though Prime members get additional benefits.
Walmart+ Free Delivery (With Membership)
What’s free: Once you have a Walmart+ membership (discounted to $6.98/month for EBT cardholders), delivery from your local Walmart store is free on qualifying orders. See our Walmart+ EBT discount article for the full setup.
Instacart EBT Delivery Promotions
Instacart periodically runs promotional periods offering free or reduced delivery fees for new EBT customers. Check the Instacart app for current promotions in your area — availability changes frequently.
Free Utility Assistance
LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program)
What’s free: LIHEAP provides financial assistance — sometimes covering a full utility bill — for heating and cooling costs. This is a grant, not a loan, and does not need to be repaid.
Who qualifies: SNAP recipients typically qualify automatically or through a simplified application process.
How to apply: Contact your state or county LIHEAP office. Applications typically open seasonally (fall for heating assistance, summer for cooling assistance in eligible states).
Water Bill Assistance Programs
Many utility companies offer free or reduced water bill assistance programs for SNAP-eligible households. Contact your local water utility to ask about low-income assistance programs.
Free Diapers and Baby Supplies
National Diaper Bank Network
What’s free: Local diaper banks affiliated with the National Diaper Bank Network provide free diapers to families in need, regardless of SNAP enrollment (though SNAP enrollment often streamlines qualification).
How to find one: Visit diaperbanknetwork.org to find a diaper bank near you.
WIC Infant Formula
As covered above, WIC provides free infant formula for eligible households — one of the most valuable free benefits for new parents on SNAP.
Free Financial and Tax Services
Free Tax Preparation (VITA Program)
What’s free: The IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program provides free tax preparation for households earning below a certain income threshold — SNAP recipients typically qualify.
How to access: Search “VITA free tax help near me” or call 211 to find a VITA site during tax season.
Free Financial Counseling
Many nonprofit credit counseling agencies offer free budgeting and financial counseling services. Search for HUD-approved housing counseling agencies or nonprofit credit counseling services in your area — many serve SNAP households at no cost.
Free Educational Resources
Free Community College Programs
Some states offer free or heavily discounted community college tuition for SNAP-eligible adults through workforce development programs. Contact your state’s community college system or workforce development office.
Free GED Prep and Adult Education
Community organizations and libraries frequently offer free GED preparation classes and adult education programs, often prioritizing SNAP-eligible households.
FAQs
What is free with an EBT card?
Free programs available to EBT cardholders include Lifeline free phone service, free museum and zoo admission through Museums for All, free school meals through direct certification, WIC food packages, LIHEAP utility assistance, free tax preparation through VITA, and periodic free grocery delivery promotions. Many programs also offer significant discounts even when not entirely free — like Amazon Prime and Walmart+.
Can I get a free phone with food stamps?
Yes. The Lifeline program provides free or heavily discounted phone service to SNAP recipients through providers like Assurance Wireless and SafeLink Wireless. Many providers include a free basic smartphone with enrollment.
Is there free internet for SNAP recipients?
Comcast Internet Essentials and Cox Connect2Compete offer internet at $9.95/month for SNAP households, with some programs offering the first several months completely free depending on current promotions. Public libraries also lend free WiFi hotspots.
Can my kids eat free at school if I have food stamps?
Yes. Children in SNAP households are automatically eligible for free school breakfast and lunch through direct certification in most school districts — no separate application is typically needed.
Are there free grocery delivery options for EBT users?
Amazon Fresh offers free grocery pickup at participating locations. Walmart+ members (at the discounted $6.98/month EBT rate) get free delivery from their local Walmart store. Instacart occasionally runs free delivery promotions for new EBT customers.
Summary
SNAP households have access to a substantial network of free programs beyond monthly food benefits — free phone service, discounted or free internet, free museum and zoo admission, free school meals, free tax preparation, and utility assistance. Most require simply applying and showing proof of SNAP enrollment through your EBT card.
For paid discounts (not free, but significantly reduced) like Amazon Prime and Walmart+, see our full EBT discounts overview. Check your current monthly SNAP benefit with our food stamp calculator.
Source: Individual program websites including Lifeline National Verifier (lifelinesupport.org), Museums for All (museums4all.org), and USDA Food and Nutrition Administration — SNAP. Information reviewed for accuracy 2026.