Amazon announced Tuesday that it is now offering a discount on Prime membership for customers on government assistance programs.
Anyone with a valid Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which disburses funds for programs like Temporary Assistance for Needy Families and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (food stamps), is eligible for Prime’s discounted monthly price of $5.99.
Prime’s normal price is a $99 a year, or a monthly fee of $10.99.
Amazon Prime Vice President Greeg Greeley says “We designed this membership option... to make our everyday selection and savings more accessible.”
Customers will need to have a current EBT card to enroll, but the card cannot be used to pay the actual, monthly membership fee. Those who qualify for the discount can apply once a year, up to four times.
Amazon says it is working on ways to include other government-assisted programs in the future that do not utilize EBT cards.