Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

A few different issues can cause a delay in your EBT deposit. These problems often fall into a few common categories, from simple paperwork issues to broader systemic slowdowns.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

A missing six-month or annual review form can halt your benefits. The same happens with unanswered requests for proof of income or expenses. If you have an unfinished change report, your case might be put in a "pending" status. This stops the payment file until all the required paperwork is completed and approved.

New Information Awaiting Verification

If you recently reported a change, such as a move, a new household member, or different earnings, your benefits may be paused. The DHHS must verify this new information. Your deposit cannot be issued until a caseworker reviews the proof, enters it into the system, and clears the update.

Caseworker Backlog or System Issues

Sometimes the delay is on the state's end. A spike in applications, staff shortages, or major policy rollouts can create a backlog for caseworkers. This slows down processing. Scheduled computer maintenance or unexpected technical outages can also hold up the deposit file until the system is back online.

Compliance or Sanction Holds

Your benefits can be paused or reduced if you do not meet certain program rules. This includes violations of SNAP work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD). It also applies to failing to meet Employment First rules for ADC cash assistance or reaching the 60-month lifetime TANF limit.

Federal or State Policy Changes

Widespread policy shifts can also cause delays. Benefit recalculations tied to cost-of-living adjustments or the end of temporary programs, like COVID-19 waivers, can postpone payments. The state needs time to recalibrate all benefit amounts in the system before issuing deposits.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Nebraska, any SNAP or cash assistance funds you do not use in a month are carried forward. These unspent benefits remain in your EBT account for future use. This rollover applies automatically to both food and cash balances, allowing you to save them for larger purchases.

To keep your account active, you must make at least one transaction every 365 days. Any purchase or withdrawal resets this clock for another year. An account inactive for a full year will have its entire balance permanently removed, a process known as expungement under state program rules.

An exception exists for special-purpose summer EBT benefits. These funds are for short-term use and do not follow the standard rollover policy. You must spend them within 122 days of issuance, or they will be returned to the USDA and cannot be reissued.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your EBT benefits stretch the entire month comes down to a little foresight and intentional spending. With a solid plan, you can avoid the end-of-month scramble and keep your pantry stocked. A few thoughtful habits can transform how you manage your food budget.

Use a Balance and Cashback App

Download the Benny app as soon as your benefits arrive. It lets you check your real-time SNAP and cash balance before every purchase, which helps you track your spending closely.

The app also provides EBT-only cashback at many stores, including Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s. A portion of what you spend is returned to your card, helping cover meals near the end of the month.

Double Your Produce Dollars

The Double Up Food Bucks program matches what you spend on fresh produce with SNAP, up to $20 per day. This offer is available at participating Nebraska farmers markets and locally owned grocery stores.

Plan one produce trip each week to take full advantage of the match. You can freeze or batch-cook the extra items so they stay good until you need them.

Shop With the Seasons

Basing your menu on what’s in season can dramatically cut costs. You can consult the Nebraska Harvest Calendar to see when items like sweet corn or root vegetables are at their peak.

The University of Nebraska–Lincoln also offers a helpful Seasonal Produce Guide. Buying when produce is most abundant means you pay much lower prices.

Plan Around Weekly Sales

Check your local grocery store’s weekly ad before you shop. For example, Hy-Vee releases its new weekly ad every Wednesday with markdowns on meat, dairy, and pantry items.

Shopping on the first day of the sale gives you the best selection. Look for family packs or BOGO deals to get the most value for your money.

Preserve Food to Lock in Savings

When you buy items in bulk or on sale, preserving them makes the savings last. By portioning and storing food at home, you avoid paying full price later when your benefits might be running low.

You can extend the life of your groceries in several ways:

• Freeze portions of meat from family packs or BOGO deals.

• Batch-cook and freeze extra produce you get from programs like Double Up Food Bucks.

• Can or dehydrate seasonal produce when you buy extra during peak weeks.