Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Delays in your EBT benefits can be frustrating, and they often trace back to a handful of common issues within the system. Understanding these potential causes can help you determine the next steps.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits might be on hold if there is an issue with your case file. This could be due to a missing Interim Report, an incomplete recertification, or overdue verification documents. If you recently reported changes to your income or household size, your benefits may be paused while the DTA reviews the new information.

System or Technical Issues

Sometimes, the delay is not related to your specific case but to a broader problem. A statewide system glitch or a technical processing error at the DTA or its EBT processor can temporarily prevent benefits from being loaded onto cards until the issue is fixed.

Heavy Caseloads and Processing Backlogs

High demand for benefits or staffing shortages at processing centers can create significant backlogs. When there is a surge in new applications or not enough staff to handle the workload, administrative bottlenecks can slow down case actions and push payments past their normal schedule.

Fraud-Related Holds or Benefit Theft

If fraud, such as card skimming, is suspected on your account, the DTA may freeze your card to prevent further theft. Your deposit will be held until the investigation is complete and any necessary funds are reissued, which can cause a temporary interruption in your benefits.

Compliance Holds, Sanctions, or Recoupments

Benefits can be withheld or reduced for compliance reasons. This might happen if a household member fails to meet TAFDC work requirements, does not cooperate with child support enforcement, or owes an overpayment. Funds are held until the sanction is lifted or the debt is addressed.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Massachusetts, you are not required to spend your full benefit amount each month. Unused SNAP and cash assistance funds automatically carry over and remain on your EBT card for future use. This allows you to save benefits for larger purchases.

Your SNAP benefits will stay on your card as long as you make at least one transaction every 274 days. If your card is inactive for that long, any benefits older than 274 days are permanently removed. The DTA sends a warning notice at least 30 days before this happens.

Cash assistance has a shorter timeline. These funds are removed if your account is not accessed at all within 90 days of a deposit. Unlike SNAP, the entire cash balance is expunged, not just the older funds. You will receive a notice if your benefits are at risk.

It is very difficult to get expunged benefits back. Removed SNAP funds cannot be restored unless the DTA made an error. You can request to have expunged cash benefits reinstated if you faced a serious barrier, but you must do so within six months.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your EBT benefits stretch the entire month requires a bit of planning. With intentional spending habits, you can avoid running short before your next deposit. Adopting a few new habits can help you maximize every dollar on your card.

Track Your Balance in Real-Time

Knowing exactly how much you have to spend before you get to the checkout line prevents overspending. You can download an app like Benny to check your real-time SNAP and cash balance anytime, directly from your phone.

Earn Cashback on EBT Groceries

Some apps also offer automatic cashback on eligible EBT purchases. After linking your store account from retailers like Walmart or Costco, you can earn money back on groceries. This adds extra funds to your budget for later in the month. You can find instructions on linking your account online.

Use the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)

The Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) helps you buy fresh produce for free. When you use your SNAP benefits for fruits and vegetables at participating farmers markets or farm stands, the amount you spend is instantly put back on your EBT card, up to a monthly limit.

Create a Weekly Micro-Budget

Anchor your spending to the state’s deposit schedule. Massachusetts issues SNAP benefits on a fixed date each month based on your Social Security number. Once you know your date, you can create a simple weekly budget to make your funds last until the next deposit. You can find the full deposit calendar online.

Stack Coupons and Loyalty Rewards

Take advantage of store loyalty programs and coupon kiosks before you pay. Some grocery chains have stations that print digital-only coupons for EBT-eligible items like canned goods. This allows you to stack discounts and make your SNAP dollars go further.