Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

When your SNAP or TANF benefits don't arrive on schedule, it's often due to a handful of common issues. Understanding these potential causes can help you figure out the next steps.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Delays can happen if your case file is incomplete. This could be due to a missing periodic report, an overdue recertification, or an unfinished interview. Sometimes, the agency is waiting for documents like pay stubs or ID. Your benefits will be held until all required information is submitted and your file is cleared.

Agency Processing Backlog or Staffing Shortages

Staffing shortages at the state agency can create processing backlogs. The DPHHS has acknowledged that congestion has impacted processing times for all of its assistance programs, causing delays for many households.

Technical or System Glitches

Sometimes the problem is purely technical. A statewide or national EBT network outage, a failed overnight data transfer, or system maintenance can postpone deposits. Benefits are typically loaded once the system is back online.

Sanctions, Repayment or Fraud Holds

Your case may be temporarily suspended, which stops payments. This can happen because of a sanction related to TANF work requirements, an ongoing repayment for a past overpayment, or an active fraud investigation. The monthly deposit is held until the issue is resolved.

Policy or Funding Disruptions

Large-scale policy changes can disrupt the usual deposit schedule. For instance, during a federal government shutdown, benefits might be issued early one month. This makes the following month's deposit feel late by comparison. Major changes to benefit formulas can also cause similar timing shifts.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Montana, any unused benefits on your EBT card carry over to the next month. This applies to both your SNAP food assistance and TANF cash benefits. You do not need to spend your full monthly amount to keep your account active.

Your benefits will remain on your card as long as you use it at least once every 365 days. If an account is inactive for a full year, the state permanently removes any remaining balance, as outlined in EBT account rules.

There is an exception for households with an unpaid overpayment claim. If the card is inactive for 90 days, the state may apply the unused balance toward that debt. Otherwise, the funds are available until the one-year mark is reached.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your monthly EBT benefits last doesn't have to be a source of stress. With some smart planning and intentional spending, you can stretch your budget and avoid running short before your next deposit arrives.

Adopting a few new habits can make a significant difference in your monthly food budget.

Track Your Spending in Real Time

Knowing your exact EBT balance is the first step to pacing your spending. The free Benny app shows your real-time SNAP and cash balance, so you can check it before and after you shop to maintain a precise running total.

You can download the app for Android devices from the Google Play Store.

Get Automatic EBT Cashback

The same app also helps you earn money back on purchases. When you buy groceries at Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, and other participating retailers, its built-in cashback feature quietly puts money back on your EBT card.

The Benny app is also available for download from the Apple App Store.

Double Your Produce Dollars

Montana’s Double SNAP Dollars program matches every EBT dollar you spend on eligible produce, up to $30 per day. This allows you to get twice the amount of fresh fruits and vegetables at participating grocery stores and farmers markets.

Before you shop, use the online location finder to see which markets are active. Planning a weekly visit helps you stock up while produce is in peak season.

Grow Your Own Food With SNAP

You can use your benefits to buy food-producing seeds, seedlings, and even fruit trees. USDA figures show that just $1 in seeds can yield roughly $25 worth of produce by harvest time, offering a significant return.

Use early-summer funds for tomato starts or seed potatoes from any SNAP-authorized retailer. This is permitted under the federal rules for eligible foods.

Avoid Costly Service Fees

Watch out for surprise service charges on grocery pickup or delivery, which can eat into your food budget. For instance, Walmart now applies a fee on EBT orders that fall under a certain dollar minimum.

To avoid these charges, plan fewer, larger orders to pass the threshold. You can also add shelf-stable staples to your cart, ensuring every cent of your benefits goes toward food rather than fees.