Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Delays in EBT deposits often originate from issues within the state's eligibility system rather than the payment network itself. Several factors can hold up your SNAP or Families First benefits, from system-wide backlogs to case-specific paperwork problems.

Technology Transition Backlog

The launch of the new Eligibility Benefits Management System (EBMS) in June 2023 created processing glitches and significant backlogs. Many approved households have experienced delays because their benefits have not yet been keyed into the new system. Some case files were also lost or incorrectly closed during the data migration.

Staffing Shortages and Heavy Workload

The Tennessee Department of Human Services (TDHS) has faced challenges in hiring and training enough caseworkers to manage a high volume of applications. Because of this, even fully completed and approved applications can get stuck in a long queue before being processed by a caseworker.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be held up by paperwork issues. This includes missing verification documents for income or identity, or a late or incomplete six-month report. Benefits also cannot be issued until a mandatory eligibility interview is completed. Even after you submit the required information, system backlogs can mean it remains unprocessed for weeks.

Quality-Control Reviews or Fraud Checks

Cases are sometimes randomly selected for a state or federal quality-control review. If your case is chosen or flagged for potential irregularities, TDHS can put your benefits on hold. The hold remains until the household cooperates with the review and it is officially completed.

Compliance Holds or Sanctions

For those receiving Families First cash assistance, deposits can be suspended if an adult in the household fails to meet work, training, or child-support requirements without showing good cause. These sanctions can halt payments for one to twelve months, depending on the situation.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused SNAP and Families First benefits in Tennessee do not expire at the end of the month. Since both programs use the same EBT card, your remaining balance automatically carries over and is added to the next month's deposit, allowing you to save funds.

However, benefits are not indefinite. If your EBT account remains inactive for nine consecutive months, the state is required to permanently remove the entire balance. You will receive a written notice 30 days before this happens.

Any transaction will reset this nine-month countdown. This includes making a purchase, withdrawing cash, or simply checking your balance. Performing any of these actions protects your accumulated funds from being expunged.

Once benefits are removed from your account, they cannot be restored. It is important to use your card periodically to keep the account active and preserve your funds.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your monthly EBT deposit cover all your needs requires careful management. With intentional spending and smart planning, you can stretch your funds and avoid running short before your next deposit arrives.

Track Your Balance in Real Time

An app like Benny can help you monitor your funds closely. It offers a real-time balance tracker that sends instant updates after every purchase. This allows you to pace your spending to the penny and always know exactly how much you have left.

Earn Cashback on Groceries

The Benny app also provides EBT-only cashback when you shop at participating stores like Walmart, Costco, and Trader Joe’s. The money is automatically credited back to your card. These small returns accumulate over the month, creating a helpful buffer for unexpected costs.

Shop During the Sales-Tax Holiday

Time a large grocery trip around Tennessee’s grocery sales-tax holiday. The last one suspended the 4% state tax from August to October 2023. If another is announced, you can stock up on non-perishables and save a considerable amount, extending your budget for the rest of the month.

Double Your Produce Dollars

You can double your money for produce at farmers markets that participate in the Fresh Savings or Double Up Food Bucks program. When you spend SNAP funds, these programs match each dollar, often up to $20 per visit, with free tokens for Tennessee-grown fruits and vegetables.

Use this match early in the month to stock up on produce. This frees up your regular EBT funds for other pantry staples later.

Order Groceries Online for Pickup

Place free curbside pickup orders online with your EBT card through retailers like Walmart. The digital cart shows a running total and flags eligible items, helping you stick to your budget. This method also helps eliminate in-store impulse buys that can derail your spending plan.

Once your card is linked, basket-size minimums are often dropped. You can also split payments between your EBT card and another card in the same checkout, preventing accidental overspending.