How to Shop with a LINK/EBT Card & Coupons

One of the main question I get ask when I teach coupon classes or out shopping is "Can I use coupon when I am shopping with a LINK card".  For all of my non Chicago readers a LINK cars is an EBTElectronic Benefits Transfer card that one get form the government to assist them with their food purchases for the month. 


I wanted to take this time to answer this question because more and more people are turing to the government to make ends meet.  Now I will tell you this, some people think that people who shop with and EBT card should not shop with coupons.  Because Tax papers are footing the bill for your groceries, why should you be able to get more is what I heard one day in a discussion.  I say that is there is a coupon for the item that you are purchasing, by all means get the items and pay for it with a coupon, cash, or you EBT card.


When one shops with coupon in Illinois, you will need to separate your food items from your non-food items.  {For my non-IL readers, you will have to check and see how shopping with EBT cards in your state works.}
Check out the math below:


Grocery Shopping Trip {Food & Non Food Items}
Food Items =$30.00

Non-Food items = $30.00
$12.00 in food coupons
$15.00 in non- food coupon items
Pay: $3.00 for the food on your LINK/EBT Card
Pay $30.00 in cash for Non-Food Items + Tax :-(


As you can see, when you have both food and non-food items together the coupons for the non-food items goes toward the food purchases.  The cash register only determines if the coupon is for an item that you purchase, it does not figure out if the item is food or non-food.  Therefore, your OOP (Out Of Pocket) cost for the Non-Food is regular price. 


One way to make sure that you are saving on all items is by separating your purchase.  Check out how you should separate your purchase when you are paying with coupons, cash, and LINK/EBT.


Transaction#1
Food Items = $30.00
$12.00 in food coupons
Pay: $18.00 for the food on your LINK/EBT Card

Transaction#2
Non-Food Items = $30.00
$15.00 in non food item coupons
Pay:$15.00 in cash for Non-Food Items + Tax

As you can see when you separate your purchase you spend more in LINK/EBT, but less OOP cash.  Seeing as if the LINK is your benefits that is given to you, you can use them to save and purchase more groceries.  Your OOP is $15.00 but, I rather pay $15.00 than the full $30.00 that was listed in the transaction that included food and non-food. 


Be savvy about shopping with a LINK/EBT card and with your cash.  I can not stress enough that SALE+COUPON = FREE or CHEAP.  Don't just waist your government benefits on anything.  Create a stockpile, shop and save, and think twice about your purchase?

Thanks, Cut, Clip, Save  for assistance on this post

Help NEEDED from Sister Save-A-Lot Readers

As a single working mother, I started my business to generate more income for my family. I started my blog to teach people how to save while shopping and to become frugal. When I started my blog, I knew nothing about how my blog could generate income. When I did learn, I applied to a few affiliates and were denied by many but accepted by few.


My blog and coupon class has help my finances, but now they are in jeopardy with a new bill that was pass, but has not been signed by Governor Pat Quinn. Amendment 3 to HB 3659, which states: If a sale at an Internet retailer originates through an affiliate link on an Illinois-based blog or website, that sale will be charged 6.25% Illinois sales tax. It is awaiting signature from the Governor.

In other words if and when this bill goes into effect come July then any purchase made from a link that originates from an affiliate based out of Illinois it will be taxed 6.25%! What does that mean exactly? Well, if I link you to a great deal on say Amazon…you’ll be charged tax on your purchase. Amazon and other affiliates don’t want to deal with this and will be dropping us if this goes through.

While I love looking for deals and helping others stretch their budgets, I have to say that this will hurt my income. I don’t post many Amazon deals, but during the holiday’s I generated some income from them that was helpful to my family. I received a letter from Amazon yesterday, please read it:

Greetings from the Amazon Associates Program:


We regret to inform you that the Illinois state legislature has passed an unconstitutional tax collection scheme that, if signed by Governor Quinn, would leave Amazon.com little choice but to end its relationships with Illinois-based Associates. You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you are a resident of Illinois. If our records are incorrect, you can manage the details of your Associates account here.


Please note that this not an immediate termination notice and you are still a valued participant in the Amazon Associates Program. But if the governor signs this bill, we will need to terminate the participation of all Illinois residents in the Associates Program. After that point, we will no longer pay any advertising fees for sales referred to amazon.com, endless.com and smallparts.com nor will we accept new applications for the Associates Program from Illinois residents.


The unfortunate consequences of this legislation on Illinois residents like you were explained to the legislature, including Senate and House leadership, as well as to the governor's staff.


Over a dozen other states have considered essentially identical legislation but have rejected these proposals largely because of the adverse impact on their states' residents.
Governor Quinn's office may be reached here.


We thank you for being part of the Amazon Associates Program, and wish you continued success in the future.


Sincerely,


Amazon.com

Let your voice be heard if you disagree. Please If you are an Illinois resident, please take a moment to contact Governor Pat Quinn’s office here and register your opposition to Senate Amendment 3 to HB 3659.