SNAP Payment Dates by State: When Do Food Stamps Deposit?

Your SNAP payment doesn’t arrive on the same day for everyone — and knowing your exact EBT payment date can mean the difference between an empty fridge and a full one.

Across all 50 states, food stamp benefits are staggered throughout the month based on a schedule determined by your state’s SNAP agency. Miss your expected date? Your benefits may have been delayed — or they may have already deposited without a notification.

This guide covers SNAP payment dates for every state in 2026, explains how deposit schedules work, and tells you exactly what to do when your EBT payment is late.

How SNAP Payment Dates Work

The USDA distributes SNAP funds to state agencies, but each state sets its own deposit schedule. Most states spread payments across the first 1–28 days of the month to avoid overloading grocery store systems on a single day.

Your specific deposit date is typically determined by one of these factors:

• Last digit of your case number or Social Security number — the most common method
• Last two digits of your case number — used by states with wider spreads
• Last letter of your last name — used in a few states (like New York)
• A fixed date assigned at certification — used by some smaller states

You can find your personal deposit date on your award letter, by logging into your state’s benefits portal, or by calling your state’s EBT hotline. All state hotline numbers are in our EBT phone numbers for all states directory.

Once benefits load, they appear on your EBT card at midnight on your deposit day — sometimes slightly earlier or later depending on your state’s processing system. Check your balance using your state’s EBT app, the ebtEDGE app, or by calling the number on the back of your card. See our how to check your SNAP balance guide for all methods.

SNAP Payment Schedule by State 2026: EBT Deposit Dates

The schedules below reflect each state’s standard issuance calendar. Your exact date within the window depends on your case number, SSN last digit, or other state-specific criteria.

Alabama

Deposit window: 4th – 23rd of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (04–23)

Agency: Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR)

EBT hotline: 1-800-997-8888

Alaska

Deposit window: 1st – 31st of the month (staggered throughout)

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: Alaska Division of Public Assistance (DPA)

EBT hotline: 1-888-997-8111

Arizona

Deposit window: 1st – 13th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number (1–13)

Agency: Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) — Health-e-Arizona Plus

EBT hotline: 1-888-997-9333

Arkansas

Deposit window: 4th – 13th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number (4–13)

Agency: Arkansas Department of Human Services (DHS)

EBT hotline: 1-800-997-9999

California

Deposit window: 1st – 10th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number (1–10)

Program name: CalFresh

Agency: California Department of Social Services (CDSS)

EBT hotline: 1-877-328-9677

Colorado

Deposit window: 1st – 10th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: Colorado Department of Human Services (CDHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-328-2656

Connecticut

Deposit window: 1st – 9th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Program name: Connecticut SNAP (Connect Card)

Agency: Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-328-2666

Note: Connecticut enforces a strict 274-day benefit inactivity expiration — make at least one purchase every 9 months.

Delaware

Deposit window: 2nd – 23rd of the month Based on: Last two digits of case number Agency: Delaware Health and Social Services (DHSS) EBT hotline: 1-800-526-9099

Florida

Deposit window: 1st – 28th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number (1–28)

Agency: Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF)

EBT hotline: 1-888-356-3281

Note: Benefits deposit by 6 AM on your scheduled date.

Georgia

Deposit window: 5th – 23rd of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (05–23)

Agency: Georgia Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-421-3281

Hawaii

Deposit window: 3rd – 5th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Program name: Hawaii SNAP (BESSD)

Agency: Hawaii Department of Human Services (DHS), BESSD

EBT hotline: 1-888-328-4292

Note: Hawaii’s window (3rd–5th) is one of the narrowest of any state.

Idaho

Deposit window: 1st – 10th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Program name: Food Assistance

Agency: Idaho Department of Health and Welfare (DHW)

EBT hotline: 1-800-432-3328

Illinois

Deposit window: 1st – 23rd of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (01–23)

Program name: Illinois SNAP (Illinois Link Card)

Agency: Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS)

EBT hotline: 1-800-678-5465

Indiana

Deposit window: 5th – 23rd of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (05–23)

Agency: Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA), Division of Family Resources (DFR)

EBT hotline: 1-877-768-7235

Iowa

Deposit window: 1st – 10th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS)

EBT hotline: 1-877-347-5678

Note: Iowa enacted a SNAP junk food restriction (soda/candy) effective January 1, 2026.

Kansas

Deposit window: 1st – 10th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Program name: Food Assistance (Kansas Vision Card)

Agency: Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF)

EBT hotline: 1-800-997-6666

Kentucky

Deposit window: 1st – 19th of the month

Based on: Last digit of SSN (1–19)

Program name: Food Assistance (Benefit Security EBT Card)

Agency: Kentucky Cabinet for Health and Family Services (CHFS), DCBS

EBT hotline: 1-888-979-9949

Louisiana

Deposit window: 1st – 23rd of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (01–23)

Agency: Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-997-1117

Maine

Deposit window: 1st – 10th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Program name: 3SquaresVT (adjacent state); Maine’s is simply Maine SNAP

Agency: Maine Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

EBT hotline: 1-800-477-7428

Maryland

Deposit window: 4th – 23rd of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number

Agency: Maryland Department of Human Services (DHS)

EBT hotline: 1-800-332-6347

Massachusetts

Deposit window: 1st – 14th of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (01–14)

Agency: Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA)

EBT hotline: 1-800-997-2555

Michigan

Deposit window: 3rd – 21st of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number (3–21)

Agency: Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-678-8914

Minnesota

Deposit window: 4th – 13th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-997-2227

Mississippi

Deposit window: 3rd – 22nd of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS)

EBT hotline: 1-800-948-3050

Missouri

Deposit window: 1st – 22nd of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (01–22)

Agency: Missouri Department of Social Services (DSS), Family Support Division (FSD)

EBT hotline: 1-800-997-7777

Montana

Deposit window: 1st – 10th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS)

EBT hotline: 1-866-850-1556

Nebraska

Deposit window: 1st – 5th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number (1–5)

Agency: Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

EBT hotline: 1-877-247-6328

Note: Nebraska’s narrow deposit window (1st–5th) is one of the tightest in the country. Nebraska enacted a soda and energy drink ban effective January 2026.

Nevada

Deposit window: 1st – 18th of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number

Agency: Nevada Division of Welfare and Supportive Services (DWSS)

EBT hotline: 1-866-281-2443

New Hampshire

Deposit window: 1st – 5th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-997-9777

New Jersey

Deposit window: 1st – 5th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS), Division of Family Development

EBT hotline: 1-800-997-3333

New Mexico

Deposit window: 1st – 20th of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (01–20)

Agency: New Mexico Human Services Department (HSD)

EBT hotline: 1-800-283-4465

New York

Deposit window: 1st – 9th of the month

Based on: Last letter of last name (A–F = 1st; G–N = 2nd; O–Z = 3rd; and so on through the 9th)

Program name: SNAP (Common Benefit Identification Card / CBIC)

Agency: New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)

EBT hotline: 1-888-328-6399

Note: New York uses an alphabetical system based on the last letter of the recipient’s last name — unique among US states.

North Carolina

Deposit window: 3rd – 21st of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (03–21)

Agency: North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-622-7328

North Dakota

Deposit window: 1st – 9th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: North Dakota Department of Human Services (DHS)

EBT hotline: 1-800-630-4655

Ohio

Deposit window: 2nd – 20th of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (02–20)

Program name: Ohio SNAP (Ohio Direction Card)

Agency: Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS)

EBT hotline: 1-866-386-3071

Oklahoma

Deposit window: 1st – 10th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: Oklahoma Department of Human Services (DHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-328-6551

Oregon

Deposit window: 1st – 9th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Program name: Oregon SNAP (Oregon Trail Card)

Agency: Oregon Department of Human Services (DHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-997-4447

Pennsylvania

Deposit window: 1st – 10th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Program name: SNAP (ACCESS Card)

Agency: Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-328-7366

Rhode Island

Deposit window: 1st – 14th of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (01–14)

Agency: Rhode Island Department of Human Services (DHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-979-9939

South Carolina

Deposit window: 1st – 16th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number (1–16)

Agency: South Carolina Department of Social Services (DSS)

EBT hotline: 1-800-554-5268

South Dakota

Deposit window: 10th – 19th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: South Dakota Department of Social Services (DSS)

EBT hotline: 1-800-604-5099

Note: South Dakota’s window (10th–19th) is one of the latest deposit windows in the country.

Tennessee

Deposit window: 1st – 20th of the month

Based on: Last two digits of case number (01–20)

Agency: Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-997-9444

Texas

Deposit window: 1st – 28th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number (1–28)

Program name: SNAP (Lone Star Card)

Agency: Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC)

EBT hotline: 1-800-777-7328 (English and Spanish)

Note: Texas has the widest SNAP deposit window of any state (1st–28th). Available in English and Spanish.

Utah

Deposit window: 5th – 14th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: Utah Department of Workforce Services (DWS)

EBT hotline: 1-800-997-4444

Note: Utah enacted a soft drink purchase restriction effective 2025.

Vermont

Deposit window: 1st – 10th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Program name: 3SquaresVT

Agency: Vermont Department for Children and Families (DCF)

EBT hotline: 1-800-914-8605

Virginia

Deposit window: 1st – 7th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number (1–7)

Agency: Virginia Department of Social Services (DSS)

EBT hotline: 1-866-281-2448

Note: Virginia has one of the narrowest deposit windows (1st–7th). Virginia allows cardholders to block out-of-state and online transactions for added security.

Washington

Deposit window: 1st – 20th of the month

Based on: Last digit of client ID number

Program name: Basic Food

Agency: Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS)

EBT hotline: 1-888-328-9271

West Virginia

Deposit window: 1st – 9th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources (DHHR)

EBT hotline: 1-866-545-6502

Note: West Virginia enacted a soda purchase restriction. Broadband access is limited in many coalfield counties — phone hotline is often the most reliable method to check your balance.

Wisconsin

Deposit window: 1st – 15th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Program name: FoodShare Wisconsin

Agency: Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS)

EBT hotline: 1-877-415-5164

Wyoming

Deposit window: 1st – 9th of the month

Based on: Last digit of case number

Agency: Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS)

EBT hotline: 1-800-997-1111

Note: Wyoming uses Smartcard chip technology on its EBT cards — stronger fraud protection than standard magnetic stripe cards.

What to Do If Your SNAP Payment Is Late

If your EBT payment date has passed and your benefits haven’t appeared, don’t panic — here are the steps to take:

1. Check your balance first. Benefits sometimes load in the early hours of your deposit day without sending a notification. Check your balance at how to check your SNAP balance before assuming the payment is missing.

2. Verify your deposit date. Confirm your specific date — not just the general window — by calling your state’s EBT hotline or logging into your state’s benefits portal.

3. Wait 24 hours. Processing delays of one business day are normal, particularly around holidays, weekends, and the beginning of the month when millions of benefits process simultaneously.

4. Check for common reasons for a late or missing payment:

• Your certification period may have expired — renewal is required
• A household change (income, address, new member) may have temporarily suspended benefits
• Your state office may have flagged your case for verification
• A government shutdown or technical error may have affected processing

5. Contact your state SNAP office. If benefits don’t arrive within 24–48 hours of your expected date, contact your state agency directly. See our full troubleshooting guide: Why Didn’t My SNAP Benefits Reload?

SNAP Payment Dates — State Comparison at a Glance

How to Avoid Running Out of Benefits Before Your Next Payment

SNAP payments are loaded once per month. Here’s how to make them stretch:

• Use the Double Up Food Bucks program if available in your state — it matches SNAP spending on fresh produce at participating farmers markets and some grocery stores, effectively doubling your produce budget.
• Shop early in your deposit cycle for staples like grains, canned goods, and frozen foods, and save fresh produce purchases for later in the month.
• Use grocery stores with free pickup — available at many major chains — to reduce impulse spending.
• Use coupons alongside your EBT card — paper and digital coupons can be used with SNAP purchases in most states.
• Check what else your EBT card unlocks — from half-price Amazon Prime to museum discounts. See the full list of EBT discounts by state.

Special Circumstances That Can Change Your SNAP Payment Date

Government Shutdowns

During federal government shutdowns, SNAP benefits may be distributed early — sometimes in the final days of the previous month — to ensure recipients have funds during the lapse. Keep your EBT card active and check your balance even outside your normal deposit window during shutdown periods.

Holidays

When a deposit date falls on a federal holiday, benefits typically load the business day before the holiday rather than after. This varies by state — some states load benefits on the holiday itself, others move them forward. Your state’s EBT hotline will have confirmed information for holiday periods.

Benefit Adjustments

Your payment amount — and sometimes your deposit date — can change if:

• Your household income changes
• Household members are added or removed
• You complete a mid-certification review
• Federal benefit levels are updated (typically October 1 each year)

Report changes to your state SNAP office within 10 days to avoid overpayments or underpayments. See how to report changes to SNAP for the process in your state.

Lost or Stolen EBT Card

A lost or stolen card won’t delay your payment — benefits load to your account number, not the physical card. If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to your state’s EBT hotline, and a replacement with your full balance will typically arrive within 5–7 business days. See replacing your lost EBT card for state-specific instructions.

How Much SNAP Will You Receive?

Your payment amount depends on your household size, income, and allowable deductions. The maximum monthly SNAP benefit in 2026 for a household of four is $973. See the full breakdown by household size at SNAP income limits and benefit amounts.

If you’re not yet enrolled in SNAP and want to know if you qualify, use our SNAP Eligibility Calculator for an instant estimate, or see how to apply for SNAP benefits for your state’s application process.

Frequently Asked Questions — SNAP Payment Dates

What day does SNAP deposit?

SNAP deposits on a staggered schedule throughout the month — most states spread payments across the first 1–28 days. Your specific date depends on your case number, SSN last digit, or last name initial, depending on your state. Find your state in the table above and call your EBT hotline if you’re unsure of your exact date.

What time does SNAP deposit?

SNAP benefits typically deposit at midnight (12:00 AM) on your scheduled payment date, though processing can sometimes complete slightly before or after midnight. In Florida, benefits are guaranteed to appear by 6 AM on the deposit date. If you check your balance and benefits haven’t arrived by mid-morning of your scheduled date, call your state’s EBT hotline.

Why didn’t my SNAP benefits deposit on time?

Common reasons include: your certification period expired and needs renewal, a household change triggered a case review, your payment date falls on a weekend or holiday (causing a 1-day shift), or a technical processing delay. Check your balance first, then wait 24 hours before contacting your state SNAP office. Full guide: Why Didn’t My SNAP Benefits Reload?

Which state has the earliest SNAP payment dates?

Hawaii has the narrowest earliest window (3rd–5th of the month). Virginia (1st–7th), Wyoming (1st–9th), and Connecticut (1st–9th) also have relatively early and tight deposit windows.

Which state has the latest SNAP payment dates?

South Dakota has the latest deposit window — 10th through 19th of the month. Texas has the widest overall window (1st–28th), meaning some Texas recipients receive their benefits on the 28th of each month.

Can my SNAP payment date change?

Yes — your deposit date can change if your case number changes, you move to a new state, or your state updates its issuance schedule. Always verify your current date through your state benefits portal or EBT hotline. Your date is also confirmed on every award or recertification letter you receive.

Do SNAP benefits expire?

SNAP benefits expire after 274 days (approximately 9 months) of no card activity in most states. Making at least one purchase every few months keeps your account active. Connecticut strictly enforces this policy. Benefits also expire on a shorter timeline if you receive Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) — typically within 122 days of issuance.

Can I get SNAP benefits early?

In limited circumstances — such as emergency certification for households with very low income and no food access — benefits can be issued within 7 days of application. This is called expedited SNAP. Contact your state SNAP office to request expedited processing. Standard processing takes up to 30 days.

What is the maximum SNAP benefit in 2026?

The maximum monthly SNAP benefit for a household of four in 2026 is $973. Benefit amounts vary by household size and net income. See SNAP income limits and benefit amounts for the full table.

How do I check my SNAP payment balance?

Call the number on the back of your EBT card (or find your state’s number in our EBT phone numbers directory), log into your state’s benefits portal or the ebtEDGE app, or check the receipt from your last purchase. Full guide: How to Check Your SNAP Balance.

Bottom Line

Your SNAP payment date is set by your state and typically determined by the last digit or last two digits of your case number. Most states deposit benefits between the 1st and 20th of each month, with a handful extending to the 28th.

If your EBT payment hasn’t arrived on your expected date, check your balance first, verify your specific date, and wait 24 hours before calling your state’s hotline. For persistent issues, see Why Didn’t My SNAP Benefits Reload? — and make sure your certification hasn’t lapsed.

Not yet on SNAP? Use our SNAP Eligibility Calculator to find out if you qualify, and see how to apply for SNAP benefits to get started.

Last updated: April 2026 | SNAP payment schedules are subject to change. Verify your exact deposit date with your state SNAP agency or EBT hotline. Source: USDA Food and Nutrition Service and individual state SNAP agencies.