Illinois EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find the 2025 Illinois EBT deposit schedule and what to do if your SNAP benefits are late or run out early.
Oct 5, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Illinois EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find the 2025 Illinois EBT deposit schedule and what to do if your SNAP benefits are late or run out early.
Oct 5, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Illinois EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find the 2025 Illinois EBT deposit schedule and what to do if your SNAP benefits are late or run out early.
Oct 5, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Illinois EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find the 2025 Illinois EBT deposit schedule and what to do if your SNAP benefits are late or run out early.
Oct 5, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
Illinois EBT Deposit Schedule for 2025
Find the 2025 Illinois EBT deposit schedule and what to do if your SNAP benefits are late or run out early.
Oct 5, 2025
Rishi Ahuja
SHARE
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Knowing when your benefits arrive is a big part of managing your monthly budget. For those in Illinois, your EBT deposit schedule helps you plan your grocery trips and avoid the stress of an empty account.
In this guide, you'll find out exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and learn how to troubleshoot common reasons for payment delays.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Illinois
In Illinois, your SNAP deposit date depends on the last digit of your Head-of-Household (HOH) Individual Identification Number, not your Social Security number. For cases opened on or after October 24, 2017, benefits are distributed over the first ten days of the month.
1st of the month: Last digit of your case number is 1
2nd of the month: Last digit of your case number is 2
3rd of the month: Last digit of your case number is 3
4th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 4
5th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 5
6th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 6
7th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 7
8th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 8
9th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 9
10th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 0
If your case was opened before that date, your benefits will continue to arrive on your legacy availability date. Cash assistance benefits like TANF are also issued on the same day as your SNAP benefits, as detailed in the state's benefit availability policy.
How to Find Your Case Number
Your HOH Individual ID is a ten-digit number, and its final digit sets your payment day. If you need to find this number, there are a few straightforward ways to locate it.
Look for the number on any recent approval notice or benefit adjustment letter you have received from the IDHS.
Sign in to your account on the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) portal to see your case summary.
Contact your local Family Community Resource Center. You can find the nearest one with the IDHS office locator.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Illinois
Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are in your account in a few different ways. This helps you shop with confidence and know your exact balance.
For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Illinois. Here are three of the most convenient ways to see your balance.
Download the Benny app and create an account with your Link card. The app shows your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. You also get access to cash-back offers on eligible EBT purchases at many popular stores.
Visit the official Illinois Link Card website to manage your account. After you log into the ebtEDGE portal, your current SNAP and Cash balances appear on the home screen. You can also view your full transaction history.
Call the 24-hour Illinois Link help-line at 1-800-678-LINK (5465). Follow the automated prompts and enter your card number. Select the option for your card balance to hear your separate SNAP and Cash 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 issues, from simple paperwork errors to broader systemic problems, can cause a delay in your EBT benefits deposit.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
A delay can happen if your Mid-Point or redetermination report is late, incomplete, or missing entirely. Benefits may also be paused if you miss a required interview, fail to report changes to your income or household, or if your caseworker is still waiting for supporting documents. Your benefits will be held until your case file is up to date.
Heavy Verification Backlogs and High Caseloads
Staffing shortages and a surge in applications can create significant backlogs for caseworkers. This high volume sometimes means processing takes longer than the standard 30-day federal window. These delays can affect both initial applications and the authorization of ongoing benefits.
IDHS System or IT Glitches
Technical failures within Illinois’s Integrated Eligibility System (IES) can also lead to late payments. When these IT glitches occur, they may force staff to re-enter data or re-process payment batches. This extra work can postpone the release of benefits that have already been approved.
Incorrect or Outdated Personal Data
Your benefits may be put on hold if the personal information on file is incorrect or outdated. Mismatched Social Security numbers, old addresses, or the presence of duplicate accounts can all trigger a temporary freeze. Deposits will not resume until your data is corrected and verified.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Unused SNAP and cash assistance benefits in your Illinois Link account roll over each month. These funds remain available as long as your account stays active. To prevent your benefits from being removed, you must make at least one purchase every 274 days.
Only a purchase using your EBT card will reset the 274-day clock. Checking your balance or receiving a new deposit does not count as account activity for this purpose. If 274 days pass without a purchase, the entire balance for that benefit type is permanently removed.
The Illinois Department of Human Services sends a warning notice at least 30 days before benefits are expunged. Once removed, these funds cannot be reinstated. If your household has an outstanding overpayment, the expunged amount will be applied toward that debt.
Summer EBT benefits operate under a different rule. These specific food assistance funds will expire after 122 days if they are not used. This expiration happens regardless of any other activity on your EBT card.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Running out of your EBT balance before the month ends is a stressful and unfortunately common situation. The good news is that you do not have to face an empty pantry alone. Several options are available to help bridge the gap until your next benefit deposit arrives.
Apply for “Expedited” SNAP
If you need food assistance immediately, you may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits. Illinois can fast-track applications for households meeting specific hardship criteria, allowing the Department of Human Services (DHS) to waive the normal waiting period. You may be eligible if your household meets one of these conditions:
Your cash and bank balance is under $100, and your gross income this month is under $150.
Your combined income and cash/bank balance is less than your rent and utility costs.
You are a migratory or seasonal worker with under $100 on hand and little expected income.
File a signed application right away, marking that you need emergency service. You can apply online, by phone, or on paper at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). DHS must interview you by the next workday, so have your ID, housing cost proof, and paystubs ready.
If approved, your Link card is loaded no later than the fifth calendar day after applying. For help finding an FCRC or arranging a phone interview, call 800-843-6154.
Ask DHS to Recalculate Your Regular Benefit
If your household situation has changed, you can ask DHS to recalculate your benefit amount. Reporting changes promptly can increase your next month’s allotment and sometimes trigger a same-month supplemental payment. You must report most changes within ten days as part of the SNAP reporting requirements.
Gather documents that lower your countable income or raise your expenses, such as:
Recent pay-loss notices or reduced-hour paystubs
New childcare or medical bills
Higher rent or a new household member
Proof that someone has moved out
Report the change online through your Manage My Case account, in person, by mail, or by calling 800-843-6154. Keep your confirmation. If the new benefit amount seems incorrect, you can request a fair hearing through the same portal.
Use Statewide Food Locators
You can search the interactive map at Feeding Illinois Find Food to fill your fridge until the next deposit. Enter your ZIP code to see nearby pantries, drive-through grocery box sites, and prepared-meal programs. Many of these services allow weekly visits and provide staples without checking your EBT balance.
If transportation is a barrier, you can get help by dialing 211 or texting your ZIP code to 898211. A 24/7 specialist from 211 Illinois can identify pantries with home-delivery slots or community fridges in your county. They can also screen you for other assistance programs to help your food money stretch further.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To start, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Knowing when your benefits arrive is a big part of managing your monthly budget. For those in Illinois, your EBT deposit schedule helps you plan your grocery trips and avoid the stress of an empty account.
In this guide, you'll find out exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and learn how to troubleshoot common reasons for payment delays.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Illinois
In Illinois, your SNAP deposit date depends on the last digit of your Head-of-Household (HOH) Individual Identification Number, not your Social Security number. For cases opened on or after October 24, 2017, benefits are distributed over the first ten days of the month.
1st of the month: Last digit of your case number is 1
2nd of the month: Last digit of your case number is 2
3rd of the month: Last digit of your case number is 3
4th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 4
5th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 5
6th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 6
7th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 7
8th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 8
9th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 9
10th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 0
If your case was opened before that date, your benefits will continue to arrive on your legacy availability date. Cash assistance benefits like TANF are also issued on the same day as your SNAP benefits, as detailed in the state's benefit availability policy.
How to Find Your Case Number
Your HOH Individual ID is a ten-digit number, and its final digit sets your payment day. If you need to find this number, there are a few straightforward ways to locate it.
Look for the number on any recent approval notice or benefit adjustment letter you have received from the IDHS.
Sign in to your account on the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) portal to see your case summary.
Contact your local Family Community Resource Center. You can find the nearest one with the IDHS office locator.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Illinois
Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are in your account in a few different ways. This helps you shop with confidence and know your exact balance.
For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Illinois. Here are three of the most convenient ways to see your balance.
Download the Benny app and create an account with your Link card. The app shows your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. You also get access to cash-back offers on eligible EBT purchases at many popular stores.
Visit the official Illinois Link Card website to manage your account. After you log into the ebtEDGE portal, your current SNAP and Cash balances appear on the home screen. You can also view your full transaction history.
Call the 24-hour Illinois Link help-line at 1-800-678-LINK (5465). Follow the automated prompts and enter your card number. Select the option for your card balance to hear your separate SNAP and Cash 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 issues, from simple paperwork errors to broader systemic problems, can cause a delay in your EBT benefits deposit.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
A delay can happen if your Mid-Point or redetermination report is late, incomplete, or missing entirely. Benefits may also be paused if you miss a required interview, fail to report changes to your income or household, or if your caseworker is still waiting for supporting documents. Your benefits will be held until your case file is up to date.
Heavy Verification Backlogs and High Caseloads
Staffing shortages and a surge in applications can create significant backlogs for caseworkers. This high volume sometimes means processing takes longer than the standard 30-day federal window. These delays can affect both initial applications and the authorization of ongoing benefits.
IDHS System or IT Glitches
Technical failures within Illinois’s Integrated Eligibility System (IES) can also lead to late payments. When these IT glitches occur, they may force staff to re-enter data or re-process payment batches. This extra work can postpone the release of benefits that have already been approved.
Incorrect or Outdated Personal Data
Your benefits may be put on hold if the personal information on file is incorrect or outdated. Mismatched Social Security numbers, old addresses, or the presence of duplicate accounts can all trigger a temporary freeze. Deposits will not resume until your data is corrected and verified.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Unused SNAP and cash assistance benefits in your Illinois Link account roll over each month. These funds remain available as long as your account stays active. To prevent your benefits from being removed, you must make at least one purchase every 274 days.
Only a purchase using your EBT card will reset the 274-day clock. Checking your balance or receiving a new deposit does not count as account activity for this purpose. If 274 days pass without a purchase, the entire balance for that benefit type is permanently removed.
The Illinois Department of Human Services sends a warning notice at least 30 days before benefits are expunged. Once removed, these funds cannot be reinstated. If your household has an outstanding overpayment, the expunged amount will be applied toward that debt.
Summer EBT benefits operate under a different rule. These specific food assistance funds will expire after 122 days if they are not used. This expiration happens regardless of any other activity on your EBT card.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Running out of your EBT balance before the month ends is a stressful and unfortunately common situation. The good news is that you do not have to face an empty pantry alone. Several options are available to help bridge the gap until your next benefit deposit arrives.
Apply for “Expedited” SNAP
If you need food assistance immediately, you may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits. Illinois can fast-track applications for households meeting specific hardship criteria, allowing the Department of Human Services (DHS) to waive the normal waiting period. You may be eligible if your household meets one of these conditions:
Your cash and bank balance is under $100, and your gross income this month is under $150.
Your combined income and cash/bank balance is less than your rent and utility costs.
You are a migratory or seasonal worker with under $100 on hand and little expected income.
File a signed application right away, marking that you need emergency service. You can apply online, by phone, or on paper at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). DHS must interview you by the next workday, so have your ID, housing cost proof, and paystubs ready.
If approved, your Link card is loaded no later than the fifth calendar day after applying. For help finding an FCRC or arranging a phone interview, call 800-843-6154.
Ask DHS to Recalculate Your Regular Benefit
If your household situation has changed, you can ask DHS to recalculate your benefit amount. Reporting changes promptly can increase your next month’s allotment and sometimes trigger a same-month supplemental payment. You must report most changes within ten days as part of the SNAP reporting requirements.
Gather documents that lower your countable income or raise your expenses, such as:
Recent pay-loss notices or reduced-hour paystubs
New childcare or medical bills
Higher rent or a new household member
Proof that someone has moved out
Report the change online through your Manage My Case account, in person, by mail, or by calling 800-843-6154. Keep your confirmation. If the new benefit amount seems incorrect, you can request a fair hearing through the same portal.
Use Statewide Food Locators
You can search the interactive map at Feeding Illinois Find Food to fill your fridge until the next deposit. Enter your ZIP code to see nearby pantries, drive-through grocery box sites, and prepared-meal programs. Many of these services allow weekly visits and provide staples without checking your EBT balance.
If transportation is a barrier, you can get help by dialing 211 or texting your ZIP code to 898211. A 24/7 specialist from 211 Illinois can identify pantries with home-delivery slots or community fridges in your county. They can also screen you for other assistance programs to help your food money stretch further.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To start, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Knowing when your benefits arrive is a big part of managing your monthly budget. For those in Illinois, your EBT deposit schedule helps you plan your grocery trips and avoid the stress of an empty account.
In this guide, you'll find out exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and learn how to troubleshoot common reasons for payment delays.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Illinois
In Illinois, your SNAP deposit date depends on the last digit of your Head-of-Household (HOH) Individual Identification Number, not your Social Security number. For cases opened on or after October 24, 2017, benefits are distributed over the first ten days of the month.
1st of the month: Last digit of your case number is 1
2nd of the month: Last digit of your case number is 2
3rd of the month: Last digit of your case number is 3
4th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 4
5th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 5
6th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 6
7th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 7
8th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 8
9th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 9
10th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 0
If your case was opened before that date, your benefits will continue to arrive on your legacy availability date. Cash assistance benefits like TANF are also issued on the same day as your SNAP benefits, as detailed in the state's benefit availability policy.
How to Find Your Case Number
Your HOH Individual ID is a ten-digit number, and its final digit sets your payment day. If you need to find this number, there are a few straightforward ways to locate it.
Look for the number on any recent approval notice or benefit adjustment letter you have received from the IDHS.
Sign in to your account on the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) portal to see your case summary.
Contact your local Family Community Resource Center. You can find the nearest one with the IDHS office locator.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Illinois
Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are in your account in a few different ways. This helps you shop with confidence and know your exact balance.
For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Illinois. Here are three of the most convenient ways to see your balance.
Download the Benny app and create an account with your Link card. The app shows your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. You also get access to cash-back offers on eligible EBT purchases at many popular stores.
Visit the official Illinois Link Card website to manage your account. After you log into the ebtEDGE portal, your current SNAP and Cash balances appear on the home screen. You can also view your full transaction history.
Call the 24-hour Illinois Link help-line at 1-800-678-LINK (5465). Follow the automated prompts and enter your card number. Select the option for your card balance to hear your separate SNAP and Cash 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 issues, from simple paperwork errors to broader systemic problems, can cause a delay in your EBT benefits deposit.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
A delay can happen if your Mid-Point or redetermination report is late, incomplete, or missing entirely. Benefits may also be paused if you miss a required interview, fail to report changes to your income or household, or if your caseworker is still waiting for supporting documents. Your benefits will be held until your case file is up to date.
Heavy Verification Backlogs and High Caseloads
Staffing shortages and a surge in applications can create significant backlogs for caseworkers. This high volume sometimes means processing takes longer than the standard 30-day federal window. These delays can affect both initial applications and the authorization of ongoing benefits.
IDHS System or IT Glitches
Technical failures within Illinois’s Integrated Eligibility System (IES) can also lead to late payments. When these IT glitches occur, they may force staff to re-enter data or re-process payment batches. This extra work can postpone the release of benefits that have already been approved.
Incorrect or Outdated Personal Data
Your benefits may be put on hold if the personal information on file is incorrect or outdated. Mismatched Social Security numbers, old addresses, or the presence of duplicate accounts can all trigger a temporary freeze. Deposits will not resume until your data is corrected and verified.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Unused SNAP and cash assistance benefits in your Illinois Link account roll over each month. These funds remain available as long as your account stays active. To prevent your benefits from being removed, you must make at least one purchase every 274 days.
Only a purchase using your EBT card will reset the 274-day clock. Checking your balance or receiving a new deposit does not count as account activity for this purpose. If 274 days pass without a purchase, the entire balance for that benefit type is permanently removed.
The Illinois Department of Human Services sends a warning notice at least 30 days before benefits are expunged. Once removed, these funds cannot be reinstated. If your household has an outstanding overpayment, the expunged amount will be applied toward that debt.
Summer EBT benefits operate under a different rule. These specific food assistance funds will expire after 122 days if they are not used. This expiration happens regardless of any other activity on your EBT card.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Running out of your EBT balance before the month ends is a stressful and unfortunately common situation. The good news is that you do not have to face an empty pantry alone. Several options are available to help bridge the gap until your next benefit deposit arrives.
Apply for “Expedited” SNAP
If you need food assistance immediately, you may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits. Illinois can fast-track applications for households meeting specific hardship criteria, allowing the Department of Human Services (DHS) to waive the normal waiting period. You may be eligible if your household meets one of these conditions:
Your cash and bank balance is under $100, and your gross income this month is under $150.
Your combined income and cash/bank balance is less than your rent and utility costs.
You are a migratory or seasonal worker with under $100 on hand and little expected income.
File a signed application right away, marking that you need emergency service. You can apply online, by phone, or on paper at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). DHS must interview you by the next workday, so have your ID, housing cost proof, and paystubs ready.
If approved, your Link card is loaded no later than the fifth calendar day after applying. For help finding an FCRC or arranging a phone interview, call 800-843-6154.
Ask DHS to Recalculate Your Regular Benefit
If your household situation has changed, you can ask DHS to recalculate your benefit amount. Reporting changes promptly can increase your next month’s allotment and sometimes trigger a same-month supplemental payment. You must report most changes within ten days as part of the SNAP reporting requirements.
Gather documents that lower your countable income or raise your expenses, such as:
Recent pay-loss notices or reduced-hour paystubs
New childcare or medical bills
Higher rent or a new household member
Proof that someone has moved out
Report the change online through your Manage My Case account, in person, by mail, or by calling 800-843-6154. Keep your confirmation. If the new benefit amount seems incorrect, you can request a fair hearing through the same portal.
Use Statewide Food Locators
You can search the interactive map at Feeding Illinois Find Food to fill your fridge until the next deposit. Enter your ZIP code to see nearby pantries, drive-through grocery box sites, and prepared-meal programs. Many of these services allow weekly visits and provide staples without checking your EBT balance.
If transportation is a barrier, you can get help by dialing 211 or texting your ZIP code to 898211. A 24/7 specialist from 211 Illinois can identify pantries with home-delivery slots or community fridges in your county. They can also screen you for other assistance programs to help your food money stretch further.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To start, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
SHARE
Knowing when your benefits arrive is a big part of managing your monthly budget. For those in Illinois, your EBT deposit schedule helps you plan your grocery trips and avoid the stress of an empty account.
In this guide, you'll find out exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and learn how to troubleshoot common reasons for payment delays.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Illinois
In Illinois, your SNAP deposit date depends on the last digit of your Head-of-Household (HOH) Individual Identification Number, not your Social Security number. For cases opened on or after October 24, 2017, benefits are distributed over the first ten days of the month.
1st of the month: Last digit of your case number is 1
2nd of the month: Last digit of your case number is 2
3rd of the month: Last digit of your case number is 3
4th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 4
5th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 5
6th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 6
7th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 7
8th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 8
9th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 9
10th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 0
If your case was opened before that date, your benefits will continue to arrive on your legacy availability date. Cash assistance benefits like TANF are also issued on the same day as your SNAP benefits, as detailed in the state's benefit availability policy.
How to Find Your Case Number
Your HOH Individual ID is a ten-digit number, and its final digit sets your payment day. If you need to find this number, there are a few straightforward ways to locate it.
Look for the number on any recent approval notice or benefit adjustment letter you have received from the IDHS.
Sign in to your account on the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) portal to see your case summary.
Contact your local Family Community Resource Center. You can find the nearest one with the IDHS office locator.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Illinois
Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are in your account in a few different ways. This helps you shop with confidence and know your exact balance.
For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Illinois. Here are three of the most convenient ways to see your balance.
Download the Benny app and create an account with your Link card. The app shows your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. You also get access to cash-back offers on eligible EBT purchases at many popular stores.
Visit the official Illinois Link Card website to manage your account. After you log into the ebtEDGE portal, your current SNAP and Cash balances appear on the home screen. You can also view your full transaction history.
Call the 24-hour Illinois Link help-line at 1-800-678-LINK (5465). Follow the automated prompts and enter your card number. Select the option for your card balance to hear your separate SNAP and Cash 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 issues, from simple paperwork errors to broader systemic problems, can cause a delay in your EBT benefits deposit.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
A delay can happen if your Mid-Point or redetermination report is late, incomplete, or missing entirely. Benefits may also be paused if you miss a required interview, fail to report changes to your income or household, or if your caseworker is still waiting for supporting documents. Your benefits will be held until your case file is up to date.
Heavy Verification Backlogs and High Caseloads
Staffing shortages and a surge in applications can create significant backlogs for caseworkers. This high volume sometimes means processing takes longer than the standard 30-day federal window. These delays can affect both initial applications and the authorization of ongoing benefits.
IDHS System or IT Glitches
Technical failures within Illinois’s Integrated Eligibility System (IES) can also lead to late payments. When these IT glitches occur, they may force staff to re-enter data or re-process payment batches. This extra work can postpone the release of benefits that have already been approved.
Incorrect or Outdated Personal Data
Your benefits may be put on hold if the personal information on file is incorrect or outdated. Mismatched Social Security numbers, old addresses, or the presence of duplicate accounts can all trigger a temporary freeze. Deposits will not resume until your data is corrected and verified.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Unused SNAP and cash assistance benefits in your Illinois Link account roll over each month. These funds remain available as long as your account stays active. To prevent your benefits from being removed, you must make at least one purchase every 274 days.
Only a purchase using your EBT card will reset the 274-day clock. Checking your balance or receiving a new deposit does not count as account activity for this purpose. If 274 days pass without a purchase, the entire balance for that benefit type is permanently removed.
The Illinois Department of Human Services sends a warning notice at least 30 days before benefits are expunged. Once removed, these funds cannot be reinstated. If your household has an outstanding overpayment, the expunged amount will be applied toward that debt.
Summer EBT benefits operate under a different rule. These specific food assistance funds will expire after 122 days if they are not used. This expiration happens regardless of any other activity on your EBT card.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Running out of your EBT balance before the month ends is a stressful and unfortunately common situation. The good news is that you do not have to face an empty pantry alone. Several options are available to help bridge the gap until your next benefit deposit arrives.
Apply for “Expedited” SNAP
If you need food assistance immediately, you may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits. Illinois can fast-track applications for households meeting specific hardship criteria, allowing the Department of Human Services (DHS) to waive the normal waiting period. You may be eligible if your household meets one of these conditions:
Your cash and bank balance is under $100, and your gross income this month is under $150.
Your combined income and cash/bank balance is less than your rent and utility costs.
You are a migratory or seasonal worker with under $100 on hand and little expected income.
File a signed application right away, marking that you need emergency service. You can apply online, by phone, or on paper at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). DHS must interview you by the next workday, so have your ID, housing cost proof, and paystubs ready.
If approved, your Link card is loaded no later than the fifth calendar day after applying. For help finding an FCRC or arranging a phone interview, call 800-843-6154.
Ask DHS to Recalculate Your Regular Benefit
If your household situation has changed, you can ask DHS to recalculate your benefit amount. Reporting changes promptly can increase your next month’s allotment and sometimes trigger a same-month supplemental payment. You must report most changes within ten days as part of the SNAP reporting requirements.
Gather documents that lower your countable income or raise your expenses, such as:
Recent pay-loss notices or reduced-hour paystubs
New childcare or medical bills
Higher rent or a new household member
Proof that someone has moved out
Report the change online through your Manage My Case account, in person, by mail, or by calling 800-843-6154. Keep your confirmation. If the new benefit amount seems incorrect, you can request a fair hearing through the same portal.
Use Statewide Food Locators
You can search the interactive map at Feeding Illinois Find Food to fill your fridge until the next deposit. Enter your ZIP code to see nearby pantries, drive-through grocery box sites, and prepared-meal programs. Many of these services allow weekly visits and provide staples without checking your EBT balance.
If transportation is a barrier, you can get help by dialing 211 or texting your ZIP code to 898211. A 24/7 specialist from 211 Illinois can identify pantries with home-delivery slots or community fridges in your county. They can also screen you for other assistance programs to help your food money stretch further.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To start, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
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Knowing when your benefits arrive is a big part of managing your monthly budget. For those in Illinois, your EBT deposit schedule helps you plan your grocery trips and avoid the stress of an empty account.
In this guide, you'll find out exactly when to expect your EBT deposits and learn how to troubleshoot common reasons for payment delays.
Monthly EBT Deposit Schedule in Illinois
In Illinois, your SNAP deposit date depends on the last digit of your Head-of-Household (HOH) Individual Identification Number, not your Social Security number. For cases opened on or after October 24, 2017, benefits are distributed over the first ten days of the month.
1st of the month: Last digit of your case number is 1
2nd of the month: Last digit of your case number is 2
3rd of the month: Last digit of your case number is 3
4th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 4
5th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 5
6th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 6
7th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 7
8th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 8
9th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 9
10th of the month: Last digit of your case number is 0
If your case was opened before that date, your benefits will continue to arrive on your legacy availability date. Cash assistance benefits like TANF are also issued on the same day as your SNAP benefits, as detailed in the state's benefit availability policy.
How to Find Your Case Number
Your HOH Individual ID is a ten-digit number, and its final digit sets your payment day. If you need to find this number, there are a few straightforward ways to locate it.
Look for the number on any recent approval notice or benefit adjustment letter you have received from the IDHS.
Sign in to your account on the Application for Benefits Eligibility (ABE) portal to see your case summary.
Contact your local Family Community Resource Center. You can find the nearest one with the IDHS office locator.
How to Check Your EBT Deposit Status in Illinois
Once your deposit date arrives, you can confirm the funds are in your account in a few different ways. This helps you shop with confidence and know your exact balance.
For a complete list of options, see our guide on how to check your EBT balance in Illinois. Here are three of the most convenient ways to see your balance.
Download the Benny app and create an account with your Link card. The app shows your real-time SNAP and Cash balances. You also get access to cash-back offers on eligible EBT purchases at many popular stores.
Visit the official Illinois Link Card website to manage your account. After you log into the ebtEDGE portal, your current SNAP and Cash balances appear on the home screen. You can also view your full transaction history.
Call the 24-hour Illinois Link help-line at 1-800-678-LINK (5465). Follow the automated prompts and enter your card number. Select the option for your card balance to hear your separate SNAP and Cash 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 issues, from simple paperwork errors to broader systemic problems, can cause a delay in your EBT benefits deposit.
Administrative or Eligibility Snags
A delay can happen if your Mid-Point or redetermination report is late, incomplete, or missing entirely. Benefits may also be paused if you miss a required interview, fail to report changes to your income or household, or if your caseworker is still waiting for supporting documents. Your benefits will be held until your case file is up to date.
Heavy Verification Backlogs and High Caseloads
Staffing shortages and a surge in applications can create significant backlogs for caseworkers. This high volume sometimes means processing takes longer than the standard 30-day federal window. These delays can affect both initial applications and the authorization of ongoing benefits.
IDHS System or IT Glitches
Technical failures within Illinois’s Integrated Eligibility System (IES) can also lead to late payments. When these IT glitches occur, they may force staff to re-enter data or re-process payment batches. This extra work can postpone the release of benefits that have already been approved.
Incorrect or Outdated Personal Data
Your benefits may be put on hold if the personal information on file is incorrect or outdated. Mismatched Social Security numbers, old addresses, or the presence of duplicate accounts can all trigger a temporary freeze. Deposits will not resume until your data is corrected and verified.
Do EBT Benefits Expire or Roll Over?
Unused SNAP and cash assistance benefits in your Illinois Link account roll over each month. These funds remain available as long as your account stays active. To prevent your benefits from being removed, you must make at least one purchase every 274 days.
Only a purchase using your EBT card will reset the 274-day clock. Checking your balance or receiving a new deposit does not count as account activity for this purpose. If 274 days pass without a purchase, the entire balance for that benefit type is permanently removed.
The Illinois Department of Human Services sends a warning notice at least 30 days before benefits are expunged. Once removed, these funds cannot be reinstated. If your household has an outstanding overpayment, the expunged amount will be applied toward that debt.
Summer EBT benefits operate under a different rule. These specific food assistance funds will expire after 122 days if they are not used. This expiration happens regardless of any other activity on your EBT card.
Check Your EBT Balance & Get Cashback On SNAP
Download the app
What to Do if Your EBT Balance Runs Out Early
Running out of your EBT balance before the month ends is a stressful and unfortunately common situation. The good news is that you do not have to face an empty pantry alone. Several options are available to help bridge the gap until your next benefit deposit arrives.
Apply for “Expedited” SNAP
If you need food assistance immediately, you may qualify for emergency SNAP benefits. Illinois can fast-track applications for households meeting specific hardship criteria, allowing the Department of Human Services (DHS) to waive the normal waiting period. You may be eligible if your household meets one of these conditions:
Your cash and bank balance is under $100, and your gross income this month is under $150.
Your combined income and cash/bank balance is less than your rent and utility costs.
You are a migratory or seasonal worker with under $100 on hand and little expected income.
File a signed application right away, marking that you need emergency service. You can apply online, by phone, or on paper at your local Family Community Resource Center (FCRC). DHS must interview you by the next workday, so have your ID, housing cost proof, and paystubs ready.
If approved, your Link card is loaded no later than the fifth calendar day after applying. For help finding an FCRC or arranging a phone interview, call 800-843-6154.
Ask DHS to Recalculate Your Regular Benefit
If your household situation has changed, you can ask DHS to recalculate your benefit amount. Reporting changes promptly can increase your next month’s allotment and sometimes trigger a same-month supplemental payment. You must report most changes within ten days as part of the SNAP reporting requirements.
Gather documents that lower your countable income or raise your expenses, such as:
Recent pay-loss notices or reduced-hour paystubs
New childcare or medical bills
Higher rent or a new household member
Proof that someone has moved out
Report the change online through your Manage My Case account, in person, by mail, or by calling 800-843-6154. Keep your confirmation. If the new benefit amount seems incorrect, you can request a fair hearing through the same portal.
Use Statewide Food Locators
You can search the interactive map at Feeding Illinois Find Food to fill your fridge until the next deposit. Enter your ZIP code to see nearby pantries, drive-through grocery box sites, and prepared-meal programs. Many of these services allow weekly visits and provide staples without checking your EBT balance.
If transportation is a barrier, you can get help by dialing 211 or texting your ZIP code to 898211. A 24/7 specialist from 211 Illinois can identify pantries with home-delivery slots or community fridges in your county. They can also screen you for other assistance programs to help your food money stretch further.
Track Your EBT Balance and Earn Cashback with Benny
Benny is a free app that helps you track your EBT balance in real time and get cash back on eligible purchases at stores like Target, Walmart, Kroger, and Costco. To start, link your EBT card to the app. After you make a purchase, scan your receipt with Benny to receive cashback for SNAP-eligible items.
Download Benny to take control of your expenses and get more from your EBT benefits.
