What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Watching your EBT balance dwindle before the next deposit can be stressful. It’s a challenging situation, but you are not without support. Several strategies can help you secure more food assistance when you're facing a shortage before your next deposit.

Request Expedited/Emergency SNAP

If your balance hits zero, you can request “Expedited” or “Emergency” SNAP to get a fresh allotment within seven days, long before your regular Alabama SNAP payment schedule. To qualify, your household must meet one of the state's expedited service rules.

• Your monthly gross income is under $150 and liquid resources are below $100.

• Your rent and utilities are higher than your income and resources.

• A household member is a migrant or seasonal farmworker.

You can apply through the ACES Self-Service Portal or by calling Food Assistance at 866-465-2285. Tell the screener you are applying for “Expedited SNAP.” You will only need to upload proof of ID, address, and a rent or utility bill to get started.

Answer your phone for the interview. Once approved, the new amount must appear on your EBT card no later than the seventh calendar day after you applied, regardless of the standard SNAP payment dates.

Ask DHR to Rebudget Your Case

You can ask the DHR to rebudget your case anytime your income drops, expenses rise, or your household size changes. This can increase your monthly benefit, which is a welcome change to your EBT payment schedule. You do not have to wait for your annual recertification to report these changes.

First, collect documents that prove the change. This could include:

• A recent pay stub showing reduced hours or a lay-off letter.

• A new child’s birth certificate.

• Medical bills over $35 per month.

• A new lease with a higher rent amount.

Log into the ACES portal or phone your county office to submit an “interim change report.” ACES allows you to upload documents and message your worker directly. DHR staff can also key in the change for you over the phone.

Follow up through the ACES message center or by phone until the new benefit amount appears. Increases are back-dated to the day you reported the change, so even a short delay can add money back to your card, positively impacting future EBT deposit dates.

Bridge the Gap with Food-Finder Tools and 2-1-1

To avoid spending cash on groceries, you can use statewide tools to find immediate food assistance. These resources can provide help while you wait for your next SNAP deposit dates. This is a practical way to stretch your budget and keep food on the table.

Feeding Alabama’s Food Finder and the Agency Finder Tool map nearby pantries, mobile distributions, and other resources when you enter your ZIP code. These tools cover all 67 counties in Alabama.

If you don’t have internet access, you can dial 2-1-1 and say “food.” A live operator will provide the same listings, let you know which sites require appointments, and flag any pantries with convenient evening or drive-through hours.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The free Benny app helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To get started, link your EBT card. After a purchase, scan your receipt with the app to receive cashback on SNAP-eligible items directly on your EBT card.

This extra support can help your benefits last longer between deposits on the Alabama SNAP payment schedule. Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.