Having funds electronically deposited into an account is convenient, but weekends and banking holidays can sometimes delay the process. If the monthly deposit of your EBT happens on a Sunday and you are wondering if your food stamp funds will be immediately available, we can help you. We researched EBT deposits at length so that you'll know what to expect.
Food stamps, otherwise known as SNAP benefits, will be deposited on their regular date each month. This will happen even if that date happens to fall on a Sunday. You should be aware, however, that most states will delay any deposit if the regular deposit day occurs over a federal holiday.
Now that we know that food stamps will get deposited on Sundays, we'll take a look at how this deposit process works. You might also be wondering why food stamp benefits are not on your card or if you can get cash off your EBT card at an ATM. For the answers to these questions and more, read ahead in this post to see what our research has uncovered.
How The EBT Deposit Process Works
For decades, the food stamp program consisted of the government sending out paper vouchers to each eligible household every month.
As you can imagine, it was much easier to defraud the system with this practice. Additionally, it meant that recipients might not be able to count on their needed grocery vouchers to appear in their mailbox when needed.
The SNAP program began to issue EBT cards to combat these issues. Those who are approved for SNAP benefits have their food stamp funds electronically deposited onto their card on a set day each month. These funds are typically deposited just after midnight on the assigned date.
Most states will pay their funds out on a rolling basis. What day of the month you receive your funds is based on either your last name, the last two digits of your social security number, or the last digits of your SNAP ID number.
The SNAP website has a tool for you to see when your state will deposit your funds. On the site, click on "EBT in my state" on the top right of the page. Select your state, then click on "deposit schedule" on the left-hand side of the screen. This will show what day each month you can expect to receive your funds.
Why Are My Food Stamp Benefits Not On My EBT Card?
It can be both frustrating and embarrassing to discover that your EBT card is empty of funds when you are in line at the grocery store.
Keeping careful track of your available funds is highly recommended so that this can be avoided. This can be done through the smartphone app the government provides or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.
But suppose that you are expecting funds to be deposited and they never arrive? It's well past the regular deposit date, but your balance has not changed. This is certainly a cause for concern and one that warrants your immediate attention.
There are several reasons why funds might not have appeared in your account. Let's look at the most common reasons why, and see if they apply to your situation:
Funds Will Not Appear If Your Card Has Not Been Used For A While
States will monitor when you use your EBT card. Should your card not be used for long stretches at a time, it can indicate to the state that there is an issue. In most cases, your home state will freeze deposits into your account if you have not used it for a year or more.
You Did Not Recertify Your Benefits
Periodically, your home state will require you to recertify your benefits. Life changes do happen, and they can impact the number of funds you are entitled to.
Changes in household income, marital status changes, new additions to the family, and other occasions are taken into consideration each time you apply for benefits or recertify your current ones.
If you have not recertified your benefits, contact the SNAP office in your state immediately. The sooner they are aware of the issue, the sooner you can receive your eligible benefits. Any delay might cause them to terminate your benefits, forcing you to start the process all over again.
Fraud Has Caused Your Benefits To Be Cut Off
SNAP funds have certain rules and regulations that need to be followed if you are receiving benefits. If the social service agency that assisted you discovers that you have bought items for someone else, sold your benefits, or otherwise violated the terms, they will cease deposits to your account.
Know the rules before you begin to use your benefits. In addition to funds being suspended, you could face criminal charges if it is proven that you are engaging in food stamp fraud.
Your Balance Is Too High
If you don't use the entirety of your benefits each month, the remaining balance will roll over to the next month. While this is a good thing, it does come with one caveat.
If you allow too much money to roll over month after month, it can indicate to the distributor that you don't need the set amount of food stamps that they have been giving you.
This can cause them to freeze your deposits while your balance is too high. In some instances, it can make your services terminate altogether.
Try to not carry too much of a balance from month to month on your EBT card. And if your deposits have not appeared during a month with a higher-than-normal balance, contact your social service agency immediately so that your benefits will not be impacted.
The Date Of Deposit Was Changed
While it is rare, states have been known to change their deposit dates. They are required to notify you of any changes in writing, but sometimes we forget or dismiss important information.
Earlier in this post, we linked where you can find your state's deposit information. You can easily check and find out if your deposit date has changed.
Can I Get Cash Off My EBT Card From An ATM?
Your EBT card might be able to be used at an ATM. Along with food stamp benefits, some recipients are eligible for cash benefits that are paid out each month. If you have qualified for this benefit, then you will be able to use your EBT card at almost any ATM.
Be aware that an ATM will most likely charge you a fee for withdrawal. And if you are using your EBT card out of network, then you can get hit with an additional fee from the card issuer.
Weigh out the cost of potential fees when considering an ATM withdrawal. These fees can add up, eating into the benefits that are provided to you every month.
Can I Use My EBT Card In A Different State?
Some of us might live closer to a grocery store that's located across state lines from our primary residence. This might mean that you do the majority of your grocery shopping out of state.
Though it's a federal program, your SNAP benefits are monitored and distributed by your home state. This doesn't make it a problem to use the card elsewhere, however.
Your EBT card can be used anywhere that it is accepted. Even if you use it in a state that you don't live in, your card and its benefits will transfer across state lines.
Final Thoughts
EBT deposits will occur on the same day each month, with federal holidays sometimes delaying the deposits for a day or two. Look online to find out your state's deposit date, and plan ahead as best you can. Use your funds wisely and by the law, and don't forget to recertify when required.
We hope this post answered all of your questions. For additional information, we suggest reading the following posts:
Do Food Stamps (EBT Cards) Refill At Midnight?
Can You Deposit A Check For Someone Else Into Their Account?
What’s the Difference Between Financing a Car and Car Loan?
