If you get SNAP benefits, you could be missing out on these hidden freebies

If you receive SNAP benefits (food assistance), your EBT card can unlock far more than groceries. It also gives you access to a variety of free and discounted programs—from museum tickets and public transit passes to job training, gym memberships, and reduced city service fees—all designed to help stretch your budget and support your daily life.

Many of these benefits go unclaimed simply because cardholders aren’t aware of them.

Whether you’re new to SNAP or have used your EBT card for years, it’s worth exploring all the programs designed to make life more affordable and connected.

Here’s a closer look at the wide range of services available to EBT cardholders in 2025—most of which require nothing more than showing your card and a photo ID.

Museums and cultural attractions

Through Museums for All, showing your EBT card at participating venues can get you free or reduced admission to museums, zoos, and other cultural sites.

This national program includes more than 1,400 locations across the country, offering tickets priced at $5 or less for up to four people per card.

Participating sites include museums of science and natural history, art galleries, botanical gardens, children’s museums, and aquariums.

Just bring your EBT card and photo ID—no registration or advance notice is required.

Transportation

EBT cardholders can save on getting around their communities with several transportation discounts available in many regions.

Depending on where you live, you may be eligible for free or reduced bus and subway passes, bike share memberships, or discounted ride-sharing services in select cities.

Some workforce programs also provide free transportation to job interviews.

In addition, several states sponsor reduced auto insurance rates for low-income residents, which may include SNAP participants.

If you’re in California, showing your EBT card can also get you a Golden Bear Pass, which grants free vehicle day-use access to more than 200 state parks and beaches.

Also read: Protect your benefits! Find out if EBT card fraud is behind your delayed refill!

Energy assistance

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) helps eligible households with heating and cooling bills, weatherization projects, and protection from utility shut-offs.

SNAP households automatically qualify for this federal benefit, which can make a major difference in energy costs throughout the year.

LIHEAP provides several types of support, including regular payments for ongoing energy bills, emergency crisis assistance for households facing utility shut-offs, and weatherization services that improve efficiency and reduce heating or cooling expenses.

Each state runs its own version of LIHEAP, so eligibility criteria, applications, and payment amounts may vary.

Benefits are typically issued once per heating or cooling season.

Phone and internet services

Households that receive SNAP can qualify for free or discounted phone and internet plans through the federal Lifeline program.

In most states, qualifying households receive up to $9.25 off their monthly bill—or up to $34.25 for people living on Tribal lands.

Some states add extra assistance through local funding.

For instance, California SNAP recipients can get up to $19 off their monthly phone or internet bill, while in Oregon, eligible households can choose from these benefits:

Some internet providers also offer discounted plans to families who receive SNAP, TANF, or other federal benefits, making it easier to stay connected for work, telehealth, and family communication.

Also read: Energy assistance programs are throwing seniors a lifeline this winter

Entertainment and local activities

Your EBT card can also get you discounts on local entertainment.

Many community programs and recreation departments offer free or reduced-price admission to local events, movie screenings, festivals, and summer camps for children and grandchildren.

Contact your local SNAP office or city recreation department to learn about youth sports programs, park passes, or seasonal festivals that honor EBT participation.

Gym memberships and wellness programs

Staying active doesn’t have to strain your budget. Many YMCAs nationwide offer reduced membership rates for SNAP participants.

Discounts often include full access to fitness facilities, swimming pools, and classes, along with family-friendly and senior fitness programs.

Rates vary by location, but some YMCAs provide memberships at half-price when you show your EBT card.

Ask your local branch about sliding-scale options or additional wellness programs for older adults.

Also read: SNAP benefits hit by massive scam surge—are your funds at risk?

Education and career training

Being enrolled in SNAP can also unlock opportunities for education and job development.

Through SNAP E&T (Employment and Training), participants can access free job placement assistance, vocational courses, and other employment services that help improve long-term stability.

In addition, many educational institutions and testing programs offer fee waivers for SNAP participants, including GED tests, college applications, and standardized exams like the SAT or ACT.

Check with your local SNAP office or community college for career training opportunities available in your area.

Also read: Upcoming SNAP Food stamps payments: Key dates you need to know

Other government and community services

SNAP participants may also qualify for additional community-based support.

Many cities, including San Francisco, offer programs that reduce or waive fines and fees for low-income residents.

These may include parking ticket reductions, library fee waivers, or discounted court fees.

Ask your local representative or city council office about free tax preparation services, legal aid programs, and job placement assistance available to SNAP households.

Food and nutrition programs

SNAP households with young children or seniors often qualify for additional food programs.

These include the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and SUN Bucks (also called Summer EBT), which provides grocery assistance for families with children when school meal programs are paused for the summer.

Contact your state SNAP office to see if your household automatically qualifies for these additional food benefits or if separate enrollment is needed.

Also read: Costco shopper left embarrassed after self-checkout rejects common payment method

Delivery and subscription services

Several subscription services offer special discounts for EBT cardholders.

Amazon’s Prime Access program provides a reduced Prime membership rate for SNAP recipients, while some food delivery platforms—such as DoorDash+ and Instacart+—offer similar deals for qualifying households.

These services can make it easier for older adults to manage grocery shopping and household errands while saving money on delivery fees and memberships.

Technology for managing benefits

EBT cardholders can make managing benefits simpler by downloading the free Propel app (also known as Providers).

The app provides access to special coupons, partnerships, and updates about upcoming deposits, changes to SNAP programs, and local benefits news.

It’s available on both iOS and Android and can help track balances and stay informed without waiting on hold for customer service lines.

Also read: A new grocery delivery option could help stretch your budget

Getting started

Many EBT cardholders are surprised to learn how many discounts and support programs are available beyond food benefits.

Most of these perks require nothing more than your active EBT card and a few minutes to register or show proof of participation.

From free museum tickets to reduced phone bills and gym memberships, these benefits are designed to make daily life more affordable and enriching for Americans who qualify for SNAP.

Read next:

• When grocery trips raise warning signs: What SNAP recipients should know
• SNAP changes take effect November 1: What older adults and families need to know
• SNAP retailers could see changes as USDA proposes new stocking standards

Key Takeaways

• Over 1,400 museums, zoos, and aquariums offer $5 or less admission for EBT cardholders through Museums for All.
• SNAP recipients qualify automatically for LIHEAP, which provides heating and cooling assistance.
• Lifeline offers up to $9.25 monthly phone and internet discounts nationwide, with higher credits on Tribal lands.
• Additional benefits include YMCA memberships, reduced transportation costs, and SNAP E&T job training.

Take action today: Choose one benefit from this guide and sign up this week. Your future self—and your budget—will thank you. Share this article with friends who might benefit, because everyone deserves to know about these life-changing programs.