When Do I Get My EBT Benefits? Your Complete 2026 Payment Schedule Guide

If you receive SNAP benefits through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, you’re probably wondering when exactly your funds will arrive each month. The answer depends on several factors including which state you live in and your individual case details. Understanding your specific payment date is crucial for budgeting and meal planning, so let’s break down how the system works and how you can find your exact timing.

The timing of when you get your EBT benefits isn’t one-size-fits-all. Each state manages its own SNAP payment schedule, meaning your neighbor in a different state might receive their funds on a completely different date than you do. In most states throughout 2026, payments continue to be distributed between the 1st and 23rd of the month, with your specific date determined by factors like the last digit of your Social Security number, your case number, or the first letter of your last name.

Understanding Your EBT Payment Timing

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits are loaded onto a prepaid EBT card—essentially a debit card that works like a government-issued ATM card. These funds are meant to help low-income households purchase groceries and food items. The staggered payment schedule across the month is intentional; states spread out benefit distributions to manage system capacity and reduce fraud.

For new applicants or those starting SNAP for the first time, benefits are typically deposited between the 1st and 10th of the month in most states. After that initial period, your monthly payment date becomes consistent, usually falling between specific dates based on your identification information.

The key factors that determine your specific payment date include:

• Your Social Security number’s last digit
• The last two digits of your case number
• The first letter of your last name
• Your birth year or birth month
• Your individual ID number

This system ensures payments are distributed evenly throughout the month rather than everyone receiving benefits on the same day.

How to Find Your Specific Benefit Deposit Date

The easiest way to discover when you get your EBT benefits is to visit your state’s official SNAP provider website. Most states have an “EBT in My State” section where you can enter your information and get your exact payment date. You can also check your EBT card statement or contact your state’s SNAP office directly.

Once you know your payment date, mark it on your calendar. Most recipients can expect their funds to post early in the morning on their assigned day, though some banks may take a few hours to process the transaction.

State-by-State EBT Reload Schedule

Here’s how benefit deposits are scheduled across all 50 states, plus Washington D.C. and U.S. territories:

Alabama: 4th-23rd (based on case number)

Alaska: 1st of the month

Arizona: 1st-13th (based on last name’s first letter)

Arkansas: 4th-13th (based on Social Security number’s last digit)

California: 1st-10th (based on case number’s last digit)

Colorado: 1st-10th (based on Social Security number’s last digit)

Connecticut: 1st-3rd (based on last name’s first letter)

Delaware: 2nd-24th (based on last name’s first letter, spread over 23 days)

Florida: 1st-28th (based on case number’s 9th and 8th digits)

Georgia: 5th-23rd (based on ID number’s last two digits)

Guam: 1st-10th

Hawaii: 3rd-5th (based on last name’s first letter)

Idaho: 1st-10th (based on birth year’s last number)

Illinois: 1st-20th (based on case type and name combination)

Indiana: 5th-23rd (based on last name’s first letter)

Iowa: 1st-10th (based on last name’s first letter)

Kansas: 1st-10th (based on last name’s first letter)

Kentucky: 1st-19th (based on Social Security number’s last digit)

Louisiana: 1st-14th (based on Social Security number’s last digit)

Maine: 10th-14th (based on birthday’s last digit)

Maryland: 4th-23rd (based on last name’s first letter)

Massachusetts: 1st-14th (based on Social Security number’s last digit)

Michigan: 3rd-21st (based on ID number’s last two digits)

Minnesota: 4th-13th (based on case number’s last digit)

Mississippi: 4th-21st (based on case number’s last two digits)

Missouri: 1st-22nd (based on birth month and last name)

Montana: 2nd-6th (based on case number’s last digit)

Nebraska: 1st-5th (based on head of household’s Social Security number last digit)

Nevada: 1st-10th (based on birth year’s last number)

New Hampshire: 5th of the month

New Jersey: 1st-5th (based on case number’s 7th digit)

New Mexico: 1st-20th (based on Social Security number’s last two digits)

New York: 1st-9th (based on case number’s last digit; 13 non-Sunday/holiday days in New York City)

North Carolina: 3rd-21st (based on Social Security number’s last digit)

North Dakota: 1st of the month

Ohio: 2nd-20th (based on case number’s last digit)

Oklahoma: 1st-10th (based on case number’s last digit)

Oregon: 1st-9th (based on Social Security number’s last digit)

Pennsylvania: 1st-10th business days (based on case record number’s last digit)

Puerto Rico: 4th-22nd (based on Social Security number’s last digit)

Rhode Island: 1st of the month

South Carolina: 1st-19th (based on case number’s last digit)

South Dakota: 10th of the month

Tennessee: 1st-20th (based on Social Security number’s last two digits)

Texas: 1st-15th (based on Eligibility Determination Group number’s last digit)

Utah: 5th, 11th, or 15th (based on last name’s first letter)

Vermont: 1st of the month

Virginia: 1st-9th (based on case number’s last digit)

Washington: Throughout the month (based on application date and approval date)

Washington, D.C.: 1st-10th (based on last name’s first letter)

West Virginia: 1st-9th (based on last name’s first letter)

Wisconsin: 1st-15th (based on Social Security number’s 8th digit)

Wyoming: 1st-4th (based on last name’s first letter)

What You Can Purchase with Your EBT Benefits

Once you get your EBT benefits deposited, you’ll have a range of food options to choose from at authorized retailers. Your EBT card works like a regular debit card at most supermarkets, farmers’ markets, some convenience stores, and larger retailers like Walmart and Target. You can purchase fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereal, and other staple food items.

Many online grocery retailers now accept SNAP benefits as well, expanding your shopping options beyond physical stores. This flexibility helps families access nutritious food regardless of location or mobility constraints.

Planning Your Monthly Budget

Knowing when you get your EBT benefits each month allows you to plan your grocery shopping strategically. By understanding your deposit date, you can time your shopping trips to avoid the rush when benefits post for everyone simultaneously. This can help you find better inventory and potentially negotiate better prices at farmers’ markets or stores offering discounts during slower periods.

Mark your specific payment date and set reminders if needed. Many families find it helpful to do their major grocery shopping within the first few days after their benefits arrive, then strategically plan additional shopping trips throughout the month for fresh items closer to their next deposit date.