Walmart Ends Pandemic-Era EBT Benefit: $6.99 Fee Returns for Orders Under $35

Walmart Reinstates Fee for EBT Customers

Walmart is reintroducing a $6.99 fee for grocery orders under $35 when customers pay using EBT cards.

This fee impacts both curbside pickup and delivery for people using SNAP benefits.

Originally, Walmart waived this charge during the COVID-19 pandemic to support social distancing.

Now, as pandemic restrictions ease and consumer spending slows—especially among lower-income shoppers—the company is reinstating the minimum basket fee.

This move affects anyone using government assistance programs like SNAP, as well as customers in the Walmart+ Assist program.

The $6.99 fee helps cover staff time to pick and pack orders, which is more costly than shipping from a warehouse.

Orders above $35 still don’t face this extra charge.

The return of the fee signals Walmart’s shift back to pre-pandemic practices, as it adapts to today’s economic landscape and changing customer shopping habits.

Who Will Be Affected by This Change

SNAP Recipients and EBT Users

This policy shift directly affects shoppers who use Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, mainly those enrolled in programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

These customers now face a $6.99 fee for pickup and delivery grocery orders under $35—a cost that was waived during the pandemic.

Walmart+ Assist Members

People using Walmart+ Assist, Walmart’s discounted membership for government assistance recipients, will also see this fee for smaller orders.

While Walmart+ Assist still offers its 50% discount on membership, the $6.99 charge applies to eligible members unless their order meets the $35 minimum.

Market Significance

Walmart handles nearly 26% of all SNAP-related spending in the nation, holding major influence over how and where government benefit users shop.

Any cost change is notable, since it impacts such a broad segment of families relying on government support.

These shifts come at a time when many households are watching their budgets closely, making even small fees matter more.

This fee reinstatement could shape how low-income shoppers plan their purchases going forward.

Economic Context Behind Walmart’s Decision

Adapting to Financial Challenges

Walmart is gearing up for a tough economic year as it notices less spending from its core, low-income shoppers.

This slowdown in shopping means the company needs to tighten its belt.

One clear step is bringing back the $6.99 fee for smaller EBT grocery orders—a policy paused during the pandemic to help families keep safe and stretch their grocery budgets.

Now, as economic pressures mount again, Walmart is looking for ways to balance its books and manage rising costs.

Cost-Saving Across the Company

The fee reinstatement isn’t the only change.

Walmart is also closing some offices, relocating staff to its headquarters in Arkansas, and asking suppliers to help absorb higher prices due to tariffs.

These steps all point to a company working hard to stay profitable even as difficulties rise.

Despite the cutbacks, Walmart recently saw a 10% jump in quarterly income, thanks, in part, to strong performance from its advertising business and the Walmart+ program.

As these financial adjustments unfold, customers will notice shifts in how Walmart serves its community, especially those relying most on affordability.

Walmart+ Program and Low-Income Shoppers

Walmart+ Assist is designed for shoppers on government assistance, offering half off the usual membership fee.

At $49 a year rather than $98, it makes the perks of Walmart+ much more accessible for those trying to stretch their budgets.

Many customers value features like free grocery delivery and discounts on gas—helpful in both everyday routines and tight financial spots.

Data shows the Walmart+ program is more than just a membership.

Subscribers shop at Walmart twice as often as other customers and spend about three times as much.

This loyalty spans different income levels, but lower-income households especially benefit from the ease and savings of online grocery ordering.

The positive impact of Walmart+ helps explain the company’s strong sales, even while other parts of retail face uncertainty.

Let’s consider how these updates might affect food-insecure households further.

Broader Cost-Cutting Strategies at Walmart

Walmart is tackling economic challenges with several cost-cutting measures.

Beyond the return of the $6.99 minimum basket fee, the company is making major moves behind the scenes.

Walmart is closing various offices and encouraging staff to relocate to its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.

This helps centralize operations and can save on overhead costs.

Additionally, Walmart is asking some of its suppliers to absorb price increases caused by tariffs.

By doing this, the retailer tries to keep prices lower for shoppers while managing its own expenses.

Despite these belt-tightening efforts, Walmart recently reported a 10% jump in its quarterly income, with much of the boost coming from its profitable advertising business and Walmart+ subscriptions.

These strategies show how Walmart is working to stay ahead as costs rise and customer spending patterns shift.

The question remains: how will these changes affect families facing food insecurity?

Impact on Food Insecure Households

New Barriers for Low-Income Shoppers

The return of Walmart’s $6.99 minimum basket fee for grocery orders under $35 comes at a tough time for many families.

Those using EBT cards or enrolled in Walmart+ Assist now face this fee if their orders don’t reach the $35 mark.

For food insecure households, this new expense can be a serious hurdle.

Even small fees add up, especially when budgets are stretched thin and every dollar matters.

Adjusting Shopping Habits

To avoid the fee, customers may try to consolidate purchases or plan fewer, larger trips.

This change can be tricky for families lacking storage space or reliable transportation.

Frequent small shops will now cost more, which may lead some customers to alter their buying patterns or reduce fresh food purchases.

Timing is difficult, too, as many families are already experiencing more financial strain from rising costs elsewhere.

This fee shift places another decision in the hands of shoppers as they figure out how best to stretch their budgets and feed their families.

What EBT Customers Need to Know

For shoppers paying with EBT, Walmart has reinstated a $6.99 fee for grocery orders under $35 on both pickup and delivery options.

This is a return to the pre-pandemic system and means every order below this threshold will trigger the charge, regardless of individual circumstances.

The fee exists to cover the extra costs of picking and packing smaller orders made through the store, which is pricier than shipping from a warehouse.

To avoid this extra cost, it’s important to plan ahead—consolidating grocery lists and making fewer, but larger, purchases can help.

The policy is universal: all EBT customers will see this fee if their order doesn’t meet the $35 minimum, even if they’re enrolled in Walmart+ Assist or other initiatives. ,

Staying aware of these requirements can help customers adjust their shopping habits and avoid unexpected fees as they manage their budgets.