How to Apply for SNAP Benefits in Montana

Applying for SNAP in Montana is a direct process. You can submit your application online, in person at a local office, or by mail.

Apply Online

The fastest way to apply is through the state's online portal. This method allows you to submit your application and required documents electronically from anywhere with an internet connection. You can find the application on the official Montana SNAP website.

To be eligible, you must live in Montana. You will also need to provide or apply for a Social Security number for everyone in your household. Each household member must be a U.S. citizen or a qualified non-citizen.

Apply In Person

You can visit an Office of Public Assistance to apply in person. Staff can help you complete the form, answer questions, and tell you what documents you need to provide. This is a good option if you need personal assistance.

Your household's income must fall below certain limits. There are two main categories, and the limits are effective from October 1, 2024, to September 30, 2025. For current income limits, check the state's guidelines.

Apply By Mail

For a paper application, you can download the form online or request one from a local office. Once completed, you can mail it in with copies of your supporting documents. This method works well if you prefer a physical copy.

Some households have resource limits. Non-ECE households cannot exceed $2,750 in resources, or $4,500 if a member is over 60 or has a disability. Your home and vehicles are typically excluded. Seniors and people with disabilities may also deduct certain medical expenses.

Able-bodied adults from 16 to 59 must register for work. Those aged 18-52 without dependents may have a three-month time limit unless they meet work, training, or volunteer requirements. Students enrolled at least half-time must also meet specific criteria to qualify.

How to Contact EBT Customer Service in Montana

• For questions about your EBT card, call the Cardholder Help Desk at 1-866-850-1556. This line is for existing cardholders and does not provide application help. Live support is available on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. MT for balance checks or card issues.

See Montana EBT Customer Service Contacts

How to Use Your SNAP Benefits in Montana

Once you're approved for SNAP, you'll want to know how to use your benefits, including what you can buy and where.

What is an EBT Card and How to Use it?

Your SNAP benefits come on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. It works just like a debit card. When you check out at an authorized store, you simply swipe your card and enter your Personal Identification Number (PIN).

The cost of eligible food is then deducted from your account. To keep track of your balance, you can use an app like Benny, which also provides cashback on certain purchases.

What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?

Your EBT card is for purchasing staple food items for your household. You can use your benefits to buy a wide variety of groceries that you prepare at home. Eligible items generally include:

• Fruits and vegetables

• Meat, poultry, and fish

• Dairy products

• Breads and cereals

• Non-alcoholic beverages

• Seeds and plants which produce food

However, some items cannot be purchased with SNAP. Your benefits do not cover non-food goods, vitamins, or foods that are sold hot and ready to eat. Ineligible items include:

• Beer, wine, liquor, cigarettes, or tobacco

• Vitamins, medicines, and supplements

• Hot foods sold ready-to-eat

• Non-food items like pet foods, cleaning supplies, and cosmetics

How to Manage Your SNAP Benefits

Staying on top of your SNAP benefits helps you budget effectively and make sure you always have food on the table.

EBT Deposit Schedule in Montana

In Montana, your SNAP benefits are deposited between the 2nd and 6th of each month. The exact day depends on the last digit of your TEAMS case number, which helps you plan your monthly grocery budget.

You can find your specific payment date in our Montana deposit schedule.

See Montana EBT deposit schedule for 2025

How to Check Your EBT Card Balance

You have several ways to check your EBT balance. You can use the online portal, an app like Benny, the phone number on your card, or your last ATM or store receipt.

Check out our guide for more details on each method.

Check Your Montana EBT Balance

Manage your SNAP Benefits and Get 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, and Kroger. To get started, link your EBT card, then scan your receipt after you shop to get cashback.

Download Benny to take control of your spending and get more out of your EBT benefits.