Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can delay your EBT deposit, ranging from statewide technical problems to issues specific to your case. Understanding these common reasons can help clarify why your funds have not appeared as expected.

State-Level Technical Issues

A delay might not be related to your case at all. Planned system maintenance, software upgrades, or unexpected IT outages can hold up the overnight processing of benefits. Similarly, a large-scale cybersecurity incident could force a temporary suspension of electronic files until security is restored.

Holidays and Office Closures

Your deposit schedule can be affected by state and federal holidays. If your regular deposit date falls on a day when state offices are closed, the payment batch is typically processed on the next business day. This will cause your benefits to arrive a day or two later than usual.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Issues with your case file are a frequent cause of delayed payments. This can happen if periodic review paperwork is missing or late, or if the agency is still verifying your documents. Recently reported changes to your household or income may also place your case under review, temporarily pausing deposits.

Processing Backlogs and Recalculations

Sometimes the delay is due to the agency's workload. A surge in applications or recertifications can create a backlog, slowing down processing for all cases until staff can catch up. Your benefits might also be recalculated, placing your case in a pending status until the adjustment is finalized.

Card Compromise or Fraud

If your EBT card has been compromised through skimming or hacking, your account may be frozen as a security measure. In these situations, deposits are often held until a fraud review is completed and a new card is issued. This is done to protect your remaining benefits from further theft.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

In Utah, any unspent SNAP or cash assistance funds automatically carry over to the following month. This rollover rule applies to both benefit types, and there is no limit to the total balance you can accumulate on your EBT card over time.

However, benefits are not indefinite and will be permanently removed if your account remains inactive for 365 days. Any transaction, even a simple balance inquiry, resets the clock for all funds in your account, preventing them from being expunged for another year.

To give households a chance to use their remaining balance, federal regulations mandate that the state must send a written warning at least 30 days before any benefits are scheduled for removal.

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. With a few adjustments to your routine, you can avoid running short before your next deposit arrives. Adopting a handful of new habits can help you maximize every dollar and build a small buffer for unexpected needs.

Use a Balance and Cashback App

Install an app like Benny to check your real-time SNAP and cash balance before you shop. This helps prevent accidental overspending. The app also offers cashback at major retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Walgreens, adding small refunds back to your account.

You can download the Benny app for Android or iOS to get started.

Time Your Grocery Runs for Markdowns

Many chains mark down items the evening before their sell-by date. Ask the butcher or department manager for the exact markdown schedule at your local store. Shopping during these windows can cut your bill for essentials by 30-40%.

This strategy lets you buy next week’s meals with this week’s money, freeing up your budget. You can find more details on store markdowns.

Shop on Restock Days

Knowing when stores restock can lead to big savings and better selection. In many Utah locations, you can find specific patterns for major retailers.

• Walmart: Meat and produce are often discounted late Sunday or early Monday, according to some shoppers.

• Trader Joe’s: The best time to shop is often Monday through Wednesday mornings for fresh stock.

• Costco: Shelves are typically refilled before opening, so arriving early is a good tactic for finding fresh inventory.

Double Your Produce With Food Bucks

Utah’s Double Up Food Bucks program can double your fruit and vegetable budget. When you use your Horizon card at a participating farmers market, you get a dollar-for-dollar match in tokens for produce, up to $20 per visit.

Visit the information booth at a location like the Downtown SLC Market to participate. You can stock up and preserve the extra produce to last all month.

Buy in Bulk During Case-Lot Sales

Look for case-lot sales at stores like Smith’s and Macey’s, which usually happen in January and late summer. These sales offer deep discounts on pantry staples like beans, rice, and canned goods when you buy by the case.

A single bulk purchase can stock your pantry for months. Check for the next Smith's case-lot sale and plan ahead to maximize your savings.