New Jersey EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025

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Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is a big deal for managing your monthly budget. For families in New Jersey, having your EBT deposit schedule handy helps you plan your grocery trips and avoid any surprises at the checkout counter.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if they don't show up on time.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in New Jersey

In New Jersey, your SNAP benefits are deposited onto your Families First EBT card within the first five days of the month. The specific date is determined by the seventh digit of your case number.

Here is the breakdown of the deposit schedule:

1st of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 1 or 2
2nd of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 3 or 4
3rd of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 5 or 6
4th of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 7 or 8
5th of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 9 or 0

An exception exists for Warren County residents, who receive their SNAP benefits on the first of the month, regardless of their case number.

Cash assistance benefits from Work First New Jersey, such as TANF or General Assistance, are also loaded onto the same EBT card. These funds are available statewide on the first of each month.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents you have received. To find the seventh digit that determines your deposit date, follow these steps:

Look for the case number on any official notice or your Families First EBT card paperwork.
Count the digits from left to right, ignoring any dashes, to identify the seventh digit.

If you have trouble locating your case number, you can call the New Jersey SNAP Hotline at 1-800-687-9512 or the Families First EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-997-3333 for assistance.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in New Jersey

Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are available in a few different ways. For a complete list of options, our guide on how to check your EBT balance in New Jersey has all the details. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current balance.

Use the Benny app to view your real-time SNAP and cash balances. After you download the app and link your card, your balance updates automatically with each purchase. The app also provides cashback on eligible items at many stores.
Visit the official NJFamiliesFirst.com portal. After you create an account or sign in, your home screen displays your SNAP and cash balances. You can also review your transaction history to see deposits and purchases.
Call the 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-997-3333. Have your 16-digit card number ready. The automated system will state your current SNAP and cash balances after you follow the prompts.

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 number of issues can cause a delay in your monthly EBT deposit, ranging from simple paperwork snags to statewide system glitches.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be held up if required paperwork, such as a recertification form, is late or incomplete. Missing an interview or failing to provide necessary proofs like pay stubs or identification can also halt your case. The county cannot issue benefits until your file is complete and all information is verified.

Heavy County Workload or Staffing Shortages

County welfare agencies sometimes struggle with staffing shortages while managing high caseloads. This can create processing backlogs, meaning workers may not get to every case by the normal deposit date, delaying both SNAP and cash assistance grants.

Technical or System-Level Glitches

Statewide technical problems can also be the culprit. Outages, system maintenance, or file-transfer errors within the state’s eligibility or EBT processing platforms can prevent the nightly benefit file from posting on schedule.

Quality-Control Reviews, Holds, or Sanctions

Benefits may be placed on hold if your household is randomly selected for a SNAP Quality Control review. A hold can also occur because of a suspected trafficking investigation or a sanction related to TANF work requirements, pending the completion of the review.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In New Jersey, any unused NJ SNAP or cash assistance benefits on your EBT card automatically carry over to the next month. The funds you do not spend will simply remain in your account for future use.

However, your account becomes inactive if you do not use your card for 274 consecutive days. At that point, any benefits that are 274 days old or older are permanently removed. These expunged benefits cannot be returned.

The Department of Human Services mails a written notice at least 30 days before your funds are removed. This letter states the expungement date and explains how to keep your account active. Making any transaction restarts the 274-day clock for the remaining funds.

If all household members are confirmed deceased, the state may expunge the balance immediately without prior notice.

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

Running out of your EBT balance before the end of the month is a stressful and unfortunately common situation. The good news is that you are not without recourse when your food budget is stretched thin. Several options are available to help you get through a shortage before your next deposit arrives.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) NJ SNAP

You may be able to get a replacement allotment loaded to your card within seven calendar days by applying for expedited service. To qualify, you must meet one of three fast-track tests:

Your household income is under $150 and liquid resources are under $100.
Your rent or mortgage plus utilities are higher than your current income and cash.
You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker with under $100 in liquid assets.

File a new or supplemental application and tell the worker you are requesting “expedited service.” Missing paperwork does not delay issuance if your identity is verified, and benefits must be available within seven days.

If you need food while waiting, you can find a same-day pantry or mobile distribution through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Ask for a Household-Change Review

You can ask for a review to raise your regular benefit amount if your household circumstances have changed. Gather proof of new deductible expenses or a drop in earnings.

Higher rent or utility bills
Medical costs for a senior or disabled member
Child-care or support payments

Report the change through your county SNAP office or the NJOneApp portal. By rule, counties must raise your allotment for the next issuance when they receive a report of a new household member, income loss of $100 or more, or increased shelter costs.

If an increase is denied or seems too small, you can request a supervisor conference or file for a Fair Hearing within 90 days. This keeps the higher amount active until a decision is made.

Stretch the Gap With No-Cost Groceries

You can find no-cost groceries to bridge the gap until your next deposit. Use the NJ 211 Food Resources directory or dial 211 to find local pantries, soup kitchens, and school meal sites. An operator can search by your address, hours, and dietary needs.

Also, check social media for community or “share” fridges in your county. Unlike pantries, they don’t ask for ID or limit visits, and many stock produce, bread, and prepared items. These 24-hour coolers, sometimes listed on the CFBNJ website, can help cover a few days until your EBT reloads.

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, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is a big deal for managing your monthly budget. For families in New Jersey, having your EBT deposit schedule handy helps you plan your grocery trips and avoid any surprises at the checkout counter.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if they don't show up on time.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in New Jersey

In New Jersey, your SNAP benefits are deposited onto your Families First EBT card within the first five days of the month. The specific date is determined by the seventh digit of your case number.

Here is the breakdown of the deposit schedule:

1st of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 1 or 2
2nd of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 3 or 4
3rd of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 5 or 6
4th of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 7 or 8
5th of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 9 or 0

An exception exists for Warren County residents, who receive their SNAP benefits on the first of the month, regardless of their case number.

Cash assistance benefits from Work First New Jersey, such as TANF or General Assistance, are also loaded onto the same EBT card. These funds are available statewide on the first of each month.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents you have received. To find the seventh digit that determines your deposit date, follow these steps:

Look for the case number on any official notice or your Families First EBT card paperwork.
Count the digits from left to right, ignoring any dashes, to identify the seventh digit.

If you have trouble locating your case number, you can call the New Jersey SNAP Hotline at 1-800-687-9512 or the Families First EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-997-3333 for assistance.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in New Jersey

Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are available in a few different ways. For a complete list of options, our guide on how to check your EBT balance in New Jersey has all the details. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current balance.

Use the Benny app to view your real-time SNAP and cash balances. After you download the app and link your card, your balance updates automatically with each purchase. The app also provides cashback on eligible items at many stores.
Visit the official NJFamiliesFirst.com portal. After you create an account or sign in, your home screen displays your SNAP and cash balances. You can also review your transaction history to see deposits and purchases.
Call the 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-997-3333. Have your 16-digit card number ready. The automated system will state your current SNAP and cash balances after you follow the prompts.

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 number of issues can cause a delay in your monthly EBT deposit, ranging from simple paperwork snags to statewide system glitches.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be held up if required paperwork, such as a recertification form, is late or incomplete. Missing an interview or failing to provide necessary proofs like pay stubs or identification can also halt your case. The county cannot issue benefits until your file is complete and all information is verified.

Heavy County Workload or Staffing Shortages

County welfare agencies sometimes struggle with staffing shortages while managing high caseloads. This can create processing backlogs, meaning workers may not get to every case by the normal deposit date, delaying both SNAP and cash assistance grants.

Technical or System-Level Glitches

Statewide technical problems can also be the culprit. Outages, system maintenance, or file-transfer errors within the state’s eligibility or EBT processing platforms can prevent the nightly benefit file from posting on schedule.

Quality-Control Reviews, Holds, or Sanctions

Benefits may be placed on hold if your household is randomly selected for a SNAP Quality Control review. A hold can also occur because of a suspected trafficking investigation or a sanction related to TANF work requirements, pending the completion of the review.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In New Jersey, any unused NJ SNAP or cash assistance benefits on your EBT card automatically carry over to the next month. The funds you do not spend will simply remain in your account for future use.

However, your account becomes inactive if you do not use your card for 274 consecutive days. At that point, any benefits that are 274 days old or older are permanently removed. These expunged benefits cannot be returned.

The Department of Human Services mails a written notice at least 30 days before your funds are removed. This letter states the expungement date and explains how to keep your account active. Making any transaction restarts the 274-day clock for the remaining funds.

If all household members are confirmed deceased, the state may expunge the balance immediately without prior notice.

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

Running out of your EBT balance before the end of the month is a stressful and unfortunately common situation. The good news is that you are not without recourse when your food budget is stretched thin. Several options are available to help you get through a shortage before your next deposit arrives.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) NJ SNAP

You may be able to get a replacement allotment loaded to your card within seven calendar days by applying for expedited service. To qualify, you must meet one of three fast-track tests:

Your household income is under $150 and liquid resources are under $100.
Your rent or mortgage plus utilities are higher than your current income and cash.
You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker with under $100 in liquid assets.

File a new or supplemental application and tell the worker you are requesting “expedited service.” Missing paperwork does not delay issuance if your identity is verified, and benefits must be available within seven days.

If you need food while waiting, you can find a same-day pantry or mobile distribution through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Ask for a Household-Change Review

You can ask for a review to raise your regular benefit amount if your household circumstances have changed. Gather proof of new deductible expenses or a drop in earnings.

Higher rent or utility bills
Medical costs for a senior or disabled member
Child-care or support payments

Report the change through your county SNAP office or the NJOneApp portal. By rule, counties must raise your allotment for the next issuance when they receive a report of a new household member, income loss of $100 or more, or increased shelter costs.

If an increase is denied or seems too small, you can request a supervisor conference or file for a Fair Hearing within 90 days. This keeps the higher amount active until a decision is made.

Stretch the Gap With No-Cost Groceries

You can find no-cost groceries to bridge the gap until your next deposit. Use the NJ 211 Food Resources directory or dial 211 to find local pantries, soup kitchens, and school meal sites. An operator can search by your address, hours, and dietary needs.

Also, check social media for community or “share” fridges in your county. Unlike pantries, they don’t ask for ID or limit visits, and many stock produce, bread, and prepared items. These 24-hour coolers, sometimes listed on the CFBNJ website, can help cover a few days until your EBT reloads.

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, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is a big deal for managing your monthly budget. For families in New Jersey, having your EBT deposit schedule handy helps you plan your grocery trips and avoid any surprises at the checkout counter.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if they don't show up on time.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in New Jersey

In New Jersey, your SNAP benefits are deposited onto your Families First EBT card within the first five days of the month. The specific date is determined by the seventh digit of your case number.

Here is the breakdown of the deposit schedule:

1st of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 1 or 2
2nd of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 3 or 4
3rd of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 5 or 6
4th of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 7 or 8
5th of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 9 or 0

An exception exists for Warren County residents, who receive their SNAP benefits on the first of the month, regardless of their case number.

Cash assistance benefits from Work First New Jersey, such as TANF or General Assistance, are also loaded onto the same EBT card. These funds are available statewide on the first of each month.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents you have received. To find the seventh digit that determines your deposit date, follow these steps:

Look for the case number on any official notice or your Families First EBT card paperwork.
Count the digits from left to right, ignoring any dashes, to identify the seventh digit.

If you have trouble locating your case number, you can call the New Jersey SNAP Hotline at 1-800-687-9512 or the Families First EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-997-3333 for assistance.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in New Jersey

Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are available in a few different ways. For a complete list of options, our guide on how to check your EBT balance in New Jersey has all the details. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current balance.

Use the Benny app to view your real-time SNAP and cash balances. After you download the app and link your card, your balance updates automatically with each purchase. The app also provides cashback on eligible items at many stores.
Visit the official NJFamiliesFirst.com portal. After you create an account or sign in, your home screen displays your SNAP and cash balances. You can also review your transaction history to see deposits and purchases.
Call the 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-997-3333. Have your 16-digit card number ready. The automated system will state your current SNAP and cash balances after you follow the prompts.

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 number of issues can cause a delay in your monthly EBT deposit, ranging from simple paperwork snags to statewide system glitches.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be held up if required paperwork, such as a recertification form, is late or incomplete. Missing an interview or failing to provide necessary proofs like pay stubs or identification can also halt your case. The county cannot issue benefits until your file is complete and all information is verified.

Heavy County Workload or Staffing Shortages

County welfare agencies sometimes struggle with staffing shortages while managing high caseloads. This can create processing backlogs, meaning workers may not get to every case by the normal deposit date, delaying both SNAP and cash assistance grants.

Technical or System-Level Glitches

Statewide technical problems can also be the culprit. Outages, system maintenance, or file-transfer errors within the state’s eligibility or EBT processing platforms can prevent the nightly benefit file from posting on schedule.

Quality-Control Reviews, Holds, or Sanctions

Benefits may be placed on hold if your household is randomly selected for a SNAP Quality Control review. A hold can also occur because of a suspected trafficking investigation or a sanction related to TANF work requirements, pending the completion of the review.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In New Jersey, any unused NJ SNAP or cash assistance benefits on your EBT card automatically carry over to the next month. The funds you do not spend will simply remain in your account for future use.

However, your account becomes inactive if you do not use your card for 274 consecutive days. At that point, any benefits that are 274 days old or older are permanently removed. These expunged benefits cannot be returned.

The Department of Human Services mails a written notice at least 30 days before your funds are removed. This letter states the expungement date and explains how to keep your account active. Making any transaction restarts the 274-day clock for the remaining funds.

If all household members are confirmed deceased, the state may expunge the balance immediately without prior notice.

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

Running out of your EBT balance before the end of the month is a stressful and unfortunately common situation. The good news is that you are not without recourse when your food budget is stretched thin. Several options are available to help you get through a shortage before your next deposit arrives.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) NJ SNAP

You may be able to get a replacement allotment loaded to your card within seven calendar days by applying for expedited service. To qualify, you must meet one of three fast-track tests:

Your household income is under $150 and liquid resources are under $100.
Your rent or mortgage plus utilities are higher than your current income and cash.
You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker with under $100 in liquid assets.

File a new or supplemental application and tell the worker you are requesting “expedited service.” Missing paperwork does not delay issuance if your identity is verified, and benefits must be available within seven days.

If you need food while waiting, you can find a same-day pantry or mobile distribution through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Ask for a Household-Change Review

You can ask for a review to raise your regular benefit amount if your household circumstances have changed. Gather proof of new deductible expenses or a drop in earnings.

Higher rent or utility bills
Medical costs for a senior or disabled member
Child-care or support payments

Report the change through your county SNAP office or the NJOneApp portal. By rule, counties must raise your allotment for the next issuance when they receive a report of a new household member, income loss of $100 or more, or increased shelter costs.

If an increase is denied or seems too small, you can request a supervisor conference or file for a Fair Hearing within 90 days. This keeps the higher amount active until a decision is made.

Stretch the Gap With No-Cost Groceries

You can find no-cost groceries to bridge the gap until your next deposit. Use the NJ 211 Food Resources directory or dial 211 to find local pantries, soup kitchens, and school meal sites. An operator can search by your address, hours, and dietary needs.

Also, check social media for community or “share” fridges in your county. Unlike pantries, they don’t ask for ID or limit visits, and many stock produce, bread, and prepared items. These 24-hour coolers, sometimes listed on the CFBNJ website, can help cover a few days until your EBT reloads.

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, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is a big deal for managing your monthly budget. For families in New Jersey, having your EBT deposit schedule handy helps you plan your grocery trips and avoid any surprises at the checkout counter.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if they don't show up on time.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in New Jersey

In New Jersey, your SNAP benefits are deposited onto your Families First EBT card within the first five days of the month. The specific date is determined by the seventh digit of your case number.

Here is the breakdown of the deposit schedule:

1st of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 1 or 2
2nd of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 3 or 4
3rd of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 5 or 6
4th of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 7 or 8
5th of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 9 or 0

An exception exists for Warren County residents, who receive their SNAP benefits on the first of the month, regardless of their case number.

Cash assistance benefits from Work First New Jersey, such as TANF or General Assistance, are also loaded onto the same EBT card. These funds are available statewide on the first of each month.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents you have received. To find the seventh digit that determines your deposit date, follow these steps:

Look for the case number on any official notice or your Families First EBT card paperwork.
Count the digits from left to right, ignoring any dashes, to identify the seventh digit.

If you have trouble locating your case number, you can call the New Jersey SNAP Hotline at 1-800-687-9512 or the Families First EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-997-3333 for assistance.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in New Jersey

Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are available in a few different ways. For a complete list of options, our guide on how to check your EBT balance in New Jersey has all the details. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current balance.

Use the Benny app to view your real-time SNAP and cash balances. After you download the app and link your card, your balance updates automatically with each purchase. The app also provides cashback on eligible items at many stores.
Visit the official NJFamiliesFirst.com portal. After you create an account or sign in, your home screen displays your SNAP and cash balances. You can also review your transaction history to see deposits and purchases.
Call the 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-997-3333. Have your 16-digit card number ready. The automated system will state your current SNAP and cash balances after you follow the prompts.

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 number of issues can cause a delay in your monthly EBT deposit, ranging from simple paperwork snags to statewide system glitches.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be held up if required paperwork, such as a recertification form, is late or incomplete. Missing an interview or failing to provide necessary proofs like pay stubs or identification can also halt your case. The county cannot issue benefits until your file is complete and all information is verified.

Heavy County Workload or Staffing Shortages

County welfare agencies sometimes struggle with staffing shortages while managing high caseloads. This can create processing backlogs, meaning workers may not get to every case by the normal deposit date, delaying both SNAP and cash assistance grants.

Technical or System-Level Glitches

Statewide technical problems can also be the culprit. Outages, system maintenance, or file-transfer errors within the state’s eligibility or EBT processing platforms can prevent the nightly benefit file from posting on schedule.

Quality-Control Reviews, Holds, or Sanctions

Benefits may be placed on hold if your household is randomly selected for a SNAP Quality Control review. A hold can also occur because of a suspected trafficking investigation or a sanction related to TANF work requirements, pending the completion of the review.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In New Jersey, any unused NJ SNAP or cash assistance benefits on your EBT card automatically carry over to the next month. The funds you do not spend will simply remain in your account for future use.

However, your account becomes inactive if you do not use your card for 274 consecutive days. At that point, any benefits that are 274 days old or older are permanently removed. These expunged benefits cannot be returned.

The Department of Human Services mails a written notice at least 30 days before your funds are removed. This letter states the expungement date and explains how to keep your account active. Making any transaction restarts the 274-day clock for the remaining funds.

If all household members are confirmed deceased, the state may expunge the balance immediately without prior notice.

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

Running out of your EBT balance before the end of the month is a stressful and unfortunately common situation. The good news is that you are not without recourse when your food budget is stretched thin. Several options are available to help you get through a shortage before your next deposit arrives.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) NJ SNAP

You may be able to get a replacement allotment loaded to your card within seven calendar days by applying for expedited service. To qualify, you must meet one of three fast-track tests:

Your household income is under $150 and liquid resources are under $100.
Your rent or mortgage plus utilities are higher than your current income and cash.
You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker with under $100 in liquid assets.

File a new or supplemental application and tell the worker you are requesting “expedited service.” Missing paperwork does not delay issuance if your identity is verified, and benefits must be available within seven days.

If you need food while waiting, you can find a same-day pantry or mobile distribution through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Ask for a Household-Change Review

You can ask for a review to raise your regular benefit amount if your household circumstances have changed. Gather proof of new deductible expenses or a drop in earnings.

Higher rent or utility bills
Medical costs for a senior or disabled member
Child-care or support payments

Report the change through your county SNAP office or the NJOneApp portal. By rule, counties must raise your allotment for the next issuance when they receive a report of a new household member, income loss of $100 or more, or increased shelter costs.

If an increase is denied or seems too small, you can request a supervisor conference or file for a Fair Hearing within 90 days. This keeps the higher amount active until a decision is made.

Stretch the Gap With No-Cost Groceries

You can find no-cost groceries to bridge the gap until your next deposit. Use the NJ 211 Food Resources directory or dial 211 to find local pantries, soup kitchens, and school meal sites. An operator can search by your address, hours, and dietary needs.

Also, check social media for community or “share” fridges in your county. Unlike pantries, they don’t ask for ID or limit visits, and many stock produce, bread, and prepared items. These 24-hour coolers, sometimes listed on the CFBNJ website, can help cover a few days until your EBT reloads.

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, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.

SHARE

Knowing when your SNAP benefits will arrive is a big deal for managing your monthly budget. For families in New Jersey, having your EBT deposit schedule handy helps you plan your grocery trips and avoid any surprises at the checkout counter.

In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and what to do if they don't show up on time.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in New Jersey

In New Jersey, your SNAP benefits are deposited onto your Families First EBT card within the first five days of the month. The specific date is determined by the seventh digit of your case number.

Here is the breakdown of the deposit schedule:

1st of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 1 or 2
2nd of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 3 or 4
3rd of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 5 or 6
4th of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 7 or 8
5th of the month: Case numbers with a 7th digit of 9 or 0

An exception exists for Warren County residents, who receive their SNAP benefits on the first of the month, regardless of their case number.

Cash assistance benefits from Work First New Jersey, such as TANF or General Assistance, are also loaded onto the same EBT card. These funds are available statewide on the first of each month.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your case number is printed on official documents you have received. To find the seventh digit that determines your deposit date, follow these steps:

Look for the case number on any official notice or your Families First EBT card paperwork.
Count the digits from left to right, ignoring any dashes, to identify the seventh digit.

If you have trouble locating your case number, you can call the New Jersey SNAP Hotline at 1-800-687-9512 or the Families First EBT Customer Service line at 1-800-997-3333 for assistance.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in New Jersey

Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are available in a few different ways. For a complete list of options, our guide on how to check your EBT balance in New Jersey has all the details. Below are three of the most convenient methods to see your current balance.

Use the Benny app to view your real-time SNAP and cash balances. After you download the app and link your card, your balance updates automatically with each purchase. The app also provides cashback on eligible items at many stores.
Visit the official NJFamiliesFirst.com portal. After you create an account or sign in, your home screen displays your SNAP and cash balances. You can also review your transaction history to see deposits and purchases.
Call the 24-hour customer service line at 1-800-997-3333. Have your 16-digit card number ready. The automated system will state your current SNAP and cash balances after you follow the prompts.

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Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

A number of issues can cause a delay in your monthly EBT deposit, ranging from simple paperwork snags to statewide system glitches.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be held up if required paperwork, such as a recertification form, is late or incomplete. Missing an interview or failing to provide necessary proofs like pay stubs or identification can also halt your case. The county cannot issue benefits until your file is complete and all information is verified.

Heavy County Workload or Staffing Shortages

County welfare agencies sometimes struggle with staffing shortages while managing high caseloads. This can create processing backlogs, meaning workers may not get to every case by the normal deposit date, delaying both SNAP and cash assistance grants.

Technical or System-Level Glitches

Statewide technical problems can also be the culprit. Outages, system maintenance, or file-transfer errors within the state’s eligibility or EBT processing platforms can prevent the nightly benefit file from posting on schedule.

Quality-Control Reviews, Holds, or Sanctions

Benefits may be placed on hold if your household is randomly selected for a SNAP Quality Control review. A hold can also occur because of a suspected trafficking investigation or a sanction related to TANF work requirements, pending the completion of the review.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In New Jersey, any unused NJ SNAP or cash assistance benefits on your EBT card automatically carry over to the next month. The funds you do not spend will simply remain in your account for future use.

However, your account becomes inactive if you do not use your card for 274 consecutive days. At that point, any benefits that are 274 days old or older are permanently removed. These expunged benefits cannot be returned.

The Department of Human Services mails a written notice at least 30 days before your funds are removed. This letter states the expungement date and explains how to keep your account active. Making any transaction restarts the 274-day clock for the remaining funds.

If all household members are confirmed deceased, the state may expunge the balance immediately without prior notice.

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What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early

Running out of your EBT balance before the end of the month is a stressful and unfortunately common situation. The good news is that you are not without recourse when your food budget is stretched thin. Several options are available to help you get through a shortage before your next deposit arrives.

Apply for Expedited (Emergency) NJ SNAP

You may be able to get a replacement allotment loaded to your card within seven calendar days by applying for expedited service. To qualify, you must meet one of three fast-track tests:

Your household income is under $150 and liquid resources are under $100.
Your rent or mortgage plus utilities are higher than your current income and cash.
You are a migrant or seasonal farmworker with under $100 in liquid assets.

File a new or supplemental application and tell the worker you are requesting “expedited service.” Missing paperwork does not delay issuance if your identity is verified, and benefits must be available within seven days.

If you need food while waiting, you can find a same-day pantry or mobile distribution through the Community FoodBank of New Jersey.

Ask for a Household-Change Review

You can ask for a review to raise your regular benefit amount if your household circumstances have changed. Gather proof of new deductible expenses or a drop in earnings.

Higher rent or utility bills
Medical costs for a senior or disabled member
Child-care or support payments

Report the change through your county SNAP office or the NJOneApp portal. By rule, counties must raise your allotment for the next issuance when they receive a report of a new household member, income loss of $100 or more, or increased shelter costs.

If an increase is denied or seems too small, you can request a supervisor conference or file for a Fair Hearing within 90 days. This keeps the higher amount active until a decision is made.

Stretch the Gap With No-Cost Groceries

You can find no-cost groceries to bridge the gap until your next deposit. Use the NJ 211 Food Resources directory or dial 211 to find local pantries, soup kitchens, and school meal sites. An operator can search by your address, hours, and dietary needs.

Also, check social media for community or “share” fridges in your county. Unlike pantries, they don’t ask for ID or limit visits, and many stock produce, bread, and prepared items. These 24-hour coolers, sometimes listed on the CFBNJ website, can help cover a few days until your EBT reloads.

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, Kroger, and Costco. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items on your EBT card.

Download Benny to take control of your budget and get more from your EBT benefits.