Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can cause a delay in your monthly EBT benefits. Understanding these common issues can help explain why your deposit might not have arrived on its scheduled date.

System Outages

Scheduled system maintenance or unplanned technical problems, such as power interruptions, can halt the nightly processes that load funds onto EBT cards. When these systems go down, benefit files are not processed, causing a delay in payments for many households.

Government Shutdowns

A lapse in federal appropriations can interrupt the flow of money for SNAP and TEA programs to the state. During a shutdown, Arkansas may be forced to hold or reschedule benefit issuance, meaning your deposit will arrive later than expected.

Natural Disasters

When severe storms or other disasters strike, state agencies must shift their focus to emergency food assistance. This diverts staff and system resources away from routine processing, which can slow down the delivery of monthly benefits for households not directly affected by the disaster.

Administrative Or Eligibility Snags

Your case can be put on hold for administrative reasons. An overdue six-month report, an incomplete recertification packet, or missing work verification documents will flag your file. A caseworker must manually resolve the issue before the system can release your monthly SNAP or cash benefits, causing a late deposit.

Staff Shortages And Backlogs

High caseloads and a shortage of state workers often lead to significant processing backlogs. Even when you file all your paperwork correctly and on time, your case may have to wait in a long queue before a worker can approve it.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused SNAP and TEA benefits in Arkansas roll over each month. However, these funds are not available indefinitely and are subject to specific time limits. Both food and cash assistance follow the same rules for how long they remain on your EBT card.

Your account requires activity, like a purchase or balance check, at least once every 90 days. Without any use, the account becomes “aged,” and you must contact the Department of Human Services to reactivate your benefits before you can use them again.

All benefits also have a 12-month expiration clock starting from the date they were issued. Any funds remaining on the card after one year are permanently removed. These expunged benefits cannot be restored to your household.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Running out of food assistance before the end of the month is a common stressor, but it doesn't have to be your reality. With some smart planning and intentional spending, you can stretch your benefits and maintain a well-stocked pantry until your next deposit arrives. Making a few adjustments to your shopping routine can make a significant difference in your monthly food budget.

Create a Weekly Spending Target

First, check the Arkansas EBT deposit schedule to know your exact payment date. Divide your total monthly benefit by four to set a weekly spending goal. This "pay-yourself-weekly" method helps prevent overspending early in the month and encourages a pause before each week's shopping trip.

Track Your Balance in Real Time

Download the Benny app to see your EBT card balance update with every purchase. Knowing exactly what is left on your card helps you make decisions in the checkout line and avoid the surprise of a declined transaction. You can remove items before paying if you are over budget.

Earn Automatic EBT Cashback

The Benny app also provides EBT-eligible cashback on groceries from participating stores like Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens. The bonus is credited automatically to your account, adding a little extra to your budget without any extra steps from you.

Double Your Produce Dollars

From May 1 through October 31, you can get more for your money with the Double Up Food Bucks program. For every SNAP dollar you spend on local fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets, Harps, or Food Smart stores, you get a matching dollar to spend on more produce.

Shop for Same-Day Markdowns

Time your grocery trips to find “manager’s special” discounts. Grocers often mark down meat, produce, and bakery items on Sunday evenings or Monday mornings. Shopping during these times can cut 20-40 percent off prices, and you can freeze items to lock in the savings.