Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can cause your monthly benefits to arrive later than expected. These issues can range from widespread system outages to specific problems with your individual case file.

Statewide Technology Disruptions

Major technical failures can bring benefit processing to a halt. In South Carolina, a severed fiber-optic line once cut off internet access for the DSS, stalling payments. The state’s aging mainframe system also slows or crashes under heavy use, creating backlogs and delaying deposits for many households.

Heavy Caseloads and Staffing Shortages

State agencies often face staffing shortages, leaving caseworkers with overwhelming caseloads. When a single worker is responsible for over a thousand cases, it becomes difficult to complete all necessary recalculations and approvals on time. This can push your monthly payment past its scheduled deposit date.

Seasonal Surges or Economic Downturns

An increase in new applications can overload the system. During economic downturns, a spike in people applying for benefits expands the verification queue. This backlog means that even routine, ongoing SNAP and TANF payments may post later than usual as new cases are processed.

System Maintenance and Security Holds

Your deposit can also be paused for routine system updates or security reasons. Overnight software maintenance, a temporary security freeze on your account after a potential skimming incident, or a re-issued card can all place a temporary hold on your benefits until the issue is resolved.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

An incomplete application or recertification can keep your case in a pending status. A missing signature, absent pay stubs, or an unverified address change will stop payments. Deposits only resume after you submit the required documents and a caseworker finalizes the update in the system.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused EBT benefits in South Carolina do not disappear at the end of the month. However, the rules for keeping your balance differ between food and cash assistance programs.

Food Assistance (SNAP)

Your SNAP balance automatically rolls over each month. To keep the funds, your card must be used for a purchase or a balance inquiry at least once every nine months.

If your account is inactive for this period, the DSS sends a 45-day warning notice. Failure to make a purchase before this deadline results in the permanent loss of your entire remaining SNAP balance, a policy detailed in the DSS guidelines.

Cash Assistance (TANF)

TANF cash assistance also rolls over monthly without expiring. Unlike SNAP, there is no state-mandated time limit for inactivity, so the funds remain on your SC ePay card until you spend or withdraw them.

While the DSS does not reclaim the money, standard debit card rules may apply. This means your account could be subject to dormancy or maintenance fees after very long periods of non-use.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your EBT benefits stretch the entire month requires a thoughtful approach to grocery shopping. With some smart planning and intentional spending, you can avoid a late-month budget crunch and keep your pantry stocked.

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

Use a Balance and Cashback App

Install the Benny app and link your South Carolina EBT card. The app shows your exact SNAP and cash balance right after a purchase. It also gives you automatic cashback when you shop at participating stores like Walmart and Costco, adding funds back to your account.

Multiply Your Produce Budget

With the Healthy Bucks program, you can turn $5 in SNAP into $20 worth of produce. Pay with SNAP at a participating farmers market and you get $15 in bonus tokens for fresh fruits and vegetables. Check the state vendor list to find a location near you.

Grow Your Own Food

Use a small part of your benefits early in the month to buy food-producing seeds or vegetable seedlings, which are SNAP-eligible. Quick-yield crops like herbs, lettuces, and peppers grow well in South Carolina. Harvesting your own produce reduces unplanned store trips and helps your balance last longer.

Time Your Shopping for Markdowns

Learn the markdown rhythm of your local supermarkets. Meat, dairy, and bakery items are often marked for quick sale with clearance stickers. You can usually find the best deals early on weekday mornings or the night before new weekly ads begin.

Stack Deals and Freeze Extras

Combine clearance prices with digital coupons and buy-one-get-one offers to maximize savings. After a big shopping trip, portion and freeze anything you cannot use within a couple of days. This locks in the low price and prevents food waste.