Arizona EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025

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Knowing your EBT deposit dates in Arizona helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget effectively. It's important for managing your funds so you don't run out when you need them most.

In this guide, you'll learn about the SNAP payment schedule and find solutions for what to do if your deposit is late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Arizona

Arizona distributes Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits over the first 13 days of the month. Your specific date within the SNAP payment schedule is determined by the first letter of the last name of the head of household on your account.

Here is the current breakdown of SNAP deposit dates:

A – B: 1st of the month
C – D: 2nd of the month
E – F: 3rd of the month
G – H: 4th of the month
I – J: 5th of the month
K – L: 6th of the month
M – N: 7th of the month
O – P: 8th of the month
Q – R: 9th of the month
S – T: 10th of the month
U – V: 11th of the month
W – X: 12th of the month
Y – Z: 13th of the month

To confirm which of the EBT deposit dates applies to you, check your approval notice for the name listed as the "Primary Informant." The schedule is tied to that name, as detailed in the state's Nutrition Assistance FAQ. If your name changes, your deposit date will update the following month.

The schedule for Cash Assistance programs like TANF is different. All cash benefits are made available at 5:00 a.m. on the first day of each month, regardless of last name.

If you need to confirm your spot in the EBT payment schedule or have other questions, you can find an office with the DES office locator or call the Family Assistance line at 1-855-432-7587.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Arizona

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. For all the options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Arizona. Below are the three most convenient options to check your EBT balance.

Download the Benny mobile app. After you add your QUEST card number and ZIP code, your balance refreshes automatically each time you open the app. The app also provides cashback on EBT purchases at certain stores.
Visit the official Arizona EBT card website and select the option to check your balance. This action opens the ebtEDGE portal. After you log in or create an account, your food and cash benefit totals appear on the main page.
Call the 24-hour automated customer service line at 1-888-997-9333. The system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and PIN. Then, you can select the option for a balance inquiry to hear your current SNAP and cash benefit amounts.

Download Benny to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from technical issues to administrative backlogs.

System Outages and Technical Glitches

Technical problems within the Department of Economic Security (DES) can disrupt the normal EBT payment schedule. Issues like data-processing outages, system maintenance, or statewide file errors can slow down the nightly benefit run. This means your deposit might not appear until the next successful processing cycle.

Processing Delays and Staffing Shortages

High caseloads combined with limited staffing can create significant processing backlogs at DES. When new applications and ongoing cases stretch available resources, it can push benefit issuance past the expected Arizona SNAP payment dates. This can affect both new and existing recipients waiting for their monthly benefits.

Federal Government Funding Issues

Disruptions at the federal level, such as a government shutdown, can directly impact the SNAP deposit dates. If there is a lapse in appropriations, the transfer of funds from the USDA can be halted. This may force the state to delay payments if the funding impasse is not resolved quickly.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits may be delayed if there are issues with your case file that require attention. This can happen if a mid-certification review is incomplete or if DES is waiting for requested documents like pay stubs or identification. Benefits can also be suspended pending verification of reported changes to your income or household, or during a quality-control review. These holds can affect your EBT deposit dates.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Arizona, unused Nutrition Assistance and Cash Assistance benefits automatically roll over to the next month. Your balance is cumulative, so you do not lose funds simply because a new payment cycle begins. This is a separate consideration from the EBT payment schedule.

However, accounts can become inactive. If you do not use your card for 90 consecutive days, your account is marked as “aged,” and you will receive a notification. Making a simple purchase or even a balance inquiry will reactivate the account and protect your funds.

Nutrition Assistance benefits have a longer shelf life. These food benefits will be permanently removed if the account remains unused for 274 days. The state provides detailed rules on benefit availability, which is independent of the SNAP payment dates.

Cash Assistance benefits expire sooner. If your card shows no activity for 180 consecutive days, or roughly six months, any remaining cash balance will be permanently expunged. Once removed, these benefits cannot be recovered.

Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT balance

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

It can be stressful when your EBT balance is gone before the month is over. This situation is challenging, but you have options to bridge the gap until your next deposit. The following strategies can help if you are facing a food shortfall before your benefits are reloaded.

Apply for Expedited Nutrition Assistance

If you notice a shortfall, you may qualify for emergency Nutrition Assistance. Households with under $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in cash may be eligible. You might also qualify if your rent and utility costs are higher than your household's monthly income.

To apply, you will need to take a few specific steps.

Log into Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587 to start a new application, even if you already receive SNAP.
When asked about your income and resources, report exactly what you have on hand today.
Check the box indicating your food will run out within seven days to flag the application for expedited service.
You only need to upload or fax proof of your identity to start; other verifications can be provided later.

DES must load benefits onto your card within seven days of the application date. Your regular Arizona SNAP payment schedule will continue as usual after you receive these emergency funds, and legal aid resources can offer more guidance.

Ask DES to Recalculate Your Regular Allotment

If your financial circumstances have changed, you can ask the Department of Economic Security (DES) to recalculate your benefit amount. This applies to new expenses or income losses, such as a rent increase, reduced work hours, higher utility bills, or new medical or childcare costs.

You must report the change by the 10th of the month after it occurred. You can do this through:

The “Report a Change” feature on MyFamilyBenefits.
The “Other Change” button in HEAplus.
Calling or faxing the required form (FAA-0412A).

When a reported change increases your eligibility, DES must boost your benefit for the next month. This prevents you from being locked into an old amount far ahead of your next EBT deposit dates, and you may even receive a mid-month supplement.

Use Statewide Mobile Pantry and Federal Commodity Pickups

Food pantries and produce rescue events can help you get through a lean period. You can find weekly events using the Arizona Food Bank Network locator. It is a good idea to arrive early, as boxes often contain 15-30 pounds of produce and other staples.

These resources can be a great help between your EBT payment schedule. While at a distribution site, ask about USDA TEFAP or Commodity Senior Food Program packages. These provide extra shelf-stable foods once a month and never count against your EBT balance, letting you save your benefits for other needs.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that 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 to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back on SNAP-eligible items. This can help you manage your budget around the Arizona SNAP payment schedule.

Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits. The cashback feature is a useful supplement, especially in the days before your next SNAP deposit dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

Knowing your EBT deposit dates in Arizona helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget effectively. It's important for managing your funds so you don't run out when you need them most.

In this guide, you'll learn about the SNAP payment schedule and find solutions for what to do if your deposit is late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Arizona

Arizona distributes Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits over the first 13 days of the month. Your specific date within the SNAP payment schedule is determined by the first letter of the last name of the head of household on your account.

Here is the current breakdown of SNAP deposit dates:

A – B: 1st of the month
C – D: 2nd of the month
E – F: 3rd of the month
G – H: 4th of the month
I – J: 5th of the month
K – L: 6th of the month
M – N: 7th of the month
O – P: 8th of the month
Q – R: 9th of the month
S – T: 10th of the month
U – V: 11th of the month
W – X: 12th of the month
Y – Z: 13th of the month

To confirm which of the EBT deposit dates applies to you, check your approval notice for the name listed as the "Primary Informant." The schedule is tied to that name, as detailed in the state's Nutrition Assistance FAQ. If your name changes, your deposit date will update the following month.

The schedule for Cash Assistance programs like TANF is different. All cash benefits are made available at 5:00 a.m. on the first day of each month, regardless of last name.

If you need to confirm your spot in the EBT payment schedule or have other questions, you can find an office with the DES office locator or call the Family Assistance line at 1-855-432-7587.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Arizona

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. For all the options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Arizona. Below are the three most convenient options to check your EBT balance.

Download the Benny mobile app. After you add your QUEST card number and ZIP code, your balance refreshes automatically each time you open the app. The app also provides cashback on EBT purchases at certain stores.
Visit the official Arizona EBT card website and select the option to check your balance. This action opens the ebtEDGE portal. After you log in or create an account, your food and cash benefit totals appear on the main page.
Call the 24-hour automated customer service line at 1-888-997-9333. The system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and PIN. Then, you can select the option for a balance inquiry to hear your current SNAP and cash benefit amounts.

Download Benny to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from technical issues to administrative backlogs.

System Outages and Technical Glitches

Technical problems within the Department of Economic Security (DES) can disrupt the normal EBT payment schedule. Issues like data-processing outages, system maintenance, or statewide file errors can slow down the nightly benefit run. This means your deposit might not appear until the next successful processing cycle.

Processing Delays and Staffing Shortages

High caseloads combined with limited staffing can create significant processing backlogs at DES. When new applications and ongoing cases stretch available resources, it can push benefit issuance past the expected Arizona SNAP payment dates. This can affect both new and existing recipients waiting for their monthly benefits.

Federal Government Funding Issues

Disruptions at the federal level, such as a government shutdown, can directly impact the SNAP deposit dates. If there is a lapse in appropriations, the transfer of funds from the USDA can be halted. This may force the state to delay payments if the funding impasse is not resolved quickly.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits may be delayed if there are issues with your case file that require attention. This can happen if a mid-certification review is incomplete or if DES is waiting for requested documents like pay stubs or identification. Benefits can also be suspended pending verification of reported changes to your income or household, or during a quality-control review. These holds can affect your EBT deposit dates.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Arizona, unused Nutrition Assistance and Cash Assistance benefits automatically roll over to the next month. Your balance is cumulative, so you do not lose funds simply because a new payment cycle begins. This is a separate consideration from the EBT payment schedule.

However, accounts can become inactive. If you do not use your card for 90 consecutive days, your account is marked as “aged,” and you will receive a notification. Making a simple purchase or even a balance inquiry will reactivate the account and protect your funds.

Nutrition Assistance benefits have a longer shelf life. These food benefits will be permanently removed if the account remains unused for 274 days. The state provides detailed rules on benefit availability, which is independent of the SNAP payment dates.

Cash Assistance benefits expire sooner. If your card shows no activity for 180 consecutive days, or roughly six months, any remaining cash balance will be permanently expunged. Once removed, these benefits cannot be recovered.

Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT balance

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

It can be stressful when your EBT balance is gone before the month is over. This situation is challenging, but you have options to bridge the gap until your next deposit. The following strategies can help if you are facing a food shortfall before your benefits are reloaded.

Apply for Expedited Nutrition Assistance

If you notice a shortfall, you may qualify for emergency Nutrition Assistance. Households with under $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in cash may be eligible. You might also qualify if your rent and utility costs are higher than your household's monthly income.

To apply, you will need to take a few specific steps.

Log into Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587 to start a new application, even if you already receive SNAP.
When asked about your income and resources, report exactly what you have on hand today.
Check the box indicating your food will run out within seven days to flag the application for expedited service.
You only need to upload or fax proof of your identity to start; other verifications can be provided later.

DES must load benefits onto your card within seven days of the application date. Your regular Arizona SNAP payment schedule will continue as usual after you receive these emergency funds, and legal aid resources can offer more guidance.

Ask DES to Recalculate Your Regular Allotment

If your financial circumstances have changed, you can ask the Department of Economic Security (DES) to recalculate your benefit amount. This applies to new expenses or income losses, such as a rent increase, reduced work hours, higher utility bills, or new medical or childcare costs.

You must report the change by the 10th of the month after it occurred. You can do this through:

The “Report a Change” feature on MyFamilyBenefits.
The “Other Change” button in HEAplus.
Calling or faxing the required form (FAA-0412A).

When a reported change increases your eligibility, DES must boost your benefit for the next month. This prevents you from being locked into an old amount far ahead of your next EBT deposit dates, and you may even receive a mid-month supplement.

Use Statewide Mobile Pantry and Federal Commodity Pickups

Food pantries and produce rescue events can help you get through a lean period. You can find weekly events using the Arizona Food Bank Network locator. It is a good idea to arrive early, as boxes often contain 15-30 pounds of produce and other staples.

These resources can be a great help between your EBT payment schedule. While at a distribution site, ask about USDA TEFAP or Commodity Senior Food Program packages. These provide extra shelf-stable foods once a month and never count against your EBT balance, letting you save your benefits for other needs.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that 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 to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back on SNAP-eligible items. This can help you manage your budget around the Arizona SNAP payment schedule.

Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits. The cashback feature is a useful supplement, especially in the days before your next SNAP deposit dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

Knowing your EBT deposit dates in Arizona helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget effectively. It's important for managing your funds so you don't run out when you need them most.

In this guide, you'll learn about the SNAP payment schedule and find solutions for what to do if your deposit is late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Arizona

Arizona distributes Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits over the first 13 days of the month. Your specific date within the SNAP payment schedule is determined by the first letter of the last name of the head of household on your account.

Here is the current breakdown of SNAP deposit dates:

A – B: 1st of the month
C – D: 2nd of the month
E – F: 3rd of the month
G – H: 4th of the month
I – J: 5th of the month
K – L: 6th of the month
M – N: 7th of the month
O – P: 8th of the month
Q – R: 9th of the month
S – T: 10th of the month
U – V: 11th of the month
W – X: 12th of the month
Y – Z: 13th of the month

To confirm which of the EBT deposit dates applies to you, check your approval notice for the name listed as the "Primary Informant." The schedule is tied to that name, as detailed in the state's Nutrition Assistance FAQ. If your name changes, your deposit date will update the following month.

The schedule for Cash Assistance programs like TANF is different. All cash benefits are made available at 5:00 a.m. on the first day of each month, regardless of last name.

If you need to confirm your spot in the EBT payment schedule or have other questions, you can find an office with the DES office locator or call the Family Assistance line at 1-855-432-7587.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Arizona

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. For all the options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Arizona. Below are the three most convenient options to check your EBT balance.

Download the Benny mobile app. After you add your QUEST card number and ZIP code, your balance refreshes automatically each time you open the app. The app also provides cashback on EBT purchases at certain stores.
Visit the official Arizona EBT card website and select the option to check your balance. This action opens the ebtEDGE portal. After you log in or create an account, your food and cash benefit totals appear on the main page.
Call the 24-hour automated customer service line at 1-888-997-9333. The system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and PIN. Then, you can select the option for a balance inquiry to hear your current SNAP and cash benefit amounts.

Download Benny to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from technical issues to administrative backlogs.

System Outages and Technical Glitches

Technical problems within the Department of Economic Security (DES) can disrupt the normal EBT payment schedule. Issues like data-processing outages, system maintenance, or statewide file errors can slow down the nightly benefit run. This means your deposit might not appear until the next successful processing cycle.

Processing Delays and Staffing Shortages

High caseloads combined with limited staffing can create significant processing backlogs at DES. When new applications and ongoing cases stretch available resources, it can push benefit issuance past the expected Arizona SNAP payment dates. This can affect both new and existing recipients waiting for their monthly benefits.

Federal Government Funding Issues

Disruptions at the federal level, such as a government shutdown, can directly impact the SNAP deposit dates. If there is a lapse in appropriations, the transfer of funds from the USDA can be halted. This may force the state to delay payments if the funding impasse is not resolved quickly.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits may be delayed if there are issues with your case file that require attention. This can happen if a mid-certification review is incomplete or if DES is waiting for requested documents like pay stubs or identification. Benefits can also be suspended pending verification of reported changes to your income or household, or during a quality-control review. These holds can affect your EBT deposit dates.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Arizona, unused Nutrition Assistance and Cash Assistance benefits automatically roll over to the next month. Your balance is cumulative, so you do not lose funds simply because a new payment cycle begins. This is a separate consideration from the EBT payment schedule.

However, accounts can become inactive. If you do not use your card for 90 consecutive days, your account is marked as “aged,” and you will receive a notification. Making a simple purchase or even a balance inquiry will reactivate the account and protect your funds.

Nutrition Assistance benefits have a longer shelf life. These food benefits will be permanently removed if the account remains unused for 274 days. The state provides detailed rules on benefit availability, which is independent of the SNAP payment dates.

Cash Assistance benefits expire sooner. If your card shows no activity for 180 consecutive days, or roughly six months, any remaining cash balance will be permanently expunged. Once removed, these benefits cannot be recovered.

Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT balance

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

It can be stressful when your EBT balance is gone before the month is over. This situation is challenging, but you have options to bridge the gap until your next deposit. The following strategies can help if you are facing a food shortfall before your benefits are reloaded.

Apply for Expedited Nutrition Assistance

If you notice a shortfall, you may qualify for emergency Nutrition Assistance. Households with under $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in cash may be eligible. You might also qualify if your rent and utility costs are higher than your household's monthly income.

To apply, you will need to take a few specific steps.

Log into Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587 to start a new application, even if you already receive SNAP.
When asked about your income and resources, report exactly what you have on hand today.
Check the box indicating your food will run out within seven days to flag the application for expedited service.
You only need to upload or fax proof of your identity to start; other verifications can be provided later.

DES must load benefits onto your card within seven days of the application date. Your regular Arizona SNAP payment schedule will continue as usual after you receive these emergency funds, and legal aid resources can offer more guidance.

Ask DES to Recalculate Your Regular Allotment

If your financial circumstances have changed, you can ask the Department of Economic Security (DES) to recalculate your benefit amount. This applies to new expenses or income losses, such as a rent increase, reduced work hours, higher utility bills, or new medical or childcare costs.

You must report the change by the 10th of the month after it occurred. You can do this through:

The “Report a Change” feature on MyFamilyBenefits.
The “Other Change” button in HEAplus.
Calling or faxing the required form (FAA-0412A).

When a reported change increases your eligibility, DES must boost your benefit for the next month. This prevents you from being locked into an old amount far ahead of your next EBT deposit dates, and you may even receive a mid-month supplement.

Use Statewide Mobile Pantry and Federal Commodity Pickups

Food pantries and produce rescue events can help you get through a lean period. You can find weekly events using the Arizona Food Bank Network locator. It is a good idea to arrive early, as boxes often contain 15-30 pounds of produce and other staples.

These resources can be a great help between your EBT payment schedule. While at a distribution site, ask about USDA TEFAP or Commodity Senior Food Program packages. These provide extra shelf-stable foods once a month and never count against your EBT balance, letting you save your benefits for other needs.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that 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 to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back on SNAP-eligible items. This can help you manage your budget around the Arizona SNAP payment schedule.

Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits. The cashback feature is a useful supplement, especially in the days before your next SNAP deposit dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

Knowing your EBT deposit dates in Arizona helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget effectively. It's important for managing your funds so you don't run out when you need them most.

In this guide, you'll learn about the SNAP payment schedule and find solutions for what to do if your deposit is late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Arizona

Arizona distributes Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits over the first 13 days of the month. Your specific date within the SNAP payment schedule is determined by the first letter of the last name of the head of household on your account.

Here is the current breakdown of SNAP deposit dates:

A – B: 1st of the month
C – D: 2nd of the month
E – F: 3rd of the month
G – H: 4th of the month
I – J: 5th of the month
K – L: 6th of the month
M – N: 7th of the month
O – P: 8th of the month
Q – R: 9th of the month
S – T: 10th of the month
U – V: 11th of the month
W – X: 12th of the month
Y – Z: 13th of the month

To confirm which of the EBT deposit dates applies to you, check your approval notice for the name listed as the "Primary Informant." The schedule is tied to that name, as detailed in the state's Nutrition Assistance FAQ. If your name changes, your deposit date will update the following month.

The schedule for Cash Assistance programs like TANF is different. All cash benefits are made available at 5:00 a.m. on the first day of each month, regardless of last name.

If you need to confirm your spot in the EBT payment schedule or have other questions, you can find an office with the DES office locator or call the Family Assistance line at 1-855-432-7587.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Arizona

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. For all the options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Arizona. Below are the three most convenient options to check your EBT balance.

Download the Benny mobile app. After you add your QUEST card number and ZIP code, your balance refreshes automatically each time you open the app. The app also provides cashback on EBT purchases at certain stores.
Visit the official Arizona EBT card website and select the option to check your balance. This action opens the ebtEDGE portal. After you log in or create an account, your food and cash benefit totals appear on the main page.
Call the 24-hour automated customer service line at 1-888-997-9333. The system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and PIN. Then, you can select the option for a balance inquiry to hear your current SNAP and cash benefit amounts.

Download Benny to save on groceries

Get coupons from your favorite brands
Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
Get 1% cash back with the Benny Visa card and build your credit score

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from technical issues to administrative backlogs.

System Outages and Technical Glitches

Technical problems within the Department of Economic Security (DES) can disrupt the normal EBT payment schedule. Issues like data-processing outages, system maintenance, or statewide file errors can slow down the nightly benefit run. This means your deposit might not appear until the next successful processing cycle.

Processing Delays and Staffing Shortages

High caseloads combined with limited staffing can create significant processing backlogs at DES. When new applications and ongoing cases stretch available resources, it can push benefit issuance past the expected Arizona SNAP payment dates. This can affect both new and existing recipients waiting for their monthly benefits.

Federal Government Funding Issues

Disruptions at the federal level, such as a government shutdown, can directly impact the SNAP deposit dates. If there is a lapse in appropriations, the transfer of funds from the USDA can be halted. This may force the state to delay payments if the funding impasse is not resolved quickly.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits may be delayed if there are issues with your case file that require attention. This can happen if a mid-certification review is incomplete or if DES is waiting for requested documents like pay stubs or identification. Benefits can also be suspended pending verification of reported changes to your income or household, or during a quality-control review. These holds can affect your EBT deposit dates.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Arizona, unused Nutrition Assistance and Cash Assistance benefits automatically roll over to the next month. Your balance is cumulative, so you do not lose funds simply because a new payment cycle begins. This is a separate consideration from the EBT payment schedule.

However, accounts can become inactive. If you do not use your card for 90 consecutive days, your account is marked as “aged,” and you will receive a notification. Making a simple purchase or even a balance inquiry will reactivate the account and protect your funds.

Nutrition Assistance benefits have a longer shelf life. These food benefits will be permanently removed if the account remains unused for 274 days. The state provides detailed rules on benefit availability, which is independent of the SNAP payment dates.

Cash Assistance benefits expire sooner. If your card shows no activity for 180 consecutive days, or roughly six months, any remaining cash balance will be permanently expunged. Once removed, these benefits cannot be recovered.

Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT balance

Download the app

What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

It can be stressful when your EBT balance is gone before the month is over. This situation is challenging, but you have options to bridge the gap until your next deposit. The following strategies can help if you are facing a food shortfall before your benefits are reloaded.

Apply for Expedited Nutrition Assistance

If you notice a shortfall, you may qualify for emergency Nutrition Assistance. Households with under $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in cash may be eligible. You might also qualify if your rent and utility costs are higher than your household's monthly income.

To apply, you will need to take a few specific steps.

Log into Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587 to start a new application, even if you already receive SNAP.
When asked about your income and resources, report exactly what you have on hand today.
Check the box indicating your food will run out within seven days to flag the application for expedited service.
You only need to upload or fax proof of your identity to start; other verifications can be provided later.

DES must load benefits onto your card within seven days of the application date. Your regular Arizona SNAP payment schedule will continue as usual after you receive these emergency funds, and legal aid resources can offer more guidance.

Ask DES to Recalculate Your Regular Allotment

If your financial circumstances have changed, you can ask the Department of Economic Security (DES) to recalculate your benefit amount. This applies to new expenses or income losses, such as a rent increase, reduced work hours, higher utility bills, or new medical or childcare costs.

You must report the change by the 10th of the month after it occurred. You can do this through:

The “Report a Change” feature on MyFamilyBenefits.
The “Other Change” button in HEAplus.
Calling or faxing the required form (FAA-0412A).

When a reported change increases your eligibility, DES must boost your benefit for the next month. This prevents you from being locked into an old amount far ahead of your next EBT deposit dates, and you may even receive a mid-month supplement.

Use Statewide Mobile Pantry and Federal Commodity Pickups

Food pantries and produce rescue events can help you get through a lean period. You can find weekly events using the Arizona Food Bank Network locator. It is a good idea to arrive early, as boxes often contain 15-30 pounds of produce and other staples.

These resources can be a great help between your EBT payment schedule. While at a distribution site, ask about USDA TEFAP or Commodity Senior Food Program packages. These provide extra shelf-stable foods once a month and never count against your EBT balance, letting you save your benefits for other needs.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that 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 to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back on SNAP-eligible items. This can help you manage your budget around the Arizona SNAP payment schedule.

Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits. The cashback feature is a useful supplement, especially in the days before your next SNAP deposit dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Knowing your EBT deposit dates in Arizona helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget effectively. It's important for managing your funds so you don't run out when you need them most.

In this guide, you'll learn about the SNAP payment schedule and find solutions for what to do if your deposit is late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Arizona

Arizona distributes Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits over the first 13 days of the month. Your specific date within the SNAP payment schedule is determined by the first letter of the last name of the head of household on your account.

Here is the current breakdown of SNAP deposit dates:

A – B: 1st of the month
C – D: 2nd of the month
E – F: 3rd of the month
G – H: 4th of the month
I – J: 5th of the month
K – L: 6th of the month
M – N: 7th of the month
O – P: 8th of the month
Q – R: 9th of the month
S – T: 10th of the month
U – V: 11th of the month
W – X: 12th of the month
Y – Z: 13th of the month

To confirm which of the EBT deposit dates applies to you, check your approval notice for the name listed as the "Primary Informant." The schedule is tied to that name, as detailed in the state's Nutrition Assistance FAQ. If your name changes, your deposit date will update the following month.

The schedule for Cash Assistance programs like TANF is different. All cash benefits are made available at 5:00 a.m. on the first day of each month, regardless of last name.

If you need to confirm your spot in the EBT payment schedule or have other questions, you can find an office with the DES office locator or call the Family Assistance line at 1-855-432-7587.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Arizona

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. For all the options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Arizona. Below are the three most convenient options to check your EBT balance.

Download the Benny mobile app. After you add your QUEST card number and ZIP code, your balance refreshes automatically each time you open the app. The app also provides cashback on EBT purchases at certain stores.
Visit the official Arizona EBT card website and select the option to check your balance. This action opens the ebtEDGE portal. After you log in or create an account, your food and cash benefit totals appear on the main page.
Call the 24-hour automated customer service line at 1-888-997-9333. The system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and PIN. Then, you can select the option for a balance inquiry to hear your current SNAP and cash benefit amounts.

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Earn 1-3% cash back on SNAP and track your EBT balance
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Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from technical issues to administrative backlogs.

System Outages and Technical Glitches

Technical problems within the Department of Economic Security (DES) can disrupt the normal EBT payment schedule. Issues like data-processing outages, system maintenance, or statewide file errors can slow down the nightly benefit run. This means your deposit might not appear until the next successful processing cycle.

Processing Delays and Staffing Shortages

High caseloads combined with limited staffing can create significant processing backlogs at DES. When new applications and ongoing cases stretch available resources, it can push benefit issuance past the expected Arizona SNAP payment dates. This can affect both new and existing recipients waiting for their monthly benefits.

Federal Government Funding Issues

Disruptions at the federal level, such as a government shutdown, can directly impact the SNAP deposit dates. If there is a lapse in appropriations, the transfer of funds from the USDA can be halted. This may force the state to delay payments if the funding impasse is not resolved quickly.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits may be delayed if there are issues with your case file that require attention. This can happen if a mid-certification review is incomplete or if DES is waiting for requested documents like pay stubs or identification. Benefits can also be suspended pending verification of reported changes to your income or household, or during a quality-control review. These holds can affect your EBT deposit dates.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Arizona, unused Nutrition Assistance and Cash Assistance benefits automatically roll over to the next month. Your balance is cumulative, so you do not lose funds simply because a new payment cycle begins. This is a separate consideration from the EBT payment schedule.

However, accounts can become inactive. If you do not use your card for 90 consecutive days, your account is marked as “aged,” and you will receive a notification. Making a simple purchase or even a balance inquiry will reactivate the account and protect your funds.

Nutrition Assistance benefits have a longer shelf life. These food benefits will be permanently removed if the account remains unused for 274 days. The state provides detailed rules on benefit availability, which is independent of the SNAP payment dates.

Cash Assistance benefits expire sooner. If your card shows no activity for 180 consecutive days, or roughly six months, any remaining cash balance will be permanently expunged. Once removed, these benefits cannot be recovered.

Get 1-3% cash back on groceries and track your EBT balance

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What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

It can be stressful when your EBT balance is gone before the month is over. This situation is challenging, but you have options to bridge the gap until your next deposit. The following strategies can help if you are facing a food shortfall before your benefits are reloaded.

Apply for Expedited Nutrition Assistance

If you notice a shortfall, you may qualify for emergency Nutrition Assistance. Households with under $150 in monthly income and $100 or less in cash may be eligible. You might also qualify if your rent and utility costs are higher than your household's monthly income.

To apply, you will need to take a few specific steps.

Log into Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587 to start a new application, even if you already receive SNAP.
When asked about your income and resources, report exactly what you have on hand today.
Check the box indicating your food will run out within seven days to flag the application for expedited service.
You only need to upload or fax proof of your identity to start; other verifications can be provided later.

DES must load benefits onto your card within seven days of the application date. Your regular Arizona SNAP payment schedule will continue as usual after you receive these emergency funds, and legal aid resources can offer more guidance.

Ask DES to Recalculate Your Regular Allotment

If your financial circumstances have changed, you can ask the Department of Economic Security (DES) to recalculate your benefit amount. This applies to new expenses or income losses, such as a rent increase, reduced work hours, higher utility bills, or new medical or childcare costs.

You must report the change by the 10th of the month after it occurred. You can do this through:

The “Report a Change” feature on MyFamilyBenefits.
The “Other Change” button in HEAplus.
Calling or faxing the required form (FAA-0412A).

When a reported change increases your eligibility, DES must boost your benefit for the next month. This prevents you from being locked into an old amount far ahead of your next EBT deposit dates, and you may even receive a mid-month supplement.

Use Statewide Mobile Pantry and Federal Commodity Pickups

Food pantries and produce rescue events can help you get through a lean period. You can find weekly events using the Arizona Food Bank Network locator. It is a good idea to arrive early, as boxes often contain 15-30 pounds of produce and other staples.

These resources can be a great help between your EBT payment schedule. While at a distribution site, ask about USDA TEFAP or Commodity Senior Food Program packages. These provide extra shelf-stable foods once a month and never count against your EBT balance, letting you save your benefits for other needs.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that 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 to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back on SNAP-eligible items. This can help you manage your budget around the Arizona SNAP payment schedule.

Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits. The cashback feature is a useful supplement, especially in the days before your next SNAP deposit dates.