What Time Does Food Stamps Go on Your Card

The timing of when food stamps are deposited onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card varies by state. Generally, states issue benefits on a specific day of the month. The exact date is determined by the last digit of the recipient’s case number. For example, in California, households with case numbers ending in 1 or 2 receive their benefits on the first of the month, while those ending in 9 receive their benefits on the last day of the month. Once benefits are deposited onto the EBT card, they can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.

Direct Deposit

If you are approved for food stamps, the amount of benefits you receive will be deposited directly onto your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The exact time that the deposit is made will vary depending on your state. In general, the deposit is made on the same day that your benefits are approved. However, it may take a few days for the deposit to be reflected on your EBT card balance.

You can check the balance of your EBT card online, at an ATM, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. You can also use your EBT card to purchase food at authorized retailers.

  • Benefits are deposited on the same day they are approved.
  • It may take a few days for the deposit to be reflected on your EBT card balance.
  • You can check your EBT card balance online, at an ATM, or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card.
  • You can use your EBT card to purchase food at authorized retailers.

Mail Delivery

If you do not have an EBT card, you will receive your food stamps in the mail. The amount of benefits you receive will be printed on a check or benefits card. You can use the check or benefits card to purchase food at authorized retailers.

  • Food stamps are mailed on the same day they are approved.
  • It may take several days for the check or benefits card to arrive in the mail.
  • You can use the check or benefits card to purchase food at authorized retailers.
StateDirect DepositMail Delivery
CaliforniaSame day7-10 days
New YorkSame day5-7 days
TexasSame day5-7 days
FloridaSame day7-10 days

Food Stamps Deposit Schedule by State

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, provides electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards to help low-income individuals and families purchase food. The timing of EBT deposits, including food stamps, varies by state. Here’s a state-by-state breakdown of when food stamps are typically deposited each month:

  • Alabama: Last working day of the month
  • Alaska: Last business day of the month
  • Arizona: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Arkansas: 1st to 24th of the month
  • California: Last 3 days of the month
  • Colorado: 1st to 22nd of the month
  • Connecticut: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Delaware: 1st to 24th of the month
  • District of Columbia: 4th and 16th of the month
  • Florida: 1st to 25th of the month
  • Georgia: 1st to 21st of the month
  • Hawaii: 1st to 25th of the month
  • Idaho: 1st to 21st of the month
  • Illinois: 1st to 28th of the month
  • Indiana: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Iowa: 1st to 21st of the month
  • Kansas: 1st to 21st of the month
  • Kentucky: 1st to 21st of the month
  • Louisiana: 1st to 28th of the month
  • Maine: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Maryland: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Massachusetts: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Michigan: 1st to 22nd of the month
  • Minnesota: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Mississippi: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Missouri: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Montana: 1st to 23rd of the month
  • Nebraska: 1st to 21st of the month
  • Nevada: 1st to 21st of the month
  • New Hampshire: 1st to 24th of the month
  • New Jersey: 1st to 24th of the month
  • New Mexico: 1st to 22nd of the month
  • New York: 1st to 24th of the month
  • North Carolina: 1st to 24th of the month
  • North Dakota: 1st to 23rd of the month
  • Ohio: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Oklahoma: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Oregon: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Pennsylvania: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Rhode Island: 1st to 24th of the month
  • South Carolina: 1st to 22nd of the month
  • South Dakota: 1st to 18th of the month
  • Tennessee: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Texas: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Utah: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Vermont: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Virginia: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Washington: 1st to 24th of the month
  • West Virginia: 1st to 21st of the month
  • Wisconsin: 1st to 24th of the month
  • Wyoming: 1st to 21st of the month

It’s important to note that these dates may vary depending on holidays or weekends. For specific information about your state’s EBT deposit schedule, it’s best to contact your local SNAP office or visit the website of your state’s Department of Human Services.

When Do Food Stamps Get Deposited?

The exact timing of when food stamps (officially known as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits) are deposited onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card can vary depending on your state and the schedule set by your local Department of Human Services (DHS). Here’s a general overview of how SNAP benefits are typically distributed:

Regular Schedule

  • Generally, SNAP benefits are deposited at the same time each month, based on the last digit of your Social Security number or case number.
  • The schedule is set by each state, but typically benefits are deposited between the 1st and the 25th of the month.
  • To find out the exact schedule for your state, you can check the DHS website or contact your local DHS office.

Holiday Schedule

  • If a regular deposit date falls on a federal holiday, the deposit may be made on the business day before the holiday.
  • For example, if your regular deposit date is the 25th and Christmas falls on the 25th, your benefits may be deposited on the 24th instead.

Early Deposits

  • Some states may offer early deposits for SNAP benefits, especially during emergencies or natural disasters.
  • To find out if early deposits are available in your state, contact your local DHS office.

Late Deposits

In some cases, SNAP benefits may be deposited late due to technical issues, processing delays, or state budget problems. If your benefits are not deposited on time, you should contact your local DHS office to inquire about the status of your benefits.

Additional Information

  • SNAP benefits are typically available for use immediately upon deposit to your EBT card.
  • You can use your EBT card to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.
  • For more information about SNAP benefits and EBT cards, visit the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service website or contact your local DHS office.

SNAP Benefit Deposit Schedule by State

StateDeposit Date
Alabama1st day of the month
Alaska3rd Wednesday of the month
Arizona3rd Friday of the month
Arkansas6th day of the month
CaliforniaBetween the 10th and 25th of the month, based on the last digit of the EBT card number
ColoradoLast business day of the month
Connecticut1st day of the month
Delaware1st day of the month
District of Columbia2nd Friday of the month
FloridaBetween the 1st and 25th of the month, based on the last digit of the EBT card number
Georgia1st and 15th of the month
Hawaii1st day of the month
Idaho1st day of the month
Illinois1st day of the month
Indiana1st day of the month
Iowa1st day of the month
Kansas1st day of the month
Kentucky1st day of the month
Louisiana1st day of the month
Maine1st day of the month
Maryland1st day of the month
MassachusettsBetween the 1st and 25th of the month, based on the last digit of the EBT card number
Michigan1st day of the month
Minnesota1st day of the month
Mississippi1st day of the month
Missouri1st day of the month
Montana1st day of the month
Nebraska1st day of the month
Nevada1st day of the month
New Hampshire1st day of the month
New Jersey1st day of the month
New Mexico1st day of the month
New YorkBetween the 1st and 25th of the month, based on the last digit of the EBT card number
North Carolina1st day of the month
North Dakota1st day of the month
Ohio1st day of the month
Oklahoma1st day of the month
Oregon1st day of the month
Pennsylvania1st day of the month
Puerto Rico1st day of the month
Rhode Island1st day of the month
South Carolina1st day of the month
South Dakota1st day of the month
Tennessee1st day of the month
Texas1st day of the month
Utah1st day of the month
Vermont1st day of the month
Virginia1st day of the month
Washington1st day of the month
West Virginia1st day of the month
Wisconsin1st day of the month
Wyoming1st day of the month

Hassle-Free Access to Benefits

Food stamps, officially known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), provide financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase nutritious food.

SNAP benefits are distributed electronically through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card. The timing of when benefits are deposited onto the EBT card varies by state.

To find out the exact time that SNAP benefits are deposited in your state, you can:

  • Contact your local SNAP office.
  • Check your state’s SNAP website.
  • Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479).

Once you know the time that SNAP benefits are deposited in your state, you can plan your shopping trips accordingly.

Here are some additional tips for using your SNAP benefits:

  • Use your EBT card at authorized retailers.
  • Keep your EBT card safe and secure.
  • Report any lost or stolen EBT cards immediately.
  • Use your SNAP benefits to purchase healthy foods.
  • SNAP benefits cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco, or other non-food items.

Deposit Schedule by State

The following table provides the deposit schedule for SNAP benefits by state:

StateDeposit Date
Alabama1st and 15th of each month
Alaska1st and 15th of each month
Arizona3rd and 18th of each month
Arkansas1st and 15th of each month
California1st and 15th of each month
Colorado1st and 15th of each month
Connecticut1st and 15th of each month
Delaware1st and 15th of each month
Florida1st and 15th of each month
Georgia1st and 15th of each month
Hawaii1st and 15th of each month
Idaho1st and 15th of each month
Illinois1st and 15th of each month
Indiana1st and 15th of each month
Iowa1st and 15th of each month
Kansas1st and 15th of each month
Kentucky1st and 15th of each month
Louisiana1st and 15th of each month
Maine1st and 15th of each month
Maryland1st and 15th of each month
Massachusetts1st and 15th of each month
Michigan1st and 15th of each month
Minnesota1st and 15th of each month
Mississippi1st and 15th of each month
Missouri1st and 15th of each month
Montana1st and 15th of each month
Nebraska1st and 15th of each month
Nevada1st and 15th of each month
New Hampshire1st and 15th of each month
New Jersey1st and 15th of each month
New Mexico1st and 15th of each month
New York1st and 15th of each month
North Carolina1st and 15th of each month
North Dakota1st and 15th of each month
Ohio1st and 15th of each month
Oklahoma1st and 15th of each month
Oregon1st and 15th of each month
Pennsylvania1st and 15th of each month
Rhode Island1st and 15th of each month
South Carolina1st and 15th of each month
South Dakota1st and 15th of each month
Tennessee1st and 15th of each month
Texas1st and 15th of each month
Utah1st and 15th of each month
Vermont1st and 15th of each month
Virginia1st and 15th of each month
Washington1st and 15th of each month
West Virginia1st and 15th of each month
Wisconsin1st and 15th of each month
Wyoming1st and 15th of each month

Thank you for taking the time to read! I hope you found the information helpful. Remember, the exact time that food stamps are deposited onto your card can vary depending on your state. To get the most accurate information, it’s always best to check with your local food stamp office. If you have any other questions about food stamps, feel free to drop a comment below, and I’ll do my best to answer them. Thanks again for reading, and I hope to see you back here soon for more informative articles!