How to Find Out When Your EBT Reloads: A Complete Guide to SNAP Deposit Schedules

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps millions of low-income American families purchase groceries and food items each month. If you’re wondering when your EBT card reloads and when to expect your monthly benefits, the answer depends on several factors tied to your personal information and which state you live in. Understanding how to find out when EBT reloads is essential for budgeting your household grocery purchases effectively.

Why EBT Reload Dates Differ Across America

SNAP benefits arrive via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card—essentially a prepaid debit card that works like any other payment method at authorized retailers. However, unlike a typical paycheck that arrives on a set date for everyone, SNAP reloads are staggered throughout each month across different states. This deliberate scheduling helps reduce the strain on retailers and food distribution systems.

Each state manages its own EBT distribution calendar based on factors including your Social Security number, last name, case number, or the date you first applied for benefits. In most states during 2026, the specific distribution dates remain consistent year-round, typically falling between the 1st and 23rd of each month depending on your state’s formula.

Quick Methods to Find Out When Your EBT Reloads

The fastest way to determine your exact EBT reload date is to visit your state’s official SNAP or Department of Social Services website and look for the “EBT in My State” section or similar resources. This will show you the specific schedule tied to your case and personal identifiers.

Alternatively, you can:

• Contact your local SNAP office directly by phone
• Log into your EBT account through your state’s online portal
• Call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card
• Check your last deposit date and count forward 30 days to estimate the next reload

Most states process benefits once per calendar month on a consistent schedule. New applicants approved for SNAP typically receive their first deposit between the 1st and 10th of the month, then follow the regular state schedule thereafter.

Complete State-by-State EBT Reload Calendar

The following breakdown shows the typical EBT reload windows in all 50 states, plus the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. Your exact date within each window depends on your case number, Social Security number, last name, or birth information—determined by your specific state’s system.

Southern States: Alabama reloads between the 4th and 23rd based on case numbers. Arkansas falls between the 4th and 13th according to the last digit of your Social Security number. Florida spreads reloads across the 1st through 28th using case number digits. Georgia operates between the 5th and 23rd of the month. Kentucky loads benefits during the first 19 days based on Social Security information. Louisiana distributes between the 1st and 14th. Mississippi runs from the 4th to 21st. North Carolina covers the 3rd through 21st. South Carolina ranges from 1st to 19th. Tennessee extends through the 20th. Texas completes distributions within the first 15 days. Virginia finishes by the 9th. West Virginia completes within the first nine days.

Northeastern States: Connecticut loads benefits from the 1st to 3rd based on last names. Delaware spreads reloads over 23 days starting the 2nd. Maine operates from the 10th to 14th. Massachusetts processes during the first 14 days. New Hampshire consistently loads on the 5th. New Jersey completes distribution within the first 5 calendar days. New York varies from 1st to 9th (except NYC, which spreads over 13 non-holiday days). Pennsylvania handles first 10 business days. Rhode Island loads on the 1st. Vermont consistently reloads on the 1st. Washington D.C. operates from 1st to 10th.

Midwestern States: Illinois coordinates between the 1st and 20th. Indiana ranges from the 5th to 23rd. Iowa covers the first 10 days. Kansas operates during the first 10 days. Michigan spreads from 3rd to 21st. Minnesota operates from 4th to 13th. Missouri distributes between 1st and 22nd using birth months and names. Nebraska covers the 1st through 5th. North Dakota consistently reloads on the 1st. Ohio ranges from 2nd to 20th. Wisconsin covers the first 15 days.

Western States: Alaska consistently reloads on the 1st. Arizona spreads between 1st and 13th by last name. California loads during the first 10 days. Colorado operates between 1st and 10th. Idaho processes during the first 10 days. Montana distributes between 2nd and 6th. Nevada covers the first 10 days. New Mexico spans the first 20 days. Oklahoma loads between 1st and 10th. Oregon operates between 1st and 9th. South Dakota consistently reloads on the 10th. Utah offers three options: 5th, 11th, or 15th. Washington staggers reloads based on your application date. Wyoming covers 1st through 4th.

U.S. Territories: Guam processes between 1st and 10th. Hawaii reloads on the 3rd and 5th. Puerto Rico operates between 4th and 22nd based on Social Security numbers.

Where You Can Use Your Monthly SNAP Benefits

Once your EBT card reloads with your monthly allocation, you can spend those benefits at any SNAP-authorized retailer. This includes most supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers’ markets, certain convenience stores, and major retailers like Walmart and Target. Many online grocery services also accept EBT cards for home delivery orders.

Eligible foods include fresh produce, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, breads, cereals, snacks, and frozen items. You cannot use SNAP benefits for hot prepared foods, alcohol, tobacco, household supplies, or medications—these items are strictly prohibited under program rules.

Planning Your Monthly Grocery Budget

Knowing when your EBT reloads helps you better manage monthly food expenses and plan shopping trips strategically. Mark your reload date on your calendar, and consider shopping within the first few days after reloading to take advantage of fresh inventory at your local store. If you’re unsure about your exact reload date after checking your state’s website, call your caseworker or the EBT customer service line to get personalized information based on your account details.