Pennsylvania EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025

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Waiting for your EBT deposit can be stressful. Knowing your exact payment date for Pennsylvania SNAP benefits helps you budget better and plan your grocery trips without the guesswork, bringing peace of mind knowing when your funds will arrive.

In this guide, you'll find your specific deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits don't show up on time.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, your SNAP benefit deposit date is determined by the last digit of your seven-digit case number. Payments are made on business days, which are Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. The state uses two different schedules depending on your county of residence.

Many counties, including Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Montgomery, follow a 10-day payment cycle. Here is how the payment dates are broken down for those counties:

Case number ending in 1: 1st business day of the month
Case number ending in 2: 2nd business day of the month
Case number ending in 3: 3rd business day of the month
Case number ending in 4: 4th business day of the month
Case number ending in 5: 5th business day of the month
Case number ending in 6: 6th business day of the month
Case number ending in 7: 7th business day of the month
Case number ending in 8: 8th business day of the month
Case number ending in 9: 9th business day of the month
Case number ending in 0: 10th business day of the month

Other counties distribute all SNAP benefits on a single, specific business day of the month. For instance, residents of Beaver County receive benefits on the 3rd business day, while those in Adams County are paid on the 5th business day.

Cash assistance benefits like TANF also follow a schedule based on your case number's last digit. These funds are deposited later in the month, between the 11th and 20th business days. You can view the full cash assistance schedule online.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your seven-digit case number is printed on most official documents you receive from the Department of Human Services. If you need to locate your number, there are a few straightforward places to check.

Look for it on any approval letters or renewal notices you have received.
Log in to your COMPASS online account to view your case details.
Contact your County Assistance Office. A statewide office locator can help you find the right contact information.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Pennsylvania

Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are available in a few ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Pennsylvania. Here are three of the most convenient ways to check your EBT balance:

Download the Benny app to see your SNAP and Cash balance in seconds. After you link your ACCESS card, your current balances appear on the home screen. The app also provides cashback on EBT purchases at many popular stores like Walmart and Costco.
Use the free ConnectEBT website to view real-time SNAP and TANF balances, deposits, and recent transactions. After you log in or create a new user ID, your account summary page immediately displays your separate SNAP and Cash balances.
Call the 24-hour EBT Recipient Hotline at 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366). The automated system announces your separate SNAP and Cash balances after you enter your card number and PIN. You can also speak with an agent for further help.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several issues, from technical glitches to paperwork problems, can cause a delay in your EBT deposit.

System or Technology-Related Problems

Statewide EBT processor outages or computer glitches at the Department of Human Services can stop benefits from being loaded onto cards. Similarly, high transaction volumes or other technical slowdowns might force the state to postpone deposits until the system is stable.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be frozen if your semi-annual renewal packet is late, incomplete, or unsigned. Missing verification documents or failing to report household changes like new income can also stop payments. The state may also block issuance for application mistakes or a missed interview until the issue is resolved.

Case-Specific Holds

An overpayment claim, fraud investigation, or recoupment for past benefits can place a temporary hold on your account, delaying the rest of your month’s benefits. Deposits can also be suspended due to sanctions from not meeting work participation requirements until you are in compliance.

Policy or Funding Interruptions

Federal government budget standoffs or a lapse in appropriations can impact benefit schedules. If these situations cause contingency funds to run out, the Department of Human Services may have to delay deposits until funding is restored.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Pennsylvania, unused SNAP and cash assistance benefits on your ACCESS EBT card roll over each month. These funds remain available for you to use. The Department of Human Services will not remove them unless your account becomes inactive for an extended period.

Your account is considered inactive if you do not use your card for nine consecutive months. To keep your account active, you must perform at least one transaction, such as a purchase, cash withdrawal, or even a simple balance inquiry. Any of these actions will reset the nine-month clock.

If there is no activity for nine months, the Department of Human Services will permanently expunge all remaining benefits from your account. Once these funds are removed, they cannot be restored. You will only have access to future benefits deposited after the expungement date.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

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 challenging situation, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. Several options are available to help you bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Emergency (Expedited) SNAP

You may qualify for emergency benefits if you have under $100 in cash and expect less than $150 in income this month. You can also apply if your housing costs are more than your available cash and income.

To apply in person:

Go to your County Assistance Office (CAO) with an ID and recent mail.
Tell the receptionist you need “expedited SNAP” and submit a signed application.
Staff must date-stamp it as you watch. If you qualify, benefits are loaded within five calendar days.

If you cannot visit an office, you can apply through COMPASS. Call DHS at 1-800-692-7462 the same day to flag it as an emergency. You can check the deposit status by calling 1-888-328-7366.

Ask DHS to Recalculate Your Benefit

If your circumstances have changed, you can ask the Department of Human Services (DHS) to recalculate your benefit amount. This applies if your work hours were cut, your rent went up, you had a new baby, or your medical bills increased.

You should report the change within 10 days using one of these methods:

The MyCOMPASS PA app
Your online COMPASS account
Calling 877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia)
Dropping off proof at the CAO and getting a receipt

If your Semi-Annual Report (SAR) is due, you can submit it early with updated bills. DHS may issue a supplemental payment for any month you should have received more.

Stretch the Gap With Free Groceries

You can find free groceries outside the EBT system. Use the statewide Feeding Pennsylvania locator for food banks and pantries. You can also find mobile produce trucks and community meal sites in your county.

Another option is to dial or text PA 211 (text your ZIP code to 898-211) for local resources. When you contact a food bank, ask if they run “gleaning” or surplus-produce days. Volunteers collect unsold produce, and you can take home what you help pack for free.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you see your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, you receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items directly on your card.

Download Benny to take control of your purchases and make your EBT benefits go further.

SHARE

Waiting for your EBT deposit can be stressful. Knowing your exact payment date for Pennsylvania SNAP benefits helps you budget better and plan your grocery trips without the guesswork, bringing peace of mind knowing when your funds will arrive.

In this guide, you'll find your specific deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits don't show up on time.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, your SNAP benefit deposit date is determined by the last digit of your seven-digit case number. Payments are made on business days, which are Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. The state uses two different schedules depending on your county of residence.

Many counties, including Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Montgomery, follow a 10-day payment cycle. Here is how the payment dates are broken down for those counties:

Case number ending in 1: 1st business day of the month
Case number ending in 2: 2nd business day of the month
Case number ending in 3: 3rd business day of the month
Case number ending in 4: 4th business day of the month
Case number ending in 5: 5th business day of the month
Case number ending in 6: 6th business day of the month
Case number ending in 7: 7th business day of the month
Case number ending in 8: 8th business day of the month
Case number ending in 9: 9th business day of the month
Case number ending in 0: 10th business day of the month

Other counties distribute all SNAP benefits on a single, specific business day of the month. For instance, residents of Beaver County receive benefits on the 3rd business day, while those in Adams County are paid on the 5th business day.

Cash assistance benefits like TANF also follow a schedule based on your case number's last digit. These funds are deposited later in the month, between the 11th and 20th business days. You can view the full cash assistance schedule online.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your seven-digit case number is printed on most official documents you receive from the Department of Human Services. If you need to locate your number, there are a few straightforward places to check.

Look for it on any approval letters or renewal notices you have received.
Log in to your COMPASS online account to view your case details.
Contact your County Assistance Office. A statewide office locator can help you find the right contact information.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Pennsylvania

Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are available in a few ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Pennsylvania. Here are three of the most convenient ways to check your EBT balance:

Download the Benny app to see your SNAP and Cash balance in seconds. After you link your ACCESS card, your current balances appear on the home screen. The app also provides cashback on EBT purchases at many popular stores like Walmart and Costco.
Use the free ConnectEBT website to view real-time SNAP and TANF balances, deposits, and recent transactions. After you log in or create a new user ID, your account summary page immediately displays your separate SNAP and Cash balances.
Call the 24-hour EBT Recipient Hotline at 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366). The automated system announces your separate SNAP and Cash balances after you enter your card number and PIN. You can also speak with an agent for further help.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several issues, from technical glitches to paperwork problems, can cause a delay in your EBT deposit.

System or Technology-Related Problems

Statewide EBT processor outages or computer glitches at the Department of Human Services can stop benefits from being loaded onto cards. Similarly, high transaction volumes or other technical slowdowns might force the state to postpone deposits until the system is stable.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be frozen if your semi-annual renewal packet is late, incomplete, or unsigned. Missing verification documents or failing to report household changes like new income can also stop payments. The state may also block issuance for application mistakes or a missed interview until the issue is resolved.

Case-Specific Holds

An overpayment claim, fraud investigation, or recoupment for past benefits can place a temporary hold on your account, delaying the rest of your month’s benefits. Deposits can also be suspended due to sanctions from not meeting work participation requirements until you are in compliance.

Policy or Funding Interruptions

Federal government budget standoffs or a lapse in appropriations can impact benefit schedules. If these situations cause contingency funds to run out, the Department of Human Services may have to delay deposits until funding is restored.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Pennsylvania, unused SNAP and cash assistance benefits on your ACCESS EBT card roll over each month. These funds remain available for you to use. The Department of Human Services will not remove them unless your account becomes inactive for an extended period.

Your account is considered inactive if you do not use your card for nine consecutive months. To keep your account active, you must perform at least one transaction, such as a purchase, cash withdrawal, or even a simple balance inquiry. Any of these actions will reset the nine-month clock.

If there is no activity for nine months, the Department of Human Services will permanently expunge all remaining benefits from your account. Once these funds are removed, they cannot be restored. You will only have access to future benefits deposited after the expungement date.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

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 challenging situation, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. Several options are available to help you bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Emergency (Expedited) SNAP

You may qualify for emergency benefits if you have under $100 in cash and expect less than $150 in income this month. You can also apply if your housing costs are more than your available cash and income.

To apply in person:

Go to your County Assistance Office (CAO) with an ID and recent mail.
Tell the receptionist you need “expedited SNAP” and submit a signed application.
Staff must date-stamp it as you watch. If you qualify, benefits are loaded within five calendar days.

If you cannot visit an office, you can apply through COMPASS. Call DHS at 1-800-692-7462 the same day to flag it as an emergency. You can check the deposit status by calling 1-888-328-7366.

Ask DHS to Recalculate Your Benefit

If your circumstances have changed, you can ask the Department of Human Services (DHS) to recalculate your benefit amount. This applies if your work hours were cut, your rent went up, you had a new baby, or your medical bills increased.

You should report the change within 10 days using one of these methods:

The MyCOMPASS PA app
Your online COMPASS account
Calling 877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia)
Dropping off proof at the CAO and getting a receipt

If your Semi-Annual Report (SAR) is due, you can submit it early with updated bills. DHS may issue a supplemental payment for any month you should have received more.

Stretch the Gap With Free Groceries

You can find free groceries outside the EBT system. Use the statewide Feeding Pennsylvania locator for food banks and pantries. You can also find mobile produce trucks and community meal sites in your county.

Another option is to dial or text PA 211 (text your ZIP code to 898-211) for local resources. When you contact a food bank, ask if they run “gleaning” or surplus-produce days. Volunteers collect unsold produce, and you can take home what you help pack for free.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you see your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, you receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items directly on your card.

Download Benny to take control of your purchases and make your EBT benefits go further.

SHARE

Waiting for your EBT deposit can be stressful. Knowing your exact payment date for Pennsylvania SNAP benefits helps you budget better and plan your grocery trips without the guesswork, bringing peace of mind knowing when your funds will arrive.

In this guide, you'll find your specific deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits don't show up on time.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, your SNAP benefit deposit date is determined by the last digit of your seven-digit case number. Payments are made on business days, which are Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. The state uses two different schedules depending on your county of residence.

Many counties, including Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Montgomery, follow a 10-day payment cycle. Here is how the payment dates are broken down for those counties:

Case number ending in 1: 1st business day of the month
Case number ending in 2: 2nd business day of the month
Case number ending in 3: 3rd business day of the month
Case number ending in 4: 4th business day of the month
Case number ending in 5: 5th business day of the month
Case number ending in 6: 6th business day of the month
Case number ending in 7: 7th business day of the month
Case number ending in 8: 8th business day of the month
Case number ending in 9: 9th business day of the month
Case number ending in 0: 10th business day of the month

Other counties distribute all SNAP benefits on a single, specific business day of the month. For instance, residents of Beaver County receive benefits on the 3rd business day, while those in Adams County are paid on the 5th business day.

Cash assistance benefits like TANF also follow a schedule based on your case number's last digit. These funds are deposited later in the month, between the 11th and 20th business days. You can view the full cash assistance schedule online.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your seven-digit case number is printed on most official documents you receive from the Department of Human Services. If you need to locate your number, there are a few straightforward places to check.

Look for it on any approval letters or renewal notices you have received.
Log in to your COMPASS online account to view your case details.
Contact your County Assistance Office. A statewide office locator can help you find the right contact information.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Pennsylvania

Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are available in a few ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Pennsylvania. Here are three of the most convenient ways to check your EBT balance:

Download the Benny app to see your SNAP and Cash balance in seconds. After you link your ACCESS card, your current balances appear on the home screen. The app also provides cashback on EBT purchases at many popular stores like Walmart and Costco.
Use the free ConnectEBT website to view real-time SNAP and TANF balances, deposits, and recent transactions. After you log in or create a new user ID, your account summary page immediately displays your separate SNAP and Cash balances.
Call the 24-hour EBT Recipient Hotline at 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366). The automated system announces your separate SNAP and Cash balances after you enter your card number and PIN. You can also speak with an agent for further help.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several issues, from technical glitches to paperwork problems, can cause a delay in your EBT deposit.

System or Technology-Related Problems

Statewide EBT processor outages or computer glitches at the Department of Human Services can stop benefits from being loaded onto cards. Similarly, high transaction volumes or other technical slowdowns might force the state to postpone deposits until the system is stable.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be frozen if your semi-annual renewal packet is late, incomplete, or unsigned. Missing verification documents or failing to report household changes like new income can also stop payments. The state may also block issuance for application mistakes or a missed interview until the issue is resolved.

Case-Specific Holds

An overpayment claim, fraud investigation, or recoupment for past benefits can place a temporary hold on your account, delaying the rest of your month’s benefits. Deposits can also be suspended due to sanctions from not meeting work participation requirements until you are in compliance.

Policy or Funding Interruptions

Federal government budget standoffs or a lapse in appropriations can impact benefit schedules. If these situations cause contingency funds to run out, the Department of Human Services may have to delay deposits until funding is restored.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Pennsylvania, unused SNAP and cash assistance benefits on your ACCESS EBT card roll over each month. These funds remain available for you to use. The Department of Human Services will not remove them unless your account becomes inactive for an extended period.

Your account is considered inactive if you do not use your card for nine consecutive months. To keep your account active, you must perform at least one transaction, such as a purchase, cash withdrawal, or even a simple balance inquiry. Any of these actions will reset the nine-month clock.

If there is no activity for nine months, the Department of Human Services will permanently expunge all remaining benefits from your account. Once these funds are removed, they cannot be restored. You will only have access to future benefits deposited after the expungement date.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

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 challenging situation, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. Several options are available to help you bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Emergency (Expedited) SNAP

You may qualify for emergency benefits if you have under $100 in cash and expect less than $150 in income this month. You can also apply if your housing costs are more than your available cash and income.

To apply in person:

Go to your County Assistance Office (CAO) with an ID and recent mail.
Tell the receptionist you need “expedited SNAP” and submit a signed application.
Staff must date-stamp it as you watch. If you qualify, benefits are loaded within five calendar days.

If you cannot visit an office, you can apply through COMPASS. Call DHS at 1-800-692-7462 the same day to flag it as an emergency. You can check the deposit status by calling 1-888-328-7366.

Ask DHS to Recalculate Your Benefit

If your circumstances have changed, you can ask the Department of Human Services (DHS) to recalculate your benefit amount. This applies if your work hours were cut, your rent went up, you had a new baby, or your medical bills increased.

You should report the change within 10 days using one of these methods:

The MyCOMPASS PA app
Your online COMPASS account
Calling 877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia)
Dropping off proof at the CAO and getting a receipt

If your Semi-Annual Report (SAR) is due, you can submit it early with updated bills. DHS may issue a supplemental payment for any month you should have received more.

Stretch the Gap With Free Groceries

You can find free groceries outside the EBT system. Use the statewide Feeding Pennsylvania locator for food banks and pantries. You can also find mobile produce trucks and community meal sites in your county.

Another option is to dial or text PA 211 (text your ZIP code to 898-211) for local resources. When you contact a food bank, ask if they run “gleaning” or surplus-produce days. Volunteers collect unsold produce, and you can take home what you help pack for free.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you see your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, you receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items directly on your card.

Download Benny to take control of your purchases and make your EBT benefits go further.

SHARE

Waiting for your EBT deposit can be stressful. Knowing your exact payment date for Pennsylvania SNAP benefits helps you budget better and plan your grocery trips without the guesswork, bringing peace of mind knowing when your funds will arrive.

In this guide, you'll find your specific deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits don't show up on time.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, your SNAP benefit deposit date is determined by the last digit of your seven-digit case number. Payments are made on business days, which are Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. The state uses two different schedules depending on your county of residence.

Many counties, including Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Montgomery, follow a 10-day payment cycle. Here is how the payment dates are broken down for those counties:

Case number ending in 1: 1st business day of the month
Case number ending in 2: 2nd business day of the month
Case number ending in 3: 3rd business day of the month
Case number ending in 4: 4th business day of the month
Case number ending in 5: 5th business day of the month
Case number ending in 6: 6th business day of the month
Case number ending in 7: 7th business day of the month
Case number ending in 8: 8th business day of the month
Case number ending in 9: 9th business day of the month
Case number ending in 0: 10th business day of the month

Other counties distribute all SNAP benefits on a single, specific business day of the month. For instance, residents of Beaver County receive benefits on the 3rd business day, while those in Adams County are paid on the 5th business day.

Cash assistance benefits like TANF also follow a schedule based on your case number's last digit. These funds are deposited later in the month, between the 11th and 20th business days. You can view the full cash assistance schedule online.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your seven-digit case number is printed on most official documents you receive from the Department of Human Services. If you need to locate your number, there are a few straightforward places to check.

Look for it on any approval letters or renewal notices you have received.
Log in to your COMPASS online account to view your case details.
Contact your County Assistance Office. A statewide office locator can help you find the right contact information.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Pennsylvania

Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are available in a few ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Pennsylvania. Here are three of the most convenient ways to check your EBT balance:

Download the Benny app to see your SNAP and Cash balance in seconds. After you link your ACCESS card, your current balances appear on the home screen. The app also provides cashback on EBT purchases at many popular stores like Walmart and Costco.
Use the free ConnectEBT website to view real-time SNAP and TANF balances, deposits, and recent transactions. After you log in or create a new user ID, your account summary page immediately displays your separate SNAP and Cash balances.
Call the 24-hour EBT Recipient Hotline at 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366). The automated system announces your separate SNAP and Cash balances after you enter your card number and PIN. You can also speak with an agent for further help.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

Download the app

Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several issues, from technical glitches to paperwork problems, can cause a delay in your EBT deposit.

System or Technology-Related Problems

Statewide EBT processor outages or computer glitches at the Department of Human Services can stop benefits from being loaded onto cards. Similarly, high transaction volumes or other technical slowdowns might force the state to postpone deposits until the system is stable.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be frozen if your semi-annual renewal packet is late, incomplete, or unsigned. Missing verification documents or failing to report household changes like new income can also stop payments. The state may also block issuance for application mistakes or a missed interview until the issue is resolved.

Case-Specific Holds

An overpayment claim, fraud investigation, or recoupment for past benefits can place a temporary hold on your account, delaying the rest of your month’s benefits. Deposits can also be suspended due to sanctions from not meeting work participation requirements until you are in compliance.

Policy or Funding Interruptions

Federal government budget standoffs or a lapse in appropriations can impact benefit schedules. If these situations cause contingency funds to run out, the Department of Human Services may have to delay deposits until funding is restored.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Pennsylvania, unused SNAP and cash assistance benefits on your ACCESS EBT card roll over each month. These funds remain available for you to use. The Department of Human Services will not remove them unless your account becomes inactive for an extended period.

Your account is considered inactive if you do not use your card for nine consecutive months. To keep your account active, you must perform at least one transaction, such as a purchase, cash withdrawal, or even a simple balance inquiry. Any of these actions will reset the nine-month clock.

If there is no activity for nine months, the Department of Human Services will permanently expunge all remaining benefits from your account. Once these funds are removed, they cannot be restored. You will only have access to future benefits deposited after the expungement date.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

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 challenging situation, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. Several options are available to help you bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Emergency (Expedited) SNAP

You may qualify for emergency benefits if you have under $100 in cash and expect less than $150 in income this month. You can also apply if your housing costs are more than your available cash and income.

To apply in person:

Go to your County Assistance Office (CAO) with an ID and recent mail.
Tell the receptionist you need “expedited SNAP” and submit a signed application.
Staff must date-stamp it as you watch. If you qualify, benefits are loaded within five calendar days.

If you cannot visit an office, you can apply through COMPASS. Call DHS at 1-800-692-7462 the same day to flag it as an emergency. You can check the deposit status by calling 1-888-328-7366.

Ask DHS to Recalculate Your Benefit

If your circumstances have changed, you can ask the Department of Human Services (DHS) to recalculate your benefit amount. This applies if your work hours were cut, your rent went up, you had a new baby, or your medical bills increased.

You should report the change within 10 days using one of these methods:

The MyCOMPASS PA app
Your online COMPASS account
Calling 877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia)
Dropping off proof at the CAO and getting a receipt

If your Semi-Annual Report (SAR) is due, you can submit it early with updated bills. DHS may issue a supplemental payment for any month you should have received more.

Stretch the Gap With Free Groceries

You can find free groceries outside the EBT system. Use the statewide Feeding Pennsylvania locator for food banks and pantries. You can also find mobile produce trucks and community meal sites in your county.

Another option is to dial or text PA 211 (text your ZIP code to 898-211) for local resources. When you contact a food bank, ask if they run “gleaning” or surplus-produce days. Volunteers collect unsold produce, and you can take home what you help pack for free.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you see your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, you receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items directly on your card.

Download Benny to take control of your purchases and make your EBT benefits go further.

SHARE

Waiting for your EBT deposit can be stressful. Knowing your exact payment date for Pennsylvania SNAP benefits helps you budget better and plan your grocery trips without the guesswork, bringing peace of mind knowing when your funds will arrive.

In this guide, you'll find your specific deposit date and learn what to do if your benefits don't show up on time.

Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Pennsylvania

In Pennsylvania, your SNAP benefit deposit date is determined by the last digit of your seven-digit case number. Payments are made on business days, which are Monday through Friday, excluding state holidays. The state uses two different schedules depending on your county of residence.

Many counties, including Philadelphia, Allegheny, and Montgomery, follow a 10-day payment cycle. Here is how the payment dates are broken down for those counties:

Case number ending in 1: 1st business day of the month
Case number ending in 2: 2nd business day of the month
Case number ending in 3: 3rd business day of the month
Case number ending in 4: 4th business day of the month
Case number ending in 5: 5th business day of the month
Case number ending in 6: 6th business day of the month
Case number ending in 7: 7th business day of the month
Case number ending in 8: 8th business day of the month
Case number ending in 9: 9th business day of the month
Case number ending in 0: 10th business day of the month

Other counties distribute all SNAP benefits on a single, specific business day of the month. For instance, residents of Beaver County receive benefits on the 3rd business day, while those in Adams County are paid on the 5th business day.

Cash assistance benefits like TANF also follow a schedule based on your case number's last digit. These funds are deposited later in the month, between the 11th and 20th business days. You can view the full cash assistance schedule online.

How to Find Your Case Number

Your seven-digit case number is printed on most official documents you receive from the Department of Human Services. If you need to locate your number, there are a few straightforward places to check.

Look for it on any approval letters or renewal notices you have received.
Log in to your COMPASS online account to view your case details.
Contact your County Assistance Office. A statewide office locator can help you find the right contact information.

How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Pennsylvania

Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are available in a few ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Pennsylvania. Here are three of the most convenient ways to check your EBT balance:

Download the Benny app to see your SNAP and Cash balance in seconds. After you link your ACCESS card, your current balances appear on the home screen. The app also provides cashback on EBT purchases at many popular stores like Walmart and Costco.
Use the free ConnectEBT website to view real-time SNAP and TANF balances, deposits, and recent transactions. After you log in or create a new user ID, your account summary page immediately displays your separate SNAP and Cash balances.
Call the 24-hour EBT Recipient Hotline at 1-888-EBT-PENN (1-888-328-7366). The automated system announces your separate SNAP and Cash balances after you enter your card number and PIN. You can also speak with an agent for further help.

Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time

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Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several issues, from technical glitches to paperwork problems, can cause a delay in your EBT deposit.

System or Technology-Related Problems

Statewide EBT processor outages or computer glitches at the Department of Human Services can stop benefits from being loaded onto cards. Similarly, high transaction volumes or other technical slowdowns might force the state to postpone deposits until the system is stable.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be frozen if your semi-annual renewal packet is late, incomplete, or unsigned. Missing verification documents or failing to report household changes like new income can also stop payments. The state may also block issuance for application mistakes or a missed interview until the issue is resolved.

Case-Specific Holds

An overpayment claim, fraud investigation, or recoupment for past benefits can place a temporary hold on your account, delaying the rest of your month’s benefits. Deposits can also be suspended due to sanctions from not meeting work participation requirements until you are in compliance.

Policy or Funding Interruptions

Federal government budget standoffs or a lapse in appropriations can impact benefit schedules. If these situations cause contingency funds to run out, the Department of Human Services may have to delay deposits until funding is restored.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Pennsylvania, unused SNAP and cash assistance benefits on your ACCESS EBT card roll over each month. These funds remain available for you to use. The Department of Human Services will not remove them unless your account becomes inactive for an extended period.

Your account is considered inactive if you do not use your card for nine consecutive months. To keep your account active, you must perform at least one transaction, such as a purchase, cash withdrawal, or even a simple balance inquiry. Any of these actions will reset the nine-month clock.

If there is no activity for nine months, the Department of Human Services will permanently expunge all remaining benefits from your account. Once these funds are removed, they cannot be restored. You will only have access to future benefits deposited after the expungement date.

Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP

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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 challenging situation, but it doesn't have to be a hopeless one. Several options are available to help you bridge the gap until your next deposit.

Apply for Emergency (Expedited) SNAP

You may qualify for emergency benefits if you have under $100 in cash and expect less than $150 in income this month. You can also apply if your housing costs are more than your available cash and income.

To apply in person:

Go to your County Assistance Office (CAO) with an ID and recent mail.
Tell the receptionist you need “expedited SNAP” and submit a signed application.
Staff must date-stamp it as you watch. If you qualify, benefits are loaded within five calendar days.

If you cannot visit an office, you can apply through COMPASS. Call DHS at 1-800-692-7462 the same day to flag it as an emergency. You can check the deposit status by calling 1-888-328-7366.

Ask DHS to Recalculate Your Benefit

If your circumstances have changed, you can ask the Department of Human Services (DHS) to recalculate your benefit amount. This applies if your work hours were cut, your rent went up, you had a new baby, or your medical bills increased.

You should report the change within 10 days using one of these methods:

The MyCOMPASS PA app
Your online COMPASS account
Calling 877-395-8930 (or 215-560-7226 in Philadelphia)
Dropping off proof at the CAO and getting a receipt

If your Semi-Annual Report (SAR) is due, you can submit it early with updated bills. DHS may issue a supplemental payment for any month you should have received more.

Stretch the Gap With Free Groceries

You can find free groceries outside the EBT system. Use the statewide Feeding Pennsylvania locator for food banks and pantries. You can also find mobile produce trucks and community meal sites in your county.

Another option is to dial or text PA 211 (text your ZIP code to 898-211) for local resources. When you contact a food bank, ask if they run “gleaning” or surplus-produce days. Volunteers collect unsold produce, and you can take home what you help pack for free.

Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny

Benny is a free app that helps you see your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, and Kroger. To get started, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, you receive cash back for SNAP-eligible items directly on your card.

Download Benny to take control of your purchases and make your EBT benefits go further.