Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can delay your Hoosier Works EBT deposit for SNAP and TANF benefits. These issues can range from simple paperwork oversights to broader systemic problems. Understanding the common causes can help you identify what might be affecting your account.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be put on hold due to common administrative issues. This often happens if you submit recertification packets late or if they are incomplete. Missing documents like proof of income, outdated contact information, or unsigned forms can also pause your deposits until the required information is provided and entered into the system.

Case Changes and Redeterminations

Reporting significant life changes can temporarily delay your benefits. Events like adding a new baby to your household, starting a new job, or moving to a new address require your eligibility to be recalculated. Your next deposit may be postponed until this redetermination process is complete.

System-Wide Delays

Sometimes, the delay is not related to your specific case but affects many recipients. Statewide issues like a surge in applications, caseworker shortages, or scheduled system maintenance can slow down all payments. Technical glitches during data transfers between state systems and the EBT card processor can also cause a brief lag.

Account-Level Holds or Fraud Flags

Your account may be frozen if there are security concerns. This can happen if your PIN is locked after too many incorrect attempts or if the system flags suspicious activity. An investigation into potentially fraudulent transactions or duplicate participation will also keep your card from loading until the issue is resolved.

Program Compliance Issues

For those receiving TANF cash assistance, failing to meet program requirements can suspend your grant. This includes not completing required work-activity hours or not cooperating with child-support enforcement. Your cash benefits will be put on hold until you satisfy all compliance rules.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused SNAP and TANF benefits on your Hoosier Works EBT card will carry over to the next month. These rollover rules apply to both food and cash assistance programs in Indiana. Your balance remains available as long as you keep the account active through occasional use.

If your card remains unused for nine consecutive months, any remaining funds will be permanently removed from the account. This process is known as expungement. The state is required to send you a written notice at least 30 days before your benefits are taken away.

You can stop the expungement process simply by making a purchase with your card. Even if your case closes, you can still spend any leftover balance until it reaches the nine-month inactivity limit. The Hoosier Works card itself does not expire.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your monthly EBT benefits stretch until the next deposit requires a bit of planning and intentional spending. With a few smart adjustments to your shopping routine, you can avoid running short on food and cash assistance. Adopting new habits can help you manage your balance and make the most of every dollar.

Track Spending and Earn Cashback

Download the Benny app to track your exact SNAP and cash balance in real time. After signing up with your phone number or email and entering your zip code, you can link your EBT card to see recent transactions. You can find the app on the App Store.

The app also provides cashback at stores like Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens. Submit your receipts or link store loyalty accounts, and Benny deposits cashback into your Benny wallet. Android users can get the app from the Google Play store.

Double Your Produce Budget

If you live near a participating location, tap the Double Up Indiana program. Every SNAP dollar you spend on eligible fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets or grocery stores earns a free matching dollar. This doubles your produce budget on the spot.

Grow Your Own Food With SNAP

Your SNAP benefits can be used to purchase seeds and food-bearing plants. Pick up herb, tomato, or pepper seedlings at any SNAP-authorized retailer and start a small patio or windowsill garden. A small investment in seeds can yield a significant amount of produce over the season.

Plan Two Monthly Shopping Trips

Instead of one large shopping trip, try splitting your shopping into two planned visits per month. This approach can help you manage your funds and reduce food waste. Consider this schedule:

• On deposit day: Stock up on long-lasting staples like rice, beans, and frozen vegetables.

• Mid-month: Use weekly sale flyers to buy perishables like meat and fresh produce.

Freeze Food and Plan Meals

Get more from your grocery budget by freezing meats and produce you buy on markdown. Portion them into meal-sized bags for easy use later. Building your weekly menus around what you already have in your freezer and pantry helps prevent last-minute, expensive trips to the store.