SNAP and WIC shoppers can save 50% on a major Walmart deal amid food benefits crisis

Millions of budget-conscious Americans could soon stretch their grocery dollars further thanks to a new offer from one of the nation’s biggest retailers. The exclusive deal provides a steep 50% discount on a popular membership program that delivers real savings—from free deliveries to fuel perks and even entertainment access.

It’s a timely boost for households juggling rising costs and shrinking federal benefits, especially as assistance programs continue to face uncertainty. If you or someone you know receives federal aid, this limited-time offer could make a meaningful difference to your monthly budget.

A potential solution during uncertain times​

Walmart+ Assist is essentially the full-featured Walmart+ membership—think free shipping, free delivery, gas savings, and even streaming perks—offered at half the regular price for eligible shoppers. That means you get all the bells and whistles, but at a fraction of the cost.

What you get with Walmart+ Assist:

• Free delivery from your local store on orders over $35 (perfect for groceries and household essentials)
• Free shipping with no order minimum (great for those last-minute birthday gifts or household items)
• Free returns from home: Walmart will pick up your returns right from your doorstep (restrictions apply, but still, pretty handy!)
• Savings on gas and auto care at participating stations
• Free pharmacy delivery for prescriptions
• Free streaming with Paramount+ (because everyone deserves a little entertainment)

Who’s eligible?

Beyond SNAP and WIC recipients, the program extends to those enrolled in:

• Medicaid
  
• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
  
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
  
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
  
• National School Lunch Program
  
• Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, it’s worth checking—many Americans are eligible for one or more of these programs and may not even realize it.

How much does it cost?​

With the discount, Walmart+ Assist costs just $6.47 per month or $49 per year. For comparison, the standard Walmart+ membership is $12.95 per month or $98 per year. If you opt for the annual plan, you’ll save nearly $30 compared to paying month-to-month. And yes, there’s a 30-day free trial so you can test-drive all the perks before committing.

To sign up, visit walmart.com/plus/assist and complete verification through SheerID, a third-party service that confirms eligibility. The process typically takes just a few minutes.

The membership includes several benefits that can be particularly valuable during tight budget periods:

• Free delivery on orders over $35
  
• Free shipping with no minimum purchase
  
• Free pharmacy delivery
  
• Gas station discounts
  
• Free returns picked up from your home
  
• Complimentary streaming services (Paramount+ and other platforms)

Also read: Facing SNAP payment delays? TikTok users share genius food budget tips that actually work

Why this matters now​

This offer couldn’t come at a more critical time. The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced that no SNAP benefits will be issued for November due to a government funding shortfall. That’s 42 million Americans suddenly left without this vital support for groceries.

Similarly, the WIC program—which helps about 7 million mothers and children—faces a funding crisis. Emergency funds have run out, and several states are expected to exhaust their WIC resources in November unless Congress acts fast.

The government shutdown, which began on October 1, has left many families in limbo. With 12 failed votes to reopen the government, there’s no clear end in sight. For those who depend on these programs, every little bit of savings and support counts.

Smart shopping strategies during benefit delays

With traditional food assistance temporarily disrupted, Walmart+ Assist members can maximize their grocery dollars through strategic shopping:

Bulk buying opportunities: Free shipping with no minimum allows you to stock up on non-perishables when sales occur, rather than being limited to single-trip purchases.

Pharmacy savings: Free prescription delivery can eliminate transportation costs to pharmacies, while gas discounts help reduce the cost of necessary trips.

Meal planning advantages: Free delivery enables you to shop sales from home, comparing prices and planning meals around the best deals without the pressure of in-store impulse purchases.

Read next:

• Major SNAP updates could affect your benefits—here’s what’s changing this fall
• DoorDash launches massive effort helping millions hit by SNAP benefit freeze
• SNAP pause in November: Where to turn for extra food help

Key Takeaways

• Walmart is offering half-price Walmart+ Assist memberships to Americans receiving benefits such as SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, SSI, and more, providing free shipping, delivery on orders over US$35, and other perks.
• Eligible shoppers can sign up for the discounted membership at US$6.47 per month or US$49 a year, with an option for a 30-day free trial before being charged.
• To enroll, customers must verify their eligibility through a third-party service called SheerID on the Walmart website before choosing a monthly or annual payment plan.
• Recent government funding issues mean millions relying on SNAP and WIC may lose benefits in November, while advocacy groups call on the government to act quickly to restore assistance.

Are you planning to sign up for Walmart+ Assist? Have you used Walmart+ before, or do you have tips for stretching your grocery budget during tough times? Maybe you have questions about eligibility or how the program works.