Louisiana EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025

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Knowing your Louisiana EBT payment schedule helps you plan your grocery trips and manage your budget. It takes the guesswork out of when your benefits will arrive, so you can shop with confidence and avoid any surprises at the checkout line.

In this guide, you'll learn about the SNAP payment dates and find solutions for common reasons why your deposit might be delayed.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the EBT payment schedule for SNAP benefits is determined by the last digit of the head-of-household’s Social Security Number (SSN). Households with an elderly or disabled head receive benefits between the 1st and 4th of each month. For all other households, your specific SNAP payment dates are organized as follows:

SSN ending in 0: 5th of the month
SSN ending in 1: 7th of the month
SSN ending in 2: 9th of the month
SSN ending in 3: 11th of the month
SSN ending in 4: 13th of the month
SSN ending in 5: 15th of the month
SSN ending in 6: 17th of the month
SSN ending in 7: 19th of the month
SSN ending in 8: 21st of the month
SSN ending in 9: 23rd of the month

These EBT deposit dates are consistent each month, with funds available by 5:00 a.m. the morning after posting. Cash assistance benefits, like FITAP and KCSP, are deposited on the first of the month.

How To Find Your Case Number

While your case number doesn't set your payment date, your case file contains the detail that does. The last digit of the head-of-household's Social Security Number determines the SNAP payment schedule, and you can find this information in a couple of places.

Check your case approval notice, which lists the head-of-household's SSN.
Log in to your CAFÉ account on the Louisiana DCFS SNAP portal to view your case details.

If you need more help locating your information, call the DCFS at 1-888-524-3578. You can also contact your parish office through the SNAP office locator.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Louisiana

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. This is a good practice after your scheduled EBT deposit dates to verify your funds are available. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Louisiana.

Here are three of the most convenient ways to see your balance:

Benny: The Benny app for your smartphone shows your current SNAP and Cash balances. It also provides access to cash-back rewards on EBT purchases at many popular stores like Walmart and Costco. Download the app and connect your card to start.
Online Portal: Visit the LifeInCheck EBT Cardholder Portal to see your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. First-time users must create an account with their card number and personal details. The portal also shows your next benefit availability date, which aligns with the SNAP payment schedule.
Customer Service Hotline: Call 1-888-997-1117 any time for automated balance information. After you select your language and enter your card number and PIN, an automated system will state your current SNAP and Cash balances. Support is available in multiple languages.

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 disrupt the regular EBT payment schedule, causing your benefits to arrive later than expected.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Delays often stem from paperwork issues with your case. If recertification forms are late or incomplete, or if you miss a required interview, your benefits may be suspended. Missing documents for income or housing costs can also stall payments. Sometimes, reported changes like a move or job loss trigger a recalculation that briefly holds the deposit until the state finishes its review. This can affect your expected SNAP payment dates.

Disaster-Related Workload Spikes

Major events like hurricanes can create a backlog for the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS). When Louisiana activates Disaster SNAP (DSNAP) or issues mass replacement benefits, the high volume of work can slow down the normal posting process. This means regular benefits might be queued behind these emergency runs, pushing back your usual SNAP deposit dates.

Staffing and Operational Constraints

Internal challenges at DCFS can also lead to late payments. Documented staff shortages mean it takes longer for workers to process cases and release benefits. Additionally, temporary office closures or a shift to remote work can slow down essential tasks like document scanning and supervisor approvals, impacting the EBT deposit dates for many households.

System or Fraud-Related Holds

Technical glitches or security measures can interfere with the SNAP payment schedule. A statewide EBT network outage, for example, can force a delay in loading benefits until the system is back online. In other cases, accounts flagged for unusual activity may be suspended for investigation, which will hold up your next deposit until the review is complete.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused food assistance benefits, including SNAP and DSNAP, will roll over each month. Your balance remains on your EBT card until you spend it. These funds are only removed if they have been on the card for nine months and the card itself has not been used at all during that same period.

Making any purchase, no matter how small, restarts the nine-month countdown for your entire food benefit balance. While removed benefits cannot be re-added, your case remains open for future allotments. This policy is not connected to the EBT payment schedule.

Cash assistance from programs like FITAP and Kinship Care follows a different set of rules. These benefits are not subject to the nine-month expungement policy that applies to food assistance. Unspent cash simply rolls over from one month to the next and stays on your card until you use it.

The only requirement is to keep the account active. A single transaction or even a balance inquiry prevents the card from being marked as dormant. This is a separate consideration from the established SNAP payment schedule. If an account is idle for a year or more, the state may close it.

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

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. However, running out of funds does not mean you are out of options. Several strategies can help you bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP Benefits

If your balance hits zero, you can apply for emergency SNAP benefits. You will need to gather a few documents first.

Your ID, Louisiana Purchase Card or case ID
Proof of current cash on hand (or that it is under $100)
Any income from the past 30 days

You can call the DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 and follow the prompts 3-2-1-3-6. Another option is to file a one-page SNAP application online or at a parish office, stating you need “expedited service.”

DCFS screens applications the same day. You may qualify if your gross income is under $150 and resources are below $100, or if shelter costs exceed what you have. According to SNAP FAQs, benefits are loaded within seven days of your interview, helping you manage until the next SNAP payment dates.

Ask DCFS to Recalculate Your Regular SNAP Budget

When your income drops or household expenses rise, you can ask DCFS to recalculate your benefits. Log into the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal and choose “Report My Changes.” You will need to upload proof of changes like:

New rent or utility increases
Reduced work hours
Added household members
Child-care fees or new medical costs for anyone 60+ or disabled

You can also phone the LAHelpU customer service center or fax documents to 225-663-3164. Once verified, DCFS will issue extra benefits from the date you reported the change. This can provide a mid-month top-up before your Louisiana EBT deposit dates.

Use Statewide Locators for Free Food Boxes

Instead of making last-minute store trips, you can schedule free food boxes from local pantries. Enter your ZIP code in Feeding Louisiana’s “Find Food” map to see nearby options. You can also dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

These locators show every pantry, mobile market, and prepared-meal site in your parish, along with their hours and ID rules. When you call, ask if they distribute USDA TEFAP family boxes or Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes for seniors. These packages can replace a full grocery run, helping you stretch resources between your EBT payment schedule.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The Benny app helps you check your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. This can help you manage your budget between your Louisiana EBT deposit dates.

To get started, link your EBT card. After a purchase, scan your receipt with the app to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items. This helps your benefits last longer, which is useful when you have a fixed SNAP payment schedule.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits. This tool can help you better prepare for your next EBT payment schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

Knowing your Louisiana EBT payment schedule helps you plan your grocery trips and manage your budget. It takes the guesswork out of when your benefits will arrive, so you can shop with confidence and avoid any surprises at the checkout line.

In this guide, you'll learn about the SNAP payment dates and find solutions for common reasons why your deposit might be delayed.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the EBT payment schedule for SNAP benefits is determined by the last digit of the head-of-household’s Social Security Number (SSN). Households with an elderly or disabled head receive benefits between the 1st and 4th of each month. For all other households, your specific SNAP payment dates are organized as follows:

SSN ending in 0: 5th of the month
SSN ending in 1: 7th of the month
SSN ending in 2: 9th of the month
SSN ending in 3: 11th of the month
SSN ending in 4: 13th of the month
SSN ending in 5: 15th of the month
SSN ending in 6: 17th of the month
SSN ending in 7: 19th of the month
SSN ending in 8: 21st of the month
SSN ending in 9: 23rd of the month

These EBT deposit dates are consistent each month, with funds available by 5:00 a.m. the morning after posting. Cash assistance benefits, like FITAP and KCSP, are deposited on the first of the month.

How To Find Your Case Number

While your case number doesn't set your payment date, your case file contains the detail that does. The last digit of the head-of-household's Social Security Number determines the SNAP payment schedule, and you can find this information in a couple of places.

Check your case approval notice, which lists the head-of-household's SSN.
Log in to your CAFÉ account on the Louisiana DCFS SNAP portal to view your case details.

If you need more help locating your information, call the DCFS at 1-888-524-3578. You can also contact your parish office through the SNAP office locator.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Louisiana

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. This is a good practice after your scheduled EBT deposit dates to verify your funds are available. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Louisiana.

Here are three of the most convenient ways to see your balance:

Benny: The Benny app for your smartphone shows your current SNAP and Cash balances. It also provides access to cash-back rewards on EBT purchases at many popular stores like Walmart and Costco. Download the app and connect your card to start.
Online Portal: Visit the LifeInCheck EBT Cardholder Portal to see your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. First-time users must create an account with their card number and personal details. The portal also shows your next benefit availability date, which aligns with the SNAP payment schedule.
Customer Service Hotline: Call 1-888-997-1117 any time for automated balance information. After you select your language and enter your card number and PIN, an automated system will state your current SNAP and Cash balances. Support is available in multiple languages.

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 disrupt the regular EBT payment schedule, causing your benefits to arrive later than expected.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Delays often stem from paperwork issues with your case. If recertification forms are late or incomplete, or if you miss a required interview, your benefits may be suspended. Missing documents for income or housing costs can also stall payments. Sometimes, reported changes like a move or job loss trigger a recalculation that briefly holds the deposit until the state finishes its review. This can affect your expected SNAP payment dates.

Disaster-Related Workload Spikes

Major events like hurricanes can create a backlog for the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS). When Louisiana activates Disaster SNAP (DSNAP) or issues mass replacement benefits, the high volume of work can slow down the normal posting process. This means regular benefits might be queued behind these emergency runs, pushing back your usual SNAP deposit dates.

Staffing and Operational Constraints

Internal challenges at DCFS can also lead to late payments. Documented staff shortages mean it takes longer for workers to process cases and release benefits. Additionally, temporary office closures or a shift to remote work can slow down essential tasks like document scanning and supervisor approvals, impacting the EBT deposit dates for many households.

System or Fraud-Related Holds

Technical glitches or security measures can interfere with the SNAP payment schedule. A statewide EBT network outage, for example, can force a delay in loading benefits until the system is back online. In other cases, accounts flagged for unusual activity may be suspended for investigation, which will hold up your next deposit until the review is complete.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused food assistance benefits, including SNAP and DSNAP, will roll over each month. Your balance remains on your EBT card until you spend it. These funds are only removed if they have been on the card for nine months and the card itself has not been used at all during that same period.

Making any purchase, no matter how small, restarts the nine-month countdown for your entire food benefit balance. While removed benefits cannot be re-added, your case remains open for future allotments. This policy is not connected to the EBT payment schedule.

Cash assistance from programs like FITAP and Kinship Care follows a different set of rules. These benefits are not subject to the nine-month expungement policy that applies to food assistance. Unspent cash simply rolls over from one month to the next and stays on your card until you use it.

The only requirement is to keep the account active. A single transaction or even a balance inquiry prevents the card from being marked as dormant. This is a separate consideration from the established SNAP payment schedule. If an account is idle for a year or more, the state may close it.

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

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. However, running out of funds does not mean you are out of options. Several strategies can help you bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP Benefits

If your balance hits zero, you can apply for emergency SNAP benefits. You will need to gather a few documents first.

Your ID, Louisiana Purchase Card or case ID
Proof of current cash on hand (or that it is under $100)
Any income from the past 30 days

You can call the DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 and follow the prompts 3-2-1-3-6. Another option is to file a one-page SNAP application online or at a parish office, stating you need “expedited service.”

DCFS screens applications the same day. You may qualify if your gross income is under $150 and resources are below $100, or if shelter costs exceed what you have. According to SNAP FAQs, benefits are loaded within seven days of your interview, helping you manage until the next SNAP payment dates.

Ask DCFS to Recalculate Your Regular SNAP Budget

When your income drops or household expenses rise, you can ask DCFS to recalculate your benefits. Log into the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal and choose “Report My Changes.” You will need to upload proof of changes like:

New rent or utility increases
Reduced work hours
Added household members
Child-care fees or new medical costs for anyone 60+ or disabled

You can also phone the LAHelpU customer service center or fax documents to 225-663-3164. Once verified, DCFS will issue extra benefits from the date you reported the change. This can provide a mid-month top-up before your Louisiana EBT deposit dates.

Use Statewide Locators for Free Food Boxes

Instead of making last-minute store trips, you can schedule free food boxes from local pantries. Enter your ZIP code in Feeding Louisiana’s “Find Food” map to see nearby options. You can also dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

These locators show every pantry, mobile market, and prepared-meal site in your parish, along with their hours and ID rules. When you call, ask if they distribute USDA TEFAP family boxes or Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes for seniors. These packages can replace a full grocery run, helping you stretch resources between your EBT payment schedule.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The Benny app helps you check your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. This can help you manage your budget between your Louisiana EBT deposit dates.

To get started, link your EBT card. After a purchase, scan your receipt with the app to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items. This helps your benefits last longer, which is useful when you have a fixed SNAP payment schedule.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits. This tool can help you better prepare for your next EBT payment schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

Knowing your Louisiana EBT payment schedule helps you plan your grocery trips and manage your budget. It takes the guesswork out of when your benefits will arrive, so you can shop with confidence and avoid any surprises at the checkout line.

In this guide, you'll learn about the SNAP payment dates and find solutions for common reasons why your deposit might be delayed.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the EBT payment schedule for SNAP benefits is determined by the last digit of the head-of-household’s Social Security Number (SSN). Households with an elderly or disabled head receive benefits between the 1st and 4th of each month. For all other households, your specific SNAP payment dates are organized as follows:

SSN ending in 0: 5th of the month
SSN ending in 1: 7th of the month
SSN ending in 2: 9th of the month
SSN ending in 3: 11th of the month
SSN ending in 4: 13th of the month
SSN ending in 5: 15th of the month
SSN ending in 6: 17th of the month
SSN ending in 7: 19th of the month
SSN ending in 8: 21st of the month
SSN ending in 9: 23rd of the month

These EBT deposit dates are consistent each month, with funds available by 5:00 a.m. the morning after posting. Cash assistance benefits, like FITAP and KCSP, are deposited on the first of the month.

How To Find Your Case Number

While your case number doesn't set your payment date, your case file contains the detail that does. The last digit of the head-of-household's Social Security Number determines the SNAP payment schedule, and you can find this information in a couple of places.

Check your case approval notice, which lists the head-of-household's SSN.
Log in to your CAFÉ account on the Louisiana DCFS SNAP portal to view your case details.

If you need more help locating your information, call the DCFS at 1-888-524-3578. You can also contact your parish office through the SNAP office locator.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Louisiana

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. This is a good practice after your scheduled EBT deposit dates to verify your funds are available. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Louisiana.

Here are three of the most convenient ways to see your balance:

Benny: The Benny app for your smartphone shows your current SNAP and Cash balances. It also provides access to cash-back rewards on EBT purchases at many popular stores like Walmart and Costco. Download the app and connect your card to start.
Online Portal: Visit the LifeInCheck EBT Cardholder Portal to see your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. First-time users must create an account with their card number and personal details. The portal also shows your next benefit availability date, which aligns with the SNAP payment schedule.
Customer Service Hotline: Call 1-888-997-1117 any time for automated balance information. After you select your language and enter your card number and PIN, an automated system will state your current SNAP and Cash balances. Support is available in multiple languages.

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 disrupt the regular EBT payment schedule, causing your benefits to arrive later than expected.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Delays often stem from paperwork issues with your case. If recertification forms are late or incomplete, or if you miss a required interview, your benefits may be suspended. Missing documents for income or housing costs can also stall payments. Sometimes, reported changes like a move or job loss trigger a recalculation that briefly holds the deposit until the state finishes its review. This can affect your expected SNAP payment dates.

Disaster-Related Workload Spikes

Major events like hurricanes can create a backlog for the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS). When Louisiana activates Disaster SNAP (DSNAP) or issues mass replacement benefits, the high volume of work can slow down the normal posting process. This means regular benefits might be queued behind these emergency runs, pushing back your usual SNAP deposit dates.

Staffing and Operational Constraints

Internal challenges at DCFS can also lead to late payments. Documented staff shortages mean it takes longer for workers to process cases and release benefits. Additionally, temporary office closures or a shift to remote work can slow down essential tasks like document scanning and supervisor approvals, impacting the EBT deposit dates for many households.

System or Fraud-Related Holds

Technical glitches or security measures can interfere with the SNAP payment schedule. A statewide EBT network outage, for example, can force a delay in loading benefits until the system is back online. In other cases, accounts flagged for unusual activity may be suspended for investigation, which will hold up your next deposit until the review is complete.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused food assistance benefits, including SNAP and DSNAP, will roll over each month. Your balance remains on your EBT card until you spend it. These funds are only removed if they have been on the card for nine months and the card itself has not been used at all during that same period.

Making any purchase, no matter how small, restarts the nine-month countdown for your entire food benefit balance. While removed benefits cannot be re-added, your case remains open for future allotments. This policy is not connected to the EBT payment schedule.

Cash assistance from programs like FITAP and Kinship Care follows a different set of rules. These benefits are not subject to the nine-month expungement policy that applies to food assistance. Unspent cash simply rolls over from one month to the next and stays on your card until you use it.

The only requirement is to keep the account active. A single transaction or even a balance inquiry prevents the card from being marked as dormant. This is a separate consideration from the established SNAP payment schedule. If an account is idle for a year or more, the state may close it.

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

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. However, running out of funds does not mean you are out of options. Several strategies can help you bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP Benefits

If your balance hits zero, you can apply for emergency SNAP benefits. You will need to gather a few documents first.

Your ID, Louisiana Purchase Card or case ID
Proof of current cash on hand (or that it is under $100)
Any income from the past 30 days

You can call the DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 and follow the prompts 3-2-1-3-6. Another option is to file a one-page SNAP application online or at a parish office, stating you need “expedited service.”

DCFS screens applications the same day. You may qualify if your gross income is under $150 and resources are below $100, or if shelter costs exceed what you have. According to SNAP FAQs, benefits are loaded within seven days of your interview, helping you manage until the next SNAP payment dates.

Ask DCFS to Recalculate Your Regular SNAP Budget

When your income drops or household expenses rise, you can ask DCFS to recalculate your benefits. Log into the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal and choose “Report My Changes.” You will need to upload proof of changes like:

New rent or utility increases
Reduced work hours
Added household members
Child-care fees or new medical costs for anyone 60+ or disabled

You can also phone the LAHelpU customer service center or fax documents to 225-663-3164. Once verified, DCFS will issue extra benefits from the date you reported the change. This can provide a mid-month top-up before your Louisiana EBT deposit dates.

Use Statewide Locators for Free Food Boxes

Instead of making last-minute store trips, you can schedule free food boxes from local pantries. Enter your ZIP code in Feeding Louisiana’s “Find Food” map to see nearby options. You can also dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

These locators show every pantry, mobile market, and prepared-meal site in your parish, along with their hours and ID rules. When you call, ask if they distribute USDA TEFAP family boxes or Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes for seniors. These packages can replace a full grocery run, helping you stretch resources between your EBT payment schedule.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The Benny app helps you check your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. This can help you manage your budget between your Louisiana EBT deposit dates.

To get started, link your EBT card. After a purchase, scan your receipt with the app to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items. This helps your benefits last longer, which is useful when you have a fixed SNAP payment schedule.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits. This tool can help you better prepare for your next EBT payment schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

SHARE

Knowing your Louisiana EBT payment schedule helps you plan your grocery trips and manage your budget. It takes the guesswork out of when your benefits will arrive, so you can shop with confidence and avoid any surprises at the checkout line.

In this guide, you'll learn about the SNAP payment dates and find solutions for common reasons why your deposit might be delayed.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the EBT payment schedule for SNAP benefits is determined by the last digit of the head-of-household’s Social Security Number (SSN). Households with an elderly or disabled head receive benefits between the 1st and 4th of each month. For all other households, your specific SNAP payment dates are organized as follows:

SSN ending in 0: 5th of the month
SSN ending in 1: 7th of the month
SSN ending in 2: 9th of the month
SSN ending in 3: 11th of the month
SSN ending in 4: 13th of the month
SSN ending in 5: 15th of the month
SSN ending in 6: 17th of the month
SSN ending in 7: 19th of the month
SSN ending in 8: 21st of the month
SSN ending in 9: 23rd of the month

These EBT deposit dates are consistent each month, with funds available by 5:00 a.m. the morning after posting. Cash assistance benefits, like FITAP and KCSP, are deposited on the first of the month.

How To Find Your Case Number

While your case number doesn't set your payment date, your case file contains the detail that does. The last digit of the head-of-household's Social Security Number determines the SNAP payment schedule, and you can find this information in a couple of places.

Check your case approval notice, which lists the head-of-household's SSN.
Log in to your CAFÉ account on the Louisiana DCFS SNAP portal to view your case details.

If you need more help locating your information, call the DCFS at 1-888-524-3578. You can also contact your parish office through the SNAP office locator.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Louisiana

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. This is a good practice after your scheduled EBT deposit dates to verify your funds are available. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Louisiana.

Here are three of the most convenient ways to see your balance:

Benny: The Benny app for your smartphone shows your current SNAP and Cash balances. It also provides access to cash-back rewards on EBT purchases at many popular stores like Walmart and Costco. Download the app and connect your card to start.
Online Portal: Visit the LifeInCheck EBT Cardholder Portal to see your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. First-time users must create an account with their card number and personal details. The portal also shows your next benefit availability date, which aligns with the SNAP payment schedule.
Customer Service Hotline: Call 1-888-997-1117 any time for automated balance information. After you select your language and enter your card number and PIN, an automated system will state your current SNAP and Cash balances. Support is available in multiple languages.

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 disrupt the regular EBT payment schedule, causing your benefits to arrive later than expected.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Delays often stem from paperwork issues with your case. If recertification forms are late or incomplete, or if you miss a required interview, your benefits may be suspended. Missing documents for income or housing costs can also stall payments. Sometimes, reported changes like a move or job loss trigger a recalculation that briefly holds the deposit until the state finishes its review. This can affect your expected SNAP payment dates.

Disaster-Related Workload Spikes

Major events like hurricanes can create a backlog for the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS). When Louisiana activates Disaster SNAP (DSNAP) or issues mass replacement benefits, the high volume of work can slow down the normal posting process. This means regular benefits might be queued behind these emergency runs, pushing back your usual SNAP deposit dates.

Staffing and Operational Constraints

Internal challenges at DCFS can also lead to late payments. Documented staff shortages mean it takes longer for workers to process cases and release benefits. Additionally, temporary office closures or a shift to remote work can slow down essential tasks like document scanning and supervisor approvals, impacting the EBT deposit dates for many households.

System or Fraud-Related Holds

Technical glitches or security measures can interfere with the SNAP payment schedule. A statewide EBT network outage, for example, can force a delay in loading benefits until the system is back online. In other cases, accounts flagged for unusual activity may be suspended for investigation, which will hold up your next deposit until the review is complete.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused food assistance benefits, including SNAP and DSNAP, will roll over each month. Your balance remains on your EBT card until you spend it. These funds are only removed if they have been on the card for nine months and the card itself has not been used at all during that same period.

Making any purchase, no matter how small, restarts the nine-month countdown for your entire food benefit balance. While removed benefits cannot be re-added, your case remains open for future allotments. This policy is not connected to the EBT payment schedule.

Cash assistance from programs like FITAP and Kinship Care follows a different set of rules. These benefits are not subject to the nine-month expungement policy that applies to food assistance. Unspent cash simply rolls over from one month to the next and stays on your card until you use it.

The only requirement is to keep the account active. A single transaction or even a balance inquiry prevents the card from being marked as dormant. This is a separate consideration from the established SNAP payment schedule. If an account is idle for a year or more, the state may close it.

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

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. However, running out of funds does not mean you are out of options. Several strategies can help you bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP Benefits

If your balance hits zero, you can apply for emergency SNAP benefits. You will need to gather a few documents first.

Your ID, Louisiana Purchase Card or case ID
Proof of current cash on hand (or that it is under $100)
Any income from the past 30 days

You can call the DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 and follow the prompts 3-2-1-3-6. Another option is to file a one-page SNAP application online or at a parish office, stating you need “expedited service.”

DCFS screens applications the same day. You may qualify if your gross income is under $150 and resources are below $100, or if shelter costs exceed what you have. According to SNAP FAQs, benefits are loaded within seven days of your interview, helping you manage until the next SNAP payment dates.

Ask DCFS to Recalculate Your Regular SNAP Budget

When your income drops or household expenses rise, you can ask DCFS to recalculate your benefits. Log into the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal and choose “Report My Changes.” You will need to upload proof of changes like:

New rent or utility increases
Reduced work hours
Added household members
Child-care fees or new medical costs for anyone 60+ or disabled

You can also phone the LAHelpU customer service center or fax documents to 225-663-3164. Once verified, DCFS will issue extra benefits from the date you reported the change. This can provide a mid-month top-up before your Louisiana EBT deposit dates.

Use Statewide Locators for Free Food Boxes

Instead of making last-minute store trips, you can schedule free food boxes from local pantries. Enter your ZIP code in Feeding Louisiana’s “Find Food” map to see nearby options. You can also dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

These locators show every pantry, mobile market, and prepared-meal site in your parish, along with their hours and ID rules. When you call, ask if they distribute USDA TEFAP family boxes or Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes for seniors. These packages can replace a full grocery run, helping you stretch resources between your EBT payment schedule.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The Benny app helps you check your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. This can help you manage your budget between your Louisiana EBT deposit dates.

To get started, link your EBT card. After a purchase, scan your receipt with the app to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items. This helps your benefits last longer, which is useful when you have a fixed SNAP payment schedule.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits. This tool can help you better prepare for your next EBT payment schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Knowing your Louisiana EBT payment schedule helps you plan your grocery trips and manage your budget. It takes the guesswork out of when your benefits will arrive, so you can shop with confidence and avoid any surprises at the checkout line.

In this guide, you'll learn about the SNAP payment dates and find solutions for common reasons why your deposit might be delayed.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Louisiana

In Louisiana, the EBT payment schedule for SNAP benefits is determined by the last digit of the head-of-household’s Social Security Number (SSN). Households with an elderly or disabled head receive benefits between the 1st and 4th of each month. For all other households, your specific SNAP payment dates are organized as follows:

SSN ending in 0: 5th of the month
SSN ending in 1: 7th of the month
SSN ending in 2: 9th of the month
SSN ending in 3: 11th of the month
SSN ending in 4: 13th of the month
SSN ending in 5: 15th of the month
SSN ending in 6: 17th of the month
SSN ending in 7: 19th of the month
SSN ending in 8: 21st of the month
SSN ending in 9: 23rd of the month

These EBT deposit dates are consistent each month, with funds available by 5:00 a.m. the morning after posting. Cash assistance benefits, like FITAP and KCSP, are deposited on the first of the month.

How To Find Your Case Number

While your case number doesn't set your payment date, your case file contains the detail that does. The last digit of the head-of-household's Social Security Number determines the SNAP payment schedule, and you can find this information in a couple of places.

Check your case approval notice, which lists the head-of-household's SSN.
Log in to your CAFÉ account on the Louisiana DCFS SNAP portal to view your case details.

If you need more help locating your information, call the DCFS at 1-888-524-3578. You can also contact your parish office through the SNAP office locator.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Louisiana

You can check your EBT balance in a few different ways to confirm that your deposit has been made. This is a good practice after your scheduled EBT deposit dates to verify your funds are available. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Louisiana.

Here are three of the most convenient ways to see your balance:

Benny: The Benny app for your smartphone shows your current SNAP and Cash balances. It also provides access to cash-back rewards on EBT purchases at many popular stores like Walmart and Costco. Download the app and connect your card to start.
Online Portal: Visit the LifeInCheck EBT Cardholder Portal to see your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. First-time users must create an account with their card number and personal details. The portal also shows your next benefit availability date, which aligns with the SNAP payment schedule.
Customer Service Hotline: Call 1-888-997-1117 any time for automated balance information. After you select your language and enter your card number and PIN, an automated system will state your current SNAP and Cash balances. Support is available in multiple languages.

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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 disrupt the regular EBT payment schedule, causing your benefits to arrive later than expected.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Delays often stem from paperwork issues with your case. If recertification forms are late or incomplete, or if you miss a required interview, your benefits may be suspended. Missing documents for income or housing costs can also stall payments. Sometimes, reported changes like a move or job loss trigger a recalculation that briefly holds the deposit until the state finishes its review. This can affect your expected SNAP payment dates.

Disaster-Related Workload Spikes

Major events like hurricanes can create a backlog for the Department of Children & Family Services (DCFS). When Louisiana activates Disaster SNAP (DSNAP) or issues mass replacement benefits, the high volume of work can slow down the normal posting process. This means regular benefits might be queued behind these emergency runs, pushing back your usual SNAP deposit dates.

Staffing and Operational Constraints

Internal challenges at DCFS can also lead to late payments. Documented staff shortages mean it takes longer for workers to process cases and release benefits. Additionally, temporary office closures or a shift to remote work can slow down essential tasks like document scanning and supervisor approvals, impacting the EBT deposit dates for many households.

System or Fraud-Related Holds

Technical glitches or security measures can interfere with the SNAP payment schedule. A statewide EBT network outage, for example, can force a delay in loading benefits until the system is back online. In other cases, accounts flagged for unusual activity may be suspended for investigation, which will hold up your next deposit until the review is complete.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused food assistance benefits, including SNAP and DSNAP, will roll over each month. Your balance remains on your EBT card until you spend it. These funds are only removed if they have been on the card for nine months and the card itself has not been used at all during that same period.

Making any purchase, no matter how small, restarts the nine-month countdown for your entire food benefit balance. While removed benefits cannot be re-added, your case remains open for future allotments. This policy is not connected to the EBT payment schedule.

Cash assistance from programs like FITAP and Kinship Care follows a different set of rules. These benefits are not subject to the nine-month expungement policy that applies to food assistance. Unspent cash simply rolls over from one month to the next and stays on your card until you use it.

The only requirement is to keep the account active. A single transaction or even a balance inquiry prevents the card from being marked as dormant. This is a separate consideration from the established SNAP payment schedule. If an account is idle for a year or more, the state may close it.

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

Seeing your EBT balance dwindle before the end of the month can be stressful. However, running out of funds does not mean you are out of options. Several strategies can help you bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP Benefits

If your balance hits zero, you can apply for emergency SNAP benefits. You will need to gather a few documents first.

Your ID, Louisiana Purchase Card or case ID
Proof of current cash on hand (or that it is under $100)
Any income from the past 30 days

You can call the DCFS at 1-888-524-3578 and follow the prompts 3-2-1-3-6. Another option is to file a one-page SNAP application online or at a parish office, stating you need “expedited service.”

DCFS screens applications the same day. You may qualify if your gross income is under $150 and resources are below $100, or if shelter costs exceed what you have. According to SNAP FAQs, benefits are loaded within seven days of your interview, helping you manage until the next SNAP payment dates.

Ask DCFS to Recalculate Your Regular SNAP Budget

When your income drops or household expenses rise, you can ask DCFS to recalculate your benefits. Log into the CAFÉ Self-Service Portal and choose “Report My Changes.” You will need to upload proof of changes like:

New rent or utility increases
Reduced work hours
Added household members
Child-care fees or new medical costs for anyone 60+ or disabled

You can also phone the LAHelpU customer service center or fax documents to 225-663-3164. Once verified, DCFS will issue extra benefits from the date you reported the change. This can provide a mid-month top-up before your Louisiana EBT deposit dates.

Use Statewide Locators for Free Food Boxes

Instead of making last-minute store trips, you can schedule free food boxes from local pantries. Enter your ZIP code in Feeding Louisiana’s “Find Food” map to see nearby options. You can also dial 2-1-1 or text your ZIP code to 898-211.

These locators show every pantry, mobile market, and prepared-meal site in your parish, along with their hours and ID rules. When you call, ask if they distribute USDA TEFAP family boxes or Commodity Supplemental Food Program boxes for seniors. These packages can replace a full grocery run, helping you stretch resources between your EBT payment schedule.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

The Benny app helps you check your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. This can help you manage your budget between your Louisiana EBT deposit dates.

To get started, link your EBT card. After a purchase, scan your receipt with the app to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items. This helps your benefits last longer, which is useful when you have a fixed SNAP payment schedule.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits. This tool can help you better prepare for your next EBT payment schedule.