Montana EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025

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Knowing when your EBT benefits will arrive is important for budgeting. For families across Montana, this schedule helps you plan your shopping trips and manage your monthly food expenses without any guesswork.

In this guide, you'll find out when to expect your EBT deposits and troubleshoot common reasons why they might be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Montana

In Montana, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 2nd and 6th of each month. The exact date is determined by the last digit of your TEAMS case number. This schedule also applies to TANF cash assistance benefits.

Here is how the deposit dates are scheduled:

0 or 1: 2nd of the month
2 or 3: 3rd of the month
4 or 5: 4th of the month
6 or 7: 5th of the month
8 or 9: 6th of the month

How to Find Your Case Number

Your TEAMS case number is printed on official documents from the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). If you do not have a letter available, there are a few other simple ways to find it.

Look in the upper right corner of any DPHHS benefit letter.
Check your account on the MyDPHHS online portal.
Call the statewide Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535.
Visit a local office, which you can find using the DPHHS field-office locator.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Montana

You can confirm your deposit through a few different methods. For a complete list of options, see our guide on EBT balance checks in Montana. Below are three of the most convenient ways to see your current balance.

Use the Benny mobile app for real-time balance updates for both SNAP and cash benefits. The app also provides access to cashback at many popular stores. Download the app, create an account, and link your Montana Access EBT card to see your balance.
Visit the official Montana EBT website and select the option to check your account. You will need to log into the MyBNFT portal or register a new account with your card details. Your current balance and recent transactions appear on the home screen.
Call the 24-hour Cardholder Help Desk at 1-866-850-1556. After you select your language, the automated system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and PIN. The system then states your current SNAP and TANF balances and your last deposit amount.

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

A delay can often be traced back to an issue with your case file.

Administrative Or Eligibility Snags

This could involve a missing periodic report, an incomplete mid-cycle form, or an overdue recertification. Benefits cannot be released until required documents like pay stubs or ID are submitted and the file is cleared. A temporary case closure while the agency checks conflicting information can also hold up your deposit.

Sometimes the delay is due to issues within the state agency itself.

Agency Processing Backlog Or Staffing Shortages

Montana’s DPHHS has acknowledged that diverting staff for other tasks has impacted processing times for all programs. This congestion has led to a drop in the on-time processing rate for SNAP, causing some households to receive their benefits later than expected.

Technology issues can unexpectedly postpone benefit distribution.

Technical Or System Glitches

A statewide or national EBT network outage, a failed overnight data transfer, or system maintenance can delay the file that loads benefits. A problem with a third-party vendor can affect benefit availability across multiple states until the system is restored.

Your benefits may be held if there is an active issue or investigation on your account.

Sanctions, Repayment, Or Fraud Holds

A hold can be placed on your account for several reasons, including TANF work-requirement sanctions, an ongoing overpayment recoupment, or an active fraud investigation. This places the case in a suspended status, preventing the monthly amount from being issued until the matter is resolved.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Montana, any unused benefits on your EBT card carry over to the next month. This automatic rollover applies to both SNAP food assistance and TANF cash benefits. You are not required to spend your entire balance within the month it is issued.

Your benefits will remain on the card as long as you use it at least once a year. If an account has no activity for 365 consecutive days, the state permanently removes any remaining balance. These EBT account policies apply to all cardholders.

The state may also use your balance to settle an unpaid overpayment claim. This can happen if your card is inactive for 90 days and you owe money to the agency. Otherwise, the funds stay available until the one-year expiration mark is reached.

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. It’s a common challenge, but it doesn’t have to mean going without. Fortunately, there are several options available to help bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP Benefits

If your balance hits $0, you can apply for emergency SNAP benefits. First, check if your household qualifies. You may be eligible if you meet certain income and resource limits.

You have under $150 in gross monthly income and $100 or less in liquid resources.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm-worker household with $100 or less in resources.
Your monthly income and resources are lower than your rent/mortgage and utility costs, as detailed in state guidelines.

Next, gather a photo ID, proof of current income, and a recent rent or utility bill. You can file a SNAP application at your local Office of Public Assistance or online. When the form asks if you need benefits right away, mark “Yes—Expedited Service.”

After applying, you will complete a brief interview, often by phone. If the office cannot mail your EBT card in time, you can pick it up or authorize a trusted friend to do so. You can find more information on this process, and benefits should arrive within seven days.

Ask DPHHS to Recalculate Your Benefit Amount

You can ask the DPHHS to recalculate your benefit amount at any time, not just during your annual recertification. If your income, expenses, or household size changes, you may qualify for a higher allotment.

Compare your current situation to the latest income limits. If your work hours were cut, rent increased, or you have new childcare or medical bills, you might fall below a new threshold or qualify for additional deductions.

To report a change, collect proof like paystubs, a new lease, or medical receipts. You can submit this through the “Report of Change” section in the My Benefits portal or by calling your OPA worker to request an “interim certification interview.”

Use Montana’s Statewide Food-Rescue Network

You can stretch your meals by using Montana’s food-rescue network. These programs distribute donated groceries, helping you save your EBT funds for other needs.

First, find a participating location. Search the Montana Food Bank Network’s “Get Help” map or call Montana 211 to find the closest pantry in the Retail Food Rescue Program.

These sites receive daily donations from stores like Walmart, Costco, and Target. You can learn more about this food rescue program online.

Next, ask the pantry about its “rescue” or “fresh drop” schedule. Visiting then can yield free produce, meat, and bakery items. If transportation is an issue, look for MFBN Mobile Pantries, which host one-day “food-share” events in rural counties.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

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

Download Benny to manage your EBT funds and get more from your benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your EBT benefits will arrive is important for budgeting. For families across Montana, this schedule helps you plan your shopping trips and manage your monthly food expenses without any guesswork.

In this guide, you'll find out when to expect your EBT deposits and troubleshoot common reasons why they might be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Montana

In Montana, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 2nd and 6th of each month. The exact date is determined by the last digit of your TEAMS case number. This schedule also applies to TANF cash assistance benefits.

Here is how the deposit dates are scheduled:

0 or 1: 2nd of the month
2 or 3: 3rd of the month
4 or 5: 4th of the month
6 or 7: 5th of the month
8 or 9: 6th of the month

How to Find Your Case Number

Your TEAMS case number is printed on official documents from the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). If you do not have a letter available, there are a few other simple ways to find it.

Look in the upper right corner of any DPHHS benefit letter.
Check your account on the MyDPHHS online portal.
Call the statewide Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535.
Visit a local office, which you can find using the DPHHS field-office locator.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Montana

You can confirm your deposit through a few different methods. For a complete list of options, see our guide on EBT balance checks in Montana. Below are three of the most convenient ways to see your current balance.

Use the Benny mobile app for real-time balance updates for both SNAP and cash benefits. The app also provides access to cashback at many popular stores. Download the app, create an account, and link your Montana Access EBT card to see your balance.
Visit the official Montana EBT website and select the option to check your account. You will need to log into the MyBNFT portal or register a new account with your card details. Your current balance and recent transactions appear on the home screen.
Call the 24-hour Cardholder Help Desk at 1-866-850-1556. After you select your language, the automated system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and PIN. The system then states your current SNAP and TANF balances and your last deposit amount.

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

A delay can often be traced back to an issue with your case file.

Administrative Or Eligibility Snags

This could involve a missing periodic report, an incomplete mid-cycle form, or an overdue recertification. Benefits cannot be released until required documents like pay stubs or ID are submitted and the file is cleared. A temporary case closure while the agency checks conflicting information can also hold up your deposit.

Sometimes the delay is due to issues within the state agency itself.

Agency Processing Backlog Or Staffing Shortages

Montana’s DPHHS has acknowledged that diverting staff for other tasks has impacted processing times for all programs. This congestion has led to a drop in the on-time processing rate for SNAP, causing some households to receive their benefits later than expected.

Technology issues can unexpectedly postpone benefit distribution.

Technical Or System Glitches

A statewide or national EBT network outage, a failed overnight data transfer, or system maintenance can delay the file that loads benefits. A problem with a third-party vendor can affect benefit availability across multiple states until the system is restored.

Your benefits may be held if there is an active issue or investigation on your account.

Sanctions, Repayment, Or Fraud Holds

A hold can be placed on your account for several reasons, including TANF work-requirement sanctions, an ongoing overpayment recoupment, or an active fraud investigation. This places the case in a suspended status, preventing the monthly amount from being issued until the matter is resolved.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Montana, any unused benefits on your EBT card carry over to the next month. This automatic rollover applies to both SNAP food assistance and TANF cash benefits. You are not required to spend your entire balance within the month it is issued.

Your benefits will remain on the card as long as you use it at least once a year. If an account has no activity for 365 consecutive days, the state permanently removes any remaining balance. These EBT account policies apply to all cardholders.

The state may also use your balance to settle an unpaid overpayment claim. This can happen if your card is inactive for 90 days and you owe money to the agency. Otherwise, the funds stay available until the one-year expiration mark is reached.

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. It’s a common challenge, but it doesn’t have to mean going without. Fortunately, there are several options available to help bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP Benefits

If your balance hits $0, you can apply for emergency SNAP benefits. First, check if your household qualifies. You may be eligible if you meet certain income and resource limits.

You have under $150 in gross monthly income and $100 or less in liquid resources.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm-worker household with $100 or less in resources.
Your monthly income and resources are lower than your rent/mortgage and utility costs, as detailed in state guidelines.

Next, gather a photo ID, proof of current income, and a recent rent or utility bill. You can file a SNAP application at your local Office of Public Assistance or online. When the form asks if you need benefits right away, mark “Yes—Expedited Service.”

After applying, you will complete a brief interview, often by phone. If the office cannot mail your EBT card in time, you can pick it up or authorize a trusted friend to do so. You can find more information on this process, and benefits should arrive within seven days.

Ask DPHHS to Recalculate Your Benefit Amount

You can ask the DPHHS to recalculate your benefit amount at any time, not just during your annual recertification. If your income, expenses, or household size changes, you may qualify for a higher allotment.

Compare your current situation to the latest income limits. If your work hours were cut, rent increased, or you have new childcare or medical bills, you might fall below a new threshold or qualify for additional deductions.

To report a change, collect proof like paystubs, a new lease, or medical receipts. You can submit this through the “Report of Change” section in the My Benefits portal or by calling your OPA worker to request an “interim certification interview.”

Use Montana’s Statewide Food-Rescue Network

You can stretch your meals by using Montana’s food-rescue network. These programs distribute donated groceries, helping you save your EBT funds for other needs.

First, find a participating location. Search the Montana Food Bank Network’s “Get Help” map or call Montana 211 to find the closest pantry in the Retail Food Rescue Program.

These sites receive daily donations from stores like Walmart, Costco, and Target. You can learn more about this food rescue program online.

Next, ask the pantry about its “rescue” or “fresh drop” schedule. Visiting then can yield free produce, meat, and bakery items. If transportation is an issue, look for MFBN Mobile Pantries, which host one-day “food-share” events in rural counties.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

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

Download Benny to manage your EBT funds and get more from your benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your EBT benefits will arrive is important for budgeting. For families across Montana, this schedule helps you plan your shopping trips and manage your monthly food expenses without any guesswork.

In this guide, you'll find out when to expect your EBT deposits and troubleshoot common reasons why they might be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Montana

In Montana, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 2nd and 6th of each month. The exact date is determined by the last digit of your TEAMS case number. This schedule also applies to TANF cash assistance benefits.

Here is how the deposit dates are scheduled:

0 or 1: 2nd of the month
2 or 3: 3rd of the month
4 or 5: 4th of the month
6 or 7: 5th of the month
8 or 9: 6th of the month

How to Find Your Case Number

Your TEAMS case number is printed on official documents from the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). If you do not have a letter available, there are a few other simple ways to find it.

Look in the upper right corner of any DPHHS benefit letter.
Check your account on the MyDPHHS online portal.
Call the statewide Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535.
Visit a local office, which you can find using the DPHHS field-office locator.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Montana

You can confirm your deposit through a few different methods. For a complete list of options, see our guide on EBT balance checks in Montana. Below are three of the most convenient ways to see your current balance.

Use the Benny mobile app for real-time balance updates for both SNAP and cash benefits. The app also provides access to cashback at many popular stores. Download the app, create an account, and link your Montana Access EBT card to see your balance.
Visit the official Montana EBT website and select the option to check your account. You will need to log into the MyBNFT portal or register a new account with your card details. Your current balance and recent transactions appear on the home screen.
Call the 24-hour Cardholder Help Desk at 1-866-850-1556. After you select your language, the automated system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and PIN. The system then states your current SNAP and TANF balances and your last deposit amount.

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

A delay can often be traced back to an issue with your case file.

Administrative Or Eligibility Snags

This could involve a missing periodic report, an incomplete mid-cycle form, or an overdue recertification. Benefits cannot be released until required documents like pay stubs or ID are submitted and the file is cleared. A temporary case closure while the agency checks conflicting information can also hold up your deposit.

Sometimes the delay is due to issues within the state agency itself.

Agency Processing Backlog Or Staffing Shortages

Montana’s DPHHS has acknowledged that diverting staff for other tasks has impacted processing times for all programs. This congestion has led to a drop in the on-time processing rate for SNAP, causing some households to receive their benefits later than expected.

Technology issues can unexpectedly postpone benefit distribution.

Technical Or System Glitches

A statewide or national EBT network outage, a failed overnight data transfer, or system maintenance can delay the file that loads benefits. A problem with a third-party vendor can affect benefit availability across multiple states until the system is restored.

Your benefits may be held if there is an active issue or investigation on your account.

Sanctions, Repayment, Or Fraud Holds

A hold can be placed on your account for several reasons, including TANF work-requirement sanctions, an ongoing overpayment recoupment, or an active fraud investigation. This places the case in a suspended status, preventing the monthly amount from being issued until the matter is resolved.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Montana, any unused benefits on your EBT card carry over to the next month. This automatic rollover applies to both SNAP food assistance and TANF cash benefits. You are not required to spend your entire balance within the month it is issued.

Your benefits will remain on the card as long as you use it at least once a year. If an account has no activity for 365 consecutive days, the state permanently removes any remaining balance. These EBT account policies apply to all cardholders.

The state may also use your balance to settle an unpaid overpayment claim. This can happen if your card is inactive for 90 days and you owe money to the agency. Otherwise, the funds stay available until the one-year expiration mark is reached.

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. It’s a common challenge, but it doesn’t have to mean going without. Fortunately, there are several options available to help bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP Benefits

If your balance hits $0, you can apply for emergency SNAP benefits. First, check if your household qualifies. You may be eligible if you meet certain income and resource limits.

You have under $150 in gross monthly income and $100 or less in liquid resources.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm-worker household with $100 or less in resources.
Your monthly income and resources are lower than your rent/mortgage and utility costs, as detailed in state guidelines.

Next, gather a photo ID, proof of current income, and a recent rent or utility bill. You can file a SNAP application at your local Office of Public Assistance or online. When the form asks if you need benefits right away, mark “Yes—Expedited Service.”

After applying, you will complete a brief interview, often by phone. If the office cannot mail your EBT card in time, you can pick it up or authorize a trusted friend to do so. You can find more information on this process, and benefits should arrive within seven days.

Ask DPHHS to Recalculate Your Benefit Amount

You can ask the DPHHS to recalculate your benefit amount at any time, not just during your annual recertification. If your income, expenses, or household size changes, you may qualify for a higher allotment.

Compare your current situation to the latest income limits. If your work hours were cut, rent increased, or you have new childcare or medical bills, you might fall below a new threshold or qualify for additional deductions.

To report a change, collect proof like paystubs, a new lease, or medical receipts. You can submit this through the “Report of Change” section in the My Benefits portal or by calling your OPA worker to request an “interim certification interview.”

Use Montana’s Statewide Food-Rescue Network

You can stretch your meals by using Montana’s food-rescue network. These programs distribute donated groceries, helping you save your EBT funds for other needs.

First, find a participating location. Search the Montana Food Bank Network’s “Get Help” map or call Montana 211 to find the closest pantry in the Retail Food Rescue Program.

These sites receive daily donations from stores like Walmart, Costco, and Target. You can learn more about this food rescue program online.

Next, ask the pantry about its “rescue” or “fresh drop” schedule. Visiting then can yield free produce, meat, and bakery items. If transportation is an issue, look for MFBN Mobile Pantries, which host one-day “food-share” events in rural counties.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

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

Download Benny to manage your EBT funds and get more from your benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your EBT benefits will arrive is important for budgeting. For families across Montana, this schedule helps you plan your shopping trips and manage your monthly food expenses without any guesswork.

In this guide, you'll find out when to expect your EBT deposits and troubleshoot common reasons why they might be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Montana

In Montana, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 2nd and 6th of each month. The exact date is determined by the last digit of your TEAMS case number. This schedule also applies to TANF cash assistance benefits.

Here is how the deposit dates are scheduled:

0 or 1: 2nd of the month
2 or 3: 3rd of the month
4 or 5: 4th of the month
6 or 7: 5th of the month
8 or 9: 6th of the month

How to Find Your Case Number

Your TEAMS case number is printed on official documents from the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). If you do not have a letter available, there are a few other simple ways to find it.

Look in the upper right corner of any DPHHS benefit letter.
Check your account on the MyDPHHS online portal.
Call the statewide Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535.
Visit a local office, which you can find using the DPHHS field-office locator.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Montana

You can confirm your deposit through a few different methods. For a complete list of options, see our guide on EBT balance checks in Montana. Below are three of the most convenient ways to see your current balance.

Use the Benny mobile app for real-time balance updates for both SNAP and cash benefits. The app also provides access to cashback at many popular stores. Download the app, create an account, and link your Montana Access EBT card to see your balance.
Visit the official Montana EBT website and select the option to check your account. You will need to log into the MyBNFT portal or register a new account with your card details. Your current balance and recent transactions appear on the home screen.
Call the 24-hour Cardholder Help Desk at 1-866-850-1556. After you select your language, the automated system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and PIN. The system then states your current SNAP and TANF balances and your last deposit amount.

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

A delay can often be traced back to an issue with your case file.

Administrative Or Eligibility Snags

This could involve a missing periodic report, an incomplete mid-cycle form, or an overdue recertification. Benefits cannot be released until required documents like pay stubs or ID are submitted and the file is cleared. A temporary case closure while the agency checks conflicting information can also hold up your deposit.

Sometimes the delay is due to issues within the state agency itself.

Agency Processing Backlog Or Staffing Shortages

Montana’s DPHHS has acknowledged that diverting staff for other tasks has impacted processing times for all programs. This congestion has led to a drop in the on-time processing rate for SNAP, causing some households to receive their benefits later than expected.

Technology issues can unexpectedly postpone benefit distribution.

Technical Or System Glitches

A statewide or national EBT network outage, a failed overnight data transfer, or system maintenance can delay the file that loads benefits. A problem with a third-party vendor can affect benefit availability across multiple states until the system is restored.

Your benefits may be held if there is an active issue or investigation on your account.

Sanctions, Repayment, Or Fraud Holds

A hold can be placed on your account for several reasons, including TANF work-requirement sanctions, an ongoing overpayment recoupment, or an active fraud investigation. This places the case in a suspended status, preventing the monthly amount from being issued until the matter is resolved.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Montana, any unused benefits on your EBT card carry over to the next month. This automatic rollover applies to both SNAP food assistance and TANF cash benefits. You are not required to spend your entire balance within the month it is issued.

Your benefits will remain on the card as long as you use it at least once a year. If an account has no activity for 365 consecutive days, the state permanently removes any remaining balance. These EBT account policies apply to all cardholders.

The state may also use your balance to settle an unpaid overpayment claim. This can happen if your card is inactive for 90 days and you owe money to the agency. Otherwise, the funds stay available until the one-year expiration mark is reached.

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. It’s a common challenge, but it doesn’t have to mean going without. Fortunately, there are several options available to help bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP Benefits

If your balance hits $0, you can apply for emergency SNAP benefits. First, check if your household qualifies. You may be eligible if you meet certain income and resource limits.

You have under $150 in gross monthly income and $100 or less in liquid resources.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm-worker household with $100 or less in resources.
Your monthly income and resources are lower than your rent/mortgage and utility costs, as detailed in state guidelines.

Next, gather a photo ID, proof of current income, and a recent rent or utility bill. You can file a SNAP application at your local Office of Public Assistance or online. When the form asks if you need benefits right away, mark “Yes—Expedited Service.”

After applying, you will complete a brief interview, often by phone. If the office cannot mail your EBT card in time, you can pick it up or authorize a trusted friend to do so. You can find more information on this process, and benefits should arrive within seven days.

Ask DPHHS to Recalculate Your Benefit Amount

You can ask the DPHHS to recalculate your benefit amount at any time, not just during your annual recertification. If your income, expenses, or household size changes, you may qualify for a higher allotment.

Compare your current situation to the latest income limits. If your work hours were cut, rent increased, or you have new childcare or medical bills, you might fall below a new threshold or qualify for additional deductions.

To report a change, collect proof like paystubs, a new lease, or medical receipts. You can submit this through the “Report of Change” section in the My Benefits portal or by calling your OPA worker to request an “interim certification interview.”

Use Montana’s Statewide Food-Rescue Network

You can stretch your meals by using Montana’s food-rescue network. These programs distribute donated groceries, helping you save your EBT funds for other needs.

First, find a participating location. Search the Montana Food Bank Network’s “Get Help” map or call Montana 211 to find the closest pantry in the Retail Food Rescue Program.

These sites receive daily donations from stores like Walmart, Costco, and Target. You can learn more about this food rescue program online.

Next, ask the pantry about its “rescue” or “fresh drop” schedule. Visiting then can yield free produce, meat, and bakery items. If transportation is an issue, look for MFBN Mobile Pantries, which host one-day “food-share” events in rural counties.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

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

Download Benny to manage your EBT funds and get more from your benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your EBT benefits will arrive is important for budgeting. For families across Montana, this schedule helps you plan your shopping trips and manage your monthly food expenses without any guesswork.

In this guide, you'll find out when to expect your EBT deposits and troubleshoot common reasons why they might be late.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Montana

In Montana, SNAP benefits are deposited between the 2nd and 6th of each month. The exact date is determined by the last digit of your TEAMS case number. This schedule also applies to TANF cash assistance benefits.

Here is how the deposit dates are scheduled:

0 or 1: 2nd of the month
2 or 3: 3rd of the month
4 or 5: 4th of the month
6 or 7: 5th of the month
8 or 9: 6th of the month

How to Find Your Case Number

Your TEAMS case number is printed on official documents from the Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS). If you do not have a letter available, there are a few other simple ways to find it.

Look in the upper right corner of any DPHHS benefit letter.
Check your account on the MyDPHHS online portal.
Call the statewide Public Assistance Helpline at 1-888-706-1535.
Visit a local office, which you can find using the DPHHS field-office locator.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Montana

You can confirm your deposit through a few different methods. For a complete list of options, see our guide on EBT balance checks in Montana. Below are three of the most convenient ways to see your current balance.

Use the Benny mobile app for real-time balance updates for both SNAP and cash benefits. The app also provides access to cashback at many popular stores. Download the app, create an account, and link your Montana Access EBT card to see your balance.
Visit the official Montana EBT website and select the option to check your account. You will need to log into the MyBNFT portal or register a new account with your card details. Your current balance and recent transactions appear on the home screen.
Call the 24-hour Cardholder Help Desk at 1-866-850-1556. After you select your language, the automated system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and PIN. The system then states your current SNAP and TANF balances and your last deposit amount.

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Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

A delay can often be traced back to an issue with your case file.

Administrative Or Eligibility Snags

This could involve a missing periodic report, an incomplete mid-cycle form, or an overdue recertification. Benefits cannot be released until required documents like pay stubs or ID are submitted and the file is cleared. A temporary case closure while the agency checks conflicting information can also hold up your deposit.

Sometimes the delay is due to issues within the state agency itself.

Agency Processing Backlog Or Staffing Shortages

Montana’s DPHHS has acknowledged that diverting staff for other tasks has impacted processing times for all programs. This congestion has led to a drop in the on-time processing rate for SNAP, causing some households to receive their benefits later than expected.

Technology issues can unexpectedly postpone benefit distribution.

Technical Or System Glitches

A statewide or national EBT network outage, a failed overnight data transfer, or system maintenance can delay the file that loads benefits. A problem with a third-party vendor can affect benefit availability across multiple states until the system is restored.

Your benefits may be held if there is an active issue or investigation on your account.

Sanctions, Repayment, Or Fraud Holds

A hold can be placed on your account for several reasons, including TANF work-requirement sanctions, an ongoing overpayment recoupment, or an active fraud investigation. This places the case in a suspended status, preventing the monthly amount from being issued until the matter is resolved.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Montana, any unused benefits on your EBT card carry over to the next month. This automatic rollover applies to both SNAP food assistance and TANF cash benefits. You are not required to spend your entire balance within the month it is issued.

Your benefits will remain on the card as long as you use it at least once a year. If an account has no activity for 365 consecutive days, the state permanently removes any remaining balance. These EBT account policies apply to all cardholders.

The state may also use your balance to settle an unpaid overpayment claim. This can happen if your card is inactive for 90 days and you owe money to the agency. Otherwise, the funds stay available until the one-year expiration mark is reached.

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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. It’s a common challenge, but it doesn’t have to mean going without. Fortunately, there are several options available to help bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) SNAP Benefits

If your balance hits $0, you can apply for emergency SNAP benefits. First, check if your household qualifies. You may be eligible if you meet certain income and resource limits.

You have under $150 in gross monthly income and $100 or less in liquid resources.
You are a migrant or seasonal farm-worker household with $100 or less in resources.
Your monthly income and resources are lower than your rent/mortgage and utility costs, as detailed in state guidelines.

Next, gather a photo ID, proof of current income, and a recent rent or utility bill. You can file a SNAP application at your local Office of Public Assistance or online. When the form asks if you need benefits right away, mark “Yes—Expedited Service.”

After applying, you will complete a brief interview, often by phone. If the office cannot mail your EBT card in time, you can pick it up or authorize a trusted friend to do so. You can find more information on this process, and benefits should arrive within seven days.

Ask DPHHS to Recalculate Your Benefit Amount

You can ask the DPHHS to recalculate your benefit amount at any time, not just during your annual recertification. If your income, expenses, or household size changes, you may qualify for a higher allotment.

Compare your current situation to the latest income limits. If your work hours were cut, rent increased, or you have new childcare or medical bills, you might fall below a new threshold or qualify for additional deductions.

To report a change, collect proof like paystubs, a new lease, or medical receipts. You can submit this through the “Report of Change” section in the My Benefits portal or by calling your OPA worker to request an “interim certification interview.”

Use Montana’s Statewide Food-Rescue Network

You can stretch your meals by using Montana’s food-rescue network. These programs distribute donated groceries, helping you save your EBT funds for other needs.

First, find a participating location. Search the Montana Food Bank Network’s “Get Help” map or call Montana 211 to find the closest pantry in the Retail Food Rescue Program.

These sites receive daily donations from stores like Walmart, Costco, and Target. You can learn more about this food rescue program online.

Next, ask the pantry about its “rescue” or “fresh drop” schedule. Visiting then can yield free produce, meat, and bakery items. If transportation is an issue, look for MFBN Mobile Pantries, which host one-day “food-share” events in rural counties.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

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

Download Benny to manage your EBT funds and get more from your benefits.