Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do

Several factors can delay your EBT deposit, ranging from widespread technical issues to specific details about your case. Understanding these common reasons can help clarify why your benefits might not have arrived on schedule.

Widespread System Failures

Sometimes the delay is caused by large-scale technical problems outside of your control. A statewide IT outage that shuts down government websites or a cybersecurity incident affecting a state contractor can force a temporary suspension of all electronic payment transfers until the systems are confirmed to be safe and operational again.

Internal Processing and Data Errors

Delays can also originate from within the benefits administration system itself. Simple data-file mismatches or programming bugs have been known to require manual correction before payments can be released. Agency backlogs or staff errors during processing can also push deposits past their expected date.

Furthermore, Vermont's benefits mainframe is considered antiquated. When the system is strained by new federal programming requirements, staff may need to slow down the processing of existing benefit batches to manage the load, resulting in a delay for recipients.

Administrative or Eligibility Snags

Your benefits can be paused if required paperwork is missing or late, including recertification forms or interim reports. Delays also happen if you do not provide necessary income or work verification on time. Any reported changes to your household, such as income or address, must be reviewed before funds are released.

Additionally, if your case is flagged for extra identity or eligibility checks, payments will be held until the verification process is complete.

Program Sanctions or Special Payment Arrangements

If you participate in the Reach Up program, failing to meet its requirements can change how you receive funds. Benefits may be redirected as protective or vendor payments for housing or utilities. Your cash assistance will not be loaded onto your EBT card until you are back in compliance with program rules.

External Events That Slow Case Action

Major life events can also unintentionally slow down the process. Situations like a natural disaster, a serious illness, or a death in the household are considered "good-cause" reasons for missing deadlines. However, these circumstances can still delay your ability to submit required paperwork, which in turn delays the release of your benefits.

Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?

Unused EBT benefits in Vermont do not expire at the end of the month. Instead, the remaining balance rolls over. These funds stay on your card until they are removed due to prolonged account inactivity, at which point they are returned to the state.

Food Assistance (3SquaresVT/SNAP)

Any leftover food assistance automatically carries forward. To keep the account active, you must make at least one transaction every nine months. If an account has no activity for nine consecutive months, the unused funds are permanently removed.

You can still spend your balance even after your 3SquaresVT case closes, provided the funds have not been expunged. Additionally, each month's benefit is removed if it remains unused for one full year.

Cash Assistance

Unspent cash benefits also roll over from one month to the next. However, the inactivity period for cash assistance is shorter. Your account must show at least one withdrawal or purchase every three months.

If there is no activity for three straight months, the entire unused cash balance is expunged from the card and returned to the program.

How to Make Your EBT Benefits Last the Whole Month

Making your monthly EBT benefits stretch requires a bit of forethought and some intentional spending habits. With a solid plan, you can avoid the end-of-month crunch and keep your kitchen stocked. Adopting a few savvy habits can make a significant difference in your monthly food budget.

Track Your Balance and Earn Cashback

Download the free Benny app to your phone to keep a real-time eye on your EBT balance. The app shows both your food and cash assistance funds, so you always know what’s left to spend. You can also get automatic cashback on EBT-eligible purchases by linking or uploading receipts from stores like Walmart, Costco, and Hannaford.

Double Your Value at Farmers Markets

Swipe your EBT card at any farmers market participating in the Crop Cash program. For every dollar of 3SquaresVT benefits you use, up to $20 per visit, you receive an equal amount in coupons for fresh produce and seedlings. Plan weekly market trips early in the month to build up a supply of these coupons for later use.

Use Co-op Discount Programs

Joining a local food co-op’s access program can lead to significant savings. For example, City Market’s free Food for All membership offers a discount if you can show proof of receiving 3SquaresVT. Members receive:

• 10% off most items

• 15% off produce and bulk goods

Some co-ops also offer extra discounts for volunteer hours.

Buy Shelf-Stable Staples in Bulk

Use your co-op discount to stock up on shelf-stable foods like rice, oats, and dry beans right after your benefits are deposited. Buying in bulk is cheaper over time. Many co-ops also honor case discounts, which you can split with friends to lower the cost even more.

Grow Your Own Produce

You can use your 3SquaresVT benefits to buy fruit and vegetable seeds or starter plants. Retailers and farmers markets that accept EBT are great places to find them. A few packets of seeds purchased in the spring can provide fresh produce for weeks, turning a small expense into many meals.