Arizona EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find Arizona's 2025 EBT deposit schedule and learn what to do if your payment is late or you run out of funds early.
Oct 9, 2025
Edward Cheng
Arizona EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find Arizona's 2025 EBT deposit schedule and learn what to do if your payment is late or you run out of funds early.
Oct 9, 2025
Edward Cheng
Arizona EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find Arizona's 2025 EBT deposit schedule and learn what to do if your payment is late or you run out of funds early.
Oct 9, 2025
Edward Cheng
Arizona EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find Arizona's 2025 EBT deposit schedule and learn what to do if your payment is late or you run out of funds early.
Oct 9, 2025
Edward Cheng
Arizona EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find Arizona's 2025 EBT deposit schedule and learn what to do if your payment is late or you run out of funds early.
Oct 9, 2025
Edward Cheng
SHARE
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Waiting for your monthly benefits can be stressful. Knowing your EBT deposit schedule in Arizona helps you plan your grocery trips and budget effectively, so you're never caught off guard at the checkout line.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your Arizona EBT deposit and what to do if your benefits don't arrive on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Arizona
In Arizona, SNAP benefits are deposited over the first 13 days of the month. Your specific date depends on the first letter of the head of household's last name. This is the name listed as the “Primary Informant” on your DES approval notice, which you can find in the Nutrition Assistance FAQ.
Here is the breakdown of the deposit dates:
1st of the month: Last names starting with A or B
2nd of the month: Last names starting with C or D
3rd of the month: Last names starting with E or F
4th of the month: Last names starting with G or H
5th of the month: Last names starting with I or J
6th of the month: Last names starting with K or L
7th of the month: Last names starting with M or N
8th of the month: Last names starting with O or P
9th of the month: Last names starting with Q or R
10th of the month: Last names starting with S or T
11th of the month: Last names starting with U or V
12th of the month: Last names starting with W or X
13th of the month: Last names starting with Y or Z
For those receiving Cash Assistance, such as TANF, the schedule is simpler. All cash benefits are available on the 1st of every month at 5:00 a.m. You can find more details in the Cash Assistance FAQ.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Arizona
You can confirm your deposit has been made in a few different ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Arizona. Below are three of the most convenient methods to check your balance.
Benny App: The Benny mobile app shows your real-time SNAP and cash balances and provides cashback on eligible EBT purchases. To start, download the app, then add your QUEST card number and the ZIP code for your case. Your balance refreshes automatically.
ebtEDGE Website: Use the official ebtEDGE website, which you can access from the DES EBT card page. After you log in or create an account with your card details, your current Nutrition and Cash Assistance balances appear on the home screen. The site works on any browser.
Customer Service Line: Call the 24-hour automated customer service line at 1-888-997-9333. After you select a language, the system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN. Then, choose the option for a balance inquiry to hear your benefit totals.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several factors can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from technical glitches to administrative hurdles.
System Outages or Errors
Technical problems within the Department of Economic Security (DES) can interfere with payment schedules. Issues like computer outages, scheduled system maintenance, or data-processing errors can slow down the nightly benefit distribution, pushing your deposit to the next day.
Processing Backlogs
High caseloads and limited staffing at DES can create significant processing delays. When the number of new applications and ongoing cases exceeds the agency's capacity, it can take longer to issue benefits, causing payments to arrive after their scheduled date.
Federal Funding Disruptions
Disruptions at the federal level, such as a government shutdown, can directly impact benefit timelines. If federal appropriations for SNAP or TANF are interrupted, Arizona may be forced to delay payments until funding is restored.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Issues with your case file can also hold up your benefits. This might happen if you have an incomplete mid-certification review or renewal, or if DES is waiting for requested documents like pay stubs or ID. Unverified changes to your income or household can also cause a temporary pause in payments.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
In Arizona, both Nutrition and Cash Assistance benefits roll over monthly, but they don't last forever if unused. If your account has no activity for 90 consecutive days, it becomes "aged," and you'll receive a notice. Simply using your card for a purchase or balance check will reactivate it.
However, prolonged inactivity leads to a permanent loss of funds. Nutrition Assistance benefits are expunged after 274 days without a transaction. Cash Assistance is removed sooner, after 180 days of inactivity. These benefit availability rules mean lost funds cannot be recovered.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Running out of food benefits before the end of the month is a stressful and surprisingly common situation. The good news is that you don't have to go without food until your next deposit. Several options are available to help you bridge the gap and keep your kitchen stocked.
Apply for Expedited Nutrition Assistance
If you anticipate your food supply will be gone within a week, you may qualify for emergency Nutrition Assistance. This program provides benefits within seven days. Households with less than $150 in monthly income and $100 in cash, or those whose housing costs exceed their income, are often eligible for expedited services.
To apply, you can start a new application even if you already receive SNAP benefits.
Log into Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587 to begin.
When asked about your income and resources, report your current financial situation exactly.
Be sure to check the box indicating your food will run out in the next seven days.
You will only need to provide proof of identity initially to speed up the process.
This emergency allotment does not affect your regular benefit cycle. You can find more information about Nutrition Assistance legal guidelines online.
Ask DES to Recalculate Your Regular Allotment
If your financial situation has changed recently, you can ask the Department of Economic Security (DES) to reassess your benefit amount. A rent increase, reduced work hours, or new medical expenses for a senior or disabled household member could increase your monthly allotment.
You should report these changes by the 10th of the month after they occur.
Gather proof of any new expenses or income losses.
Report the change online through MyFamilyBenefits or the HEAplus portal.
You can also report by phone or fax using form FAA-0412A, which you can find when you Report a Change.
When a reported change increases your eligibility, DES must adjust your benefits for the following month. This ensures you are not stuck with an outdated, lower amount, and you can review the policy on when to effect changes.
Use Statewide Mobile Pantry and Federal Commodity Pickups
Local food banks offer a reliable way to get food quickly. You can find weekly mobile pantry or produce rescue events throughout the state using the Arizona Food Bank Network locator. It's a good idea to arrive early, as these events often distribute boxes with 15-30 pounds of produce and other staples.
While at a distribution site, ask about other available resources.
USDA TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) packages provide shelf-stable foods.
The Commodity Senior Food Program offers similar packages for eligible seniors.
Receiving items from these programs does not count against your EBT balance. This allows you to save your SNAP funds for other groceries that pantries may not carry.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on qualified purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To begin, link your EBT card to the app. After you shop, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for eligible items on your card.
Download Benny to control your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Waiting for your monthly benefits can be stressful. Knowing your EBT deposit schedule in Arizona helps you plan your grocery trips and budget effectively, so you're never caught off guard at the checkout line.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your Arizona EBT deposit and what to do if your benefits don't arrive on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Arizona
In Arizona, SNAP benefits are deposited over the first 13 days of the month. Your specific date depends on the first letter of the head of household's last name. This is the name listed as the “Primary Informant” on your DES approval notice, which you can find in the Nutrition Assistance FAQ.
Here is the breakdown of the deposit dates:
1st of the month: Last names starting with A or B
2nd of the month: Last names starting with C or D
3rd of the month: Last names starting with E or F
4th of the month: Last names starting with G or H
5th of the month: Last names starting with I or J
6th of the month: Last names starting with K or L
7th of the month: Last names starting with M or N
8th of the month: Last names starting with O or P
9th of the month: Last names starting with Q or R
10th of the month: Last names starting with S or T
11th of the month: Last names starting with U or V
12th of the month: Last names starting with W or X
13th of the month: Last names starting with Y or Z
For those receiving Cash Assistance, such as TANF, the schedule is simpler. All cash benefits are available on the 1st of every month at 5:00 a.m. You can find more details in the Cash Assistance FAQ.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Arizona
You can confirm your deposit has been made in a few different ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Arizona. Below are three of the most convenient methods to check your balance.
Benny App: The Benny mobile app shows your real-time SNAP and cash balances and provides cashback on eligible EBT purchases. To start, download the app, then add your QUEST card number and the ZIP code for your case. Your balance refreshes automatically.
ebtEDGE Website: Use the official ebtEDGE website, which you can access from the DES EBT card page. After you log in or create an account with your card details, your current Nutrition and Cash Assistance balances appear on the home screen. The site works on any browser.
Customer Service Line: Call the 24-hour automated customer service line at 1-888-997-9333. After you select a language, the system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN. Then, choose the option for a balance inquiry to hear your benefit totals.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several factors can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from technical glitches to administrative hurdles.
System Outages or Errors
Technical problems within the Department of Economic Security (DES) can interfere with payment schedules. Issues like computer outages, scheduled system maintenance, or data-processing errors can slow down the nightly benefit distribution, pushing your deposit to the next day.
Processing Backlogs
High caseloads and limited staffing at DES can create significant processing delays. When the number of new applications and ongoing cases exceeds the agency's capacity, it can take longer to issue benefits, causing payments to arrive after their scheduled date.
Federal Funding Disruptions
Disruptions at the federal level, such as a government shutdown, can directly impact benefit timelines. If federal appropriations for SNAP or TANF are interrupted, Arizona may be forced to delay payments until funding is restored.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Issues with your case file can also hold up your benefits. This might happen if you have an incomplete mid-certification review or renewal, or if DES is waiting for requested documents like pay stubs or ID. Unverified changes to your income or household can also cause a temporary pause in payments.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
In Arizona, both Nutrition and Cash Assistance benefits roll over monthly, but they don't last forever if unused. If your account has no activity for 90 consecutive days, it becomes "aged," and you'll receive a notice. Simply using your card for a purchase or balance check will reactivate it.
However, prolonged inactivity leads to a permanent loss of funds. Nutrition Assistance benefits are expunged after 274 days without a transaction. Cash Assistance is removed sooner, after 180 days of inactivity. These benefit availability rules mean lost funds cannot be recovered.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Running out of food benefits before the end of the month is a stressful and surprisingly common situation. The good news is that you don't have to go without food until your next deposit. Several options are available to help you bridge the gap and keep your kitchen stocked.
Apply for Expedited Nutrition Assistance
If you anticipate your food supply will be gone within a week, you may qualify for emergency Nutrition Assistance. This program provides benefits within seven days. Households with less than $150 in monthly income and $100 in cash, or those whose housing costs exceed their income, are often eligible for expedited services.
To apply, you can start a new application even if you already receive SNAP benefits.
Log into Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587 to begin.
When asked about your income and resources, report your current financial situation exactly.
Be sure to check the box indicating your food will run out in the next seven days.
You will only need to provide proof of identity initially to speed up the process.
This emergency allotment does not affect your regular benefit cycle. You can find more information about Nutrition Assistance legal guidelines online.
Ask DES to Recalculate Your Regular Allotment
If your financial situation has changed recently, you can ask the Department of Economic Security (DES) to reassess your benefit amount. A rent increase, reduced work hours, or new medical expenses for a senior or disabled household member could increase your monthly allotment.
You should report these changes by the 10th of the month after they occur.
Gather proof of any new expenses or income losses.
Report the change online through MyFamilyBenefits or the HEAplus portal.
You can also report by phone or fax using form FAA-0412A, which you can find when you Report a Change.
When a reported change increases your eligibility, DES must adjust your benefits for the following month. This ensures you are not stuck with an outdated, lower amount, and you can review the policy on when to effect changes.
Use Statewide Mobile Pantry and Federal Commodity Pickups
Local food banks offer a reliable way to get food quickly. You can find weekly mobile pantry or produce rescue events throughout the state using the Arizona Food Bank Network locator. It's a good idea to arrive early, as these events often distribute boxes with 15-30 pounds of produce and other staples.
While at a distribution site, ask about other available resources.
USDA TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) packages provide shelf-stable foods.
The Commodity Senior Food Program offers similar packages for eligible seniors.
Receiving items from these programs does not count against your EBT balance. This allows you to save your SNAP funds for other groceries that pantries may not carry.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on qualified purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To begin, link your EBT card to the app. After you shop, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for eligible items on your card.
Download Benny to control your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Waiting for your monthly benefits can be stressful. Knowing your EBT deposit schedule in Arizona helps you plan your grocery trips and budget effectively, so you're never caught off guard at the checkout line.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your Arizona EBT deposit and what to do if your benefits don't arrive on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Arizona
In Arizona, SNAP benefits are deposited over the first 13 days of the month. Your specific date depends on the first letter of the head of household's last name. This is the name listed as the “Primary Informant” on your DES approval notice, which you can find in the Nutrition Assistance FAQ.
Here is the breakdown of the deposit dates:
1st of the month: Last names starting with A or B
2nd of the month: Last names starting with C or D
3rd of the month: Last names starting with E or F
4th of the month: Last names starting with G or H
5th of the month: Last names starting with I or J
6th of the month: Last names starting with K or L
7th of the month: Last names starting with M or N
8th of the month: Last names starting with O or P
9th of the month: Last names starting with Q or R
10th of the month: Last names starting with S or T
11th of the month: Last names starting with U or V
12th of the month: Last names starting with W or X
13th of the month: Last names starting with Y or Z
For those receiving Cash Assistance, such as TANF, the schedule is simpler. All cash benefits are available on the 1st of every month at 5:00 a.m. You can find more details in the Cash Assistance FAQ.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Arizona
You can confirm your deposit has been made in a few different ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Arizona. Below are three of the most convenient methods to check your balance.
Benny App: The Benny mobile app shows your real-time SNAP and cash balances and provides cashback on eligible EBT purchases. To start, download the app, then add your QUEST card number and the ZIP code for your case. Your balance refreshes automatically.
ebtEDGE Website: Use the official ebtEDGE website, which you can access from the DES EBT card page. After you log in or create an account with your card details, your current Nutrition and Cash Assistance balances appear on the home screen. The site works on any browser.
Customer Service Line: Call the 24-hour automated customer service line at 1-888-997-9333. After you select a language, the system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN. Then, choose the option for a balance inquiry to hear your benefit totals.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several factors can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from technical glitches to administrative hurdles.
System Outages or Errors
Technical problems within the Department of Economic Security (DES) can interfere with payment schedules. Issues like computer outages, scheduled system maintenance, or data-processing errors can slow down the nightly benefit distribution, pushing your deposit to the next day.
Processing Backlogs
High caseloads and limited staffing at DES can create significant processing delays. When the number of new applications and ongoing cases exceeds the agency's capacity, it can take longer to issue benefits, causing payments to arrive after their scheduled date.
Federal Funding Disruptions
Disruptions at the federal level, such as a government shutdown, can directly impact benefit timelines. If federal appropriations for SNAP or TANF are interrupted, Arizona may be forced to delay payments until funding is restored.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Issues with your case file can also hold up your benefits. This might happen if you have an incomplete mid-certification review or renewal, or if DES is waiting for requested documents like pay stubs or ID. Unverified changes to your income or household can also cause a temporary pause in payments.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
In Arizona, both Nutrition and Cash Assistance benefits roll over monthly, but they don't last forever if unused. If your account has no activity for 90 consecutive days, it becomes "aged," and you'll receive a notice. Simply using your card for a purchase or balance check will reactivate it.
However, prolonged inactivity leads to a permanent loss of funds. Nutrition Assistance benefits are expunged after 274 days without a transaction. Cash Assistance is removed sooner, after 180 days of inactivity. These benefit availability rules mean lost funds cannot be recovered.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Running out of food benefits before the end of the month is a stressful and surprisingly common situation. The good news is that you don't have to go without food until your next deposit. Several options are available to help you bridge the gap and keep your kitchen stocked.
Apply for Expedited Nutrition Assistance
If you anticipate your food supply will be gone within a week, you may qualify for emergency Nutrition Assistance. This program provides benefits within seven days. Households with less than $150 in monthly income and $100 in cash, or those whose housing costs exceed their income, are often eligible for expedited services.
To apply, you can start a new application even if you already receive SNAP benefits.
Log into Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587 to begin.
When asked about your income and resources, report your current financial situation exactly.
Be sure to check the box indicating your food will run out in the next seven days.
You will only need to provide proof of identity initially to speed up the process.
This emergency allotment does not affect your regular benefit cycle. You can find more information about Nutrition Assistance legal guidelines online.
Ask DES to Recalculate Your Regular Allotment
If your financial situation has changed recently, you can ask the Department of Economic Security (DES) to reassess your benefit amount. A rent increase, reduced work hours, or new medical expenses for a senior or disabled household member could increase your monthly allotment.
You should report these changes by the 10th of the month after they occur.
Gather proof of any new expenses or income losses.
Report the change online through MyFamilyBenefits or the HEAplus portal.
You can also report by phone or fax using form FAA-0412A, which you can find when you Report a Change.
When a reported change increases your eligibility, DES must adjust your benefits for the following month. This ensures you are not stuck with an outdated, lower amount, and you can review the policy on when to effect changes.
Use Statewide Mobile Pantry and Federal Commodity Pickups
Local food banks offer a reliable way to get food quickly. You can find weekly mobile pantry or produce rescue events throughout the state using the Arizona Food Bank Network locator. It's a good idea to arrive early, as these events often distribute boxes with 15-30 pounds of produce and other staples.
While at a distribution site, ask about other available resources.
USDA TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) packages provide shelf-stable foods.
The Commodity Senior Food Program offers similar packages for eligible seniors.
Receiving items from these programs does not count against your EBT balance. This allows you to save your SNAP funds for other groceries that pantries may not carry.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on qualified purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To begin, link your EBT card to the app. After you shop, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for eligible items on your card.
Download Benny to control your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Waiting for your monthly benefits can be stressful. Knowing your EBT deposit schedule in Arizona helps you plan your grocery trips and budget effectively, so you're never caught off guard at the checkout line.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your Arizona EBT deposit and what to do if your benefits don't arrive on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Arizona
In Arizona, SNAP benefits are deposited over the first 13 days of the month. Your specific date depends on the first letter of the head of household's last name. This is the name listed as the “Primary Informant” on your DES approval notice, which you can find in the Nutrition Assistance FAQ.
Here is the breakdown of the deposit dates:
1st of the month: Last names starting with A or B
2nd of the month: Last names starting with C or D
3rd of the month: Last names starting with E or F
4th of the month: Last names starting with G or H
5th of the month: Last names starting with I or J
6th of the month: Last names starting with K or L
7th of the month: Last names starting with M or N
8th of the month: Last names starting with O or P
9th of the month: Last names starting with Q or R
10th of the month: Last names starting with S or T
11th of the month: Last names starting with U or V
12th of the month: Last names starting with W or X
13th of the month: Last names starting with Y or Z
For those receiving Cash Assistance, such as TANF, the schedule is simpler. All cash benefits are available on the 1st of every month at 5:00 a.m. You can find more details in the Cash Assistance FAQ.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Arizona
You can confirm your deposit has been made in a few different ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Arizona. Below are three of the most convenient methods to check your balance.
Benny App: The Benny mobile app shows your real-time SNAP and cash balances and provides cashback on eligible EBT purchases. To start, download the app, then add your QUEST card number and the ZIP code for your case. Your balance refreshes automatically.
ebtEDGE Website: Use the official ebtEDGE website, which you can access from the DES EBT card page. After you log in or create an account with your card details, your current Nutrition and Cash Assistance balances appear on the home screen. The site works on any browser.
Customer Service Line: Call the 24-hour automated customer service line at 1-888-997-9333. After you select a language, the system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN. Then, choose the option for a balance inquiry to hear your benefit totals.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
Download the app
Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several factors can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from technical glitches to administrative hurdles.
System Outages or Errors
Technical problems within the Department of Economic Security (DES) can interfere with payment schedules. Issues like computer outages, scheduled system maintenance, or data-processing errors can slow down the nightly benefit distribution, pushing your deposit to the next day.
Processing Backlogs
High caseloads and limited staffing at DES can create significant processing delays. When the number of new applications and ongoing cases exceeds the agency's capacity, it can take longer to issue benefits, causing payments to arrive after their scheduled date.
Federal Funding Disruptions
Disruptions at the federal level, such as a government shutdown, can directly impact benefit timelines. If federal appropriations for SNAP or TANF are interrupted, Arizona may be forced to delay payments until funding is restored.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Issues with your case file can also hold up your benefits. This might happen if you have an incomplete mid-certification review or renewal, or if DES is waiting for requested documents like pay stubs or ID. Unverified changes to your income or household can also cause a temporary pause in payments.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
In Arizona, both Nutrition and Cash Assistance benefits roll over monthly, but they don't last forever if unused. If your account has no activity for 90 consecutive days, it becomes "aged," and you'll receive a notice. Simply using your card for a purchase or balance check will reactivate it.
However, prolonged inactivity leads to a permanent loss of funds. Nutrition Assistance benefits are expunged after 274 days without a transaction. Cash Assistance is removed sooner, after 180 days of inactivity. These benefit availability rules mean lost funds cannot be recovered.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Running out of food benefits before the end of the month is a stressful and surprisingly common situation. The good news is that you don't have to go without food until your next deposit. Several options are available to help you bridge the gap and keep your kitchen stocked.
Apply for Expedited Nutrition Assistance
If you anticipate your food supply will be gone within a week, you may qualify for emergency Nutrition Assistance. This program provides benefits within seven days. Households with less than $150 in monthly income and $100 in cash, or those whose housing costs exceed their income, are often eligible for expedited services.
To apply, you can start a new application even if you already receive SNAP benefits.
Log into Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587 to begin.
When asked about your income and resources, report your current financial situation exactly.
Be sure to check the box indicating your food will run out in the next seven days.
You will only need to provide proof of identity initially to speed up the process.
This emergency allotment does not affect your regular benefit cycle. You can find more information about Nutrition Assistance legal guidelines online.
Ask DES to Recalculate Your Regular Allotment
If your financial situation has changed recently, you can ask the Department of Economic Security (DES) to reassess your benefit amount. A rent increase, reduced work hours, or new medical expenses for a senior or disabled household member could increase your monthly allotment.
You should report these changes by the 10th of the month after they occur.
Gather proof of any new expenses or income losses.
Report the change online through MyFamilyBenefits or the HEAplus portal.
You can also report by phone or fax using form FAA-0412A, which you can find when you Report a Change.
When a reported change increases your eligibility, DES must adjust your benefits for the following month. This ensures you are not stuck with an outdated, lower amount, and you can review the policy on when to effect changes.
Use Statewide Mobile Pantry and Federal Commodity Pickups
Local food banks offer a reliable way to get food quickly. You can find weekly mobile pantry or produce rescue events throughout the state using the Arizona Food Bank Network locator. It's a good idea to arrive early, as these events often distribute boxes with 15-30 pounds of produce and other staples.
While at a distribution site, ask about other available resources.
USDA TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) packages provide shelf-stable foods.
The Commodity Senior Food Program offers similar packages for eligible seniors.
Receiving items from these programs does not count against your EBT balance. This allows you to save your SNAP funds for other groceries that pantries may not carry.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on qualified purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To begin, link your EBT card to the app. After you shop, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for eligible items on your card.
Download Benny to control your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Waiting for your monthly benefits can be stressful. Knowing your EBT deposit schedule in Arizona helps you plan your grocery trips and budget effectively, so you're never caught off guard at the checkout line.
In this guide, you'll learn exactly when to expect your Arizona EBT deposit and what to do if your benefits don't arrive on time.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Arizona
In Arizona, SNAP benefits are deposited over the first 13 days of the month. Your specific date depends on the first letter of the head of household's last name. This is the name listed as the “Primary Informant” on your DES approval notice, which you can find in the Nutrition Assistance FAQ.
Here is the breakdown of the deposit dates:
1st of the month: Last names starting with A or B
2nd of the month: Last names starting with C or D
3rd of the month: Last names starting with E or F
4th of the month: Last names starting with G or H
5th of the month: Last names starting with I or J
6th of the month: Last names starting with K or L
7th of the month: Last names starting with M or N
8th of the month: Last names starting with O or P
9th of the month: Last names starting with Q or R
10th of the month: Last names starting with S or T
11th of the month: Last names starting with U or V
12th of the month: Last names starting with W or X
13th of the month: Last names starting with Y or Z
For those receiving Cash Assistance, such as TANF, the schedule is simpler. All cash benefits are available on the 1st of every month at 5:00 a.m. You can find more details in the Cash Assistance FAQ.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Arizona
You can confirm your deposit has been made in a few different ways. For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Arizona. Below are three of the most convenient methods to check your balance.
Benny App: The Benny mobile app shows your real-time SNAP and cash balances and provides cashback on eligible EBT purchases. To start, download the app, then add your QUEST card number and the ZIP code for your case. Your balance refreshes automatically.
ebtEDGE Website: Use the official ebtEDGE website, which you can access from the DES EBT card page. After you log in or create an account with your card details, your current Nutrition and Cash Assistance balances appear on the home screen. The site works on any browser.
Customer Service Line: Call the 24-hour automated customer service line at 1-888-997-9333. After you select a language, the system will prompt you for your 16-digit card number and 4-digit PIN. Then, choose the option for a balance inquiry to hear your benefit totals.
Check Your SNAP & EBT Cash Balance In Real Time
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Why Your EBT Deposit Might Be Late and What to Do
Several factors can cause a delay in your EBT deposit, ranging from technical glitches to administrative hurdles.
System Outages or Errors
Technical problems within the Department of Economic Security (DES) can interfere with payment schedules. Issues like computer outages, scheduled system maintenance, or data-processing errors can slow down the nightly benefit distribution, pushing your deposit to the next day.
Processing Backlogs
High caseloads and limited staffing at DES can create significant processing delays. When the number of new applications and ongoing cases exceeds the agency's capacity, it can take longer to issue benefits, causing payments to arrive after their scheduled date.
Federal Funding Disruptions
Disruptions at the federal level, such as a government shutdown, can directly impact benefit timelines. If federal appropriations for SNAP or TANF are interrupted, Arizona may be forced to delay payments until funding is restored.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
Issues with your case file can also hold up your benefits. This might happen if you have an incomplete mid-certification review or renewal, or if DES is waiting for requested documents like pay stubs or ID. Unverified changes to your income or household can also cause a temporary pause in payments.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
In Arizona, both Nutrition and Cash Assistance benefits roll over monthly, but they don't last forever if unused. If your account has no activity for 90 consecutive days, it becomes "aged," and you'll receive a notice. Simply using your card for a purchase or balance check will reactivate it.
However, prolonged inactivity leads to a permanent loss of funds. Nutrition Assistance benefits are expunged after 274 days without a transaction. Cash Assistance is removed sooner, after 180 days of inactivity. These benefit availability rules mean lost funds cannot be recovered.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
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What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Running out of food benefits before the end of the month is a stressful and surprisingly common situation. The good news is that you don't have to go without food until your next deposit. Several options are available to help you bridge the gap and keep your kitchen stocked.
Apply for Expedited Nutrition Assistance
If you anticipate your food supply will be gone within a week, you may qualify for emergency Nutrition Assistance. This program provides benefits within seven days. Households with less than $150 in monthly income and $100 in cash, or those whose housing costs exceed their income, are often eligible for expedited services.
To apply, you can start a new application even if you already receive SNAP benefits.
Log into Health-e-Arizona Plus or call 1-855-432-7587 to begin.
When asked about your income and resources, report your current financial situation exactly.
Be sure to check the box indicating your food will run out in the next seven days.
You will only need to provide proof of identity initially to speed up the process.
This emergency allotment does not affect your regular benefit cycle. You can find more information about Nutrition Assistance legal guidelines online.
Ask DES to Recalculate Your Regular Allotment
If your financial situation has changed recently, you can ask the Department of Economic Security (DES) to reassess your benefit amount. A rent increase, reduced work hours, or new medical expenses for a senior or disabled household member could increase your monthly allotment.
You should report these changes by the 10th of the month after they occur.
Gather proof of any new expenses or income losses.
Report the change online through MyFamilyBenefits or the HEAplus portal.
You can also report by phone or fax using form FAA-0412A, which you can find when you Report a Change.
When a reported change increases your eligibility, DES must adjust your benefits for the following month. This ensures you are not stuck with an outdated, lower amount, and you can review the policy on when to effect changes.
Use Statewide Mobile Pantry and Federal Commodity Pickups
Local food banks offer a reliable way to get food quickly. You can find weekly mobile pantry or produce rescue events throughout the state using the Arizona Food Bank Network locator. It's a good idea to arrive early, as these events often distribute boxes with 15-30 pounds of produce and other staples.
While at a distribution site, ask about other available resources.
USDA TEFAP (The Emergency Food Assistance Program) packages provide shelf-stable foods.
The Commodity Senior Food Program offers similar packages for eligible seniors.
Receiving items from these programs does not count against your EBT balance. This allows you to save your SNAP funds for other groceries that pantries may not carry.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on qualified purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, Costco, and others. To begin, link your EBT card to the app. After you shop, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cash back for eligible items on your card.
Download Benny to control your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
