Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can delay your EBT deposit, from statewide processing issues to specific problems with your case. Understanding the root cause can help you figure out the next steps.

Processing Backlogs and Staffing Shortages

High application volumes and staffing gaps at the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) have slowed down eligibility workers. This has pushed many SNAP and TANF cases past federal timeliness standards, causing late benefit releases.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits may be paused if you have missing renewal forms, income proofs, or identity documents. Holds can also be placed for unreported household changes, such as a new job or move, that must be verified. Data mismatches, like incorrect Social Security numbers or outdated addresses, will also delay deposits until they are corrected.

System or Technical Problems

HHSC’s older eligibility software and network outages can sometimes fail to post payment files to the EBT processor, delaying deposits across the state. Workers also report daily system glitches that force them to re-enter cases manually, which adds to the backlog.

Card- or Account-Specific Issues

If you report your EBT card as lost, stolen, or damaged, your benefits will be held until a replacement card is activated. Accounts may also be flagged for suspected fraud, such as skimming, resulting in a temporary security hold while HHSC investigates the issue.

Policy or Funding Disruptions

State office closures for federal or state holidays can push back deposit schedules. In the event of a major disaster, staff may shift to issuing emergency benefits first, slowing down regular payments. A federal government shutdown could also lead to temporary adjustments in deposit timing.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Texas, unused EBT benefits roll over from one month to the next. These funds are not available indefinitely, as the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) removes benefits from accounts that remain inactive for an extended period.

For SNAP food benefits, any unspent balance carries over. Funds are only removed if your account has no transactions for nine consecutive months. Making a small purchase or checking your balance resets this nine-month clock for your entire account.

The rules for TANF cash assistance are similar. Unused funds roll over monthly, but the entire cash balance will be expunged if you do not access the account for 12 consecutive months. Any transaction keeps the cash benefits active.

In both cases, HHSC mails a notice 30 days before removing any funds. You can review the specific rules for expunged benefits in the state handbook.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your EBT benefits stretch the entire month comes down to smart planning and intentional spending. A few thoughtful adjustments to your routine can help you manage your balance and avoid running short before your next deposit.

Use an App to Track Spending

The Benny app helps you monitor your SNAP and cash balance in real time. After linking your Lone Star card, you can see every transaction and always know what is left. It also offers cash back on eligible purchases at retailers including:

• Walmart

• Costco

• Walgreens

• Trader Joe's

This cashback can build into a small reserve for later in the month.

Know Your Deposit Schedule

Texas issues SNAP benefits between the 1st and the 28th of each month. Your specific deposit date is based on the last two digits of your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. Knowing when your funds will arrive allows you to plan your big shopping trip for that day.

Create a Weekly Allowance

Once your benefits arrive, consider dividing the total amount by four to create a weekly spending limit. By sticking to this allowance, you can prevent overspending in the first half of the month. This simple budgeting method helps your funds last until the next deposit cycle.

Double Your Produce Dollars

The Double Up Food Bucks program matches every SNAP dollar you spend on fresh produce at participating locations, up to $30 per visit. This doubles your buying power for fruits and vegetables. You can find participating farmers markets and small groceries across Texas.

Separate SNAP and Non-SNAP Purchases

To protect your food funds, pay for non-eligible items like household cleaners or paper goods separately. Ringing up groceries in their own transaction prevents accidental deductions from your EBT card. You can confirm your remaining balance on the Your Texas Benefits website afterward.