Your EBT Benefits Deposited Throughout the Month: Here's When in Your State

The question of when are EBT benefits deposited has a straightforward answer: it depends on where you live. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides monthly financial assistance to low-income families for food purchases through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. While the program operates uniformly across the nation, individual states control their own payment schedules, meaning your neighbor in a different state could receive their benefits on a completely different day than you do.

In 2026, the SNAP distribution system remains consistent with how it has operated for years. Your specific deposit date is determined by personal identifiers such as your Social Security number, case number, last name, or a combination of these factors. Understanding when your benefits arrive each month helps you plan your grocery shopping and budget more effectively.

How EBT Payment Schedules Work Across Different States

Rather than everyone receiving benefits on the same day, SNAP distributes funds staggered throughout the month. This approach prevents system overload and allows states to manage their resources efficiently. Most states spread their EBT deposits across 10 to 20 days within each month, starting from anywhere between the 1st and 5th and extending through the 20th to 28th.

The determining factor for your personal deposit date typically falls into one of several categories. Most commonly, your benefits arrival depends on the last digit of your Social Security number or case number. Some states use the first letter of your last name, while others factor in your birth month or a combination of identifying information. A smaller number of states, like New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and North Dakota, deposit all benefits on the same day—usually the first of the month.

To find out exactly when your benefits will be deposited, the easiest method is to visit your state’s official benefits website. Most states maintain an “EBT in My State” section where you can input your identifying information and receive your personalized deposit date. Many states also offer phone support and mobile apps for checking benefit status and deposit schedules.

Find Out When Your Benefits Are Deposited: Complete State Guide

Here’s what you need to know about when benefits arrive in your specific region:

Early-Month States (1st-5th): Alaska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Vermont deposit benefits on the 1st of each month. Connecticut deposits between the 1st and 3rd based on last name, while Delaware operates uniquely, spreading deposits over 23 days beginning on the 2nd.

First Half of Month (6th-15th): California loads during the first 10 days based on case number. Arizona spreads from the 1st to 13th depending on your last name. Hawaii uses the 3rd and 5th based on last name, while Idaho covers the first 10 days based on birth year. Illinois uses case type and name combinations spanning the 1st through 20th. Indiana deposits between the 5th and 23rd based on last name. Iowa, Kansas, and Nevada deposit during the first 10 days using last name or birth year as variables. Kentucky distributes during the first 19 days based on Social Security number. Louisiana runs from the 1st to 14th using Social Security number. Maine deposits from the 10th to 14th based on birth date. Massachusetts covers the first 14 days using Social Security number. New Jersey deposits during the first 5 calendar days. New Mexico spreads the first 20 days based on Social Security number. New York varies between the 1st and 9th (except in New York City, where it spans 13 non-holiday days). Oklahoma deposits from the 1st to 10th using case number. Oregon runs from the 1st to 9th based on Social Security number. Pennsylvania covers the first 10 business days based on case record number. Texas spreads across the first 15 days using your EDG (Eligibility Determination Group) number. Washington, D.C. deposits from the 1st to 10th based on last name. West Virginia covers the first 9 days based on last name. Wyoming deposits from the 1st to 4th using last name.

Mid-to-Late Month States (16th+): Alabama spreads from the 4th to 23rd based on case number. Arkansas deposits from the 4th to 13th using Social Security number. Colorado covers the 1st to 10th by Social Security number. Florida’s unique system uses the 9th and 8th digits of your case number, spreading from the 1st to 28th. Georgia deposits from the 5th to 23rd using the last two digits of your ID. Guam operates from the 1st to 10th. Idaho (as mentioned) runs during the first 10 days. Illinois extends to the 20th as noted above. Indiana reaches the 23rd. Kentucky goes through the 19th. Louisiana covers through the 14th. Maryland deposits from the 4th to 23rd based on last name. Michigan runs from the 3rd to 21st using the last two digits of your ID. Minnesota spans from the 4th to 13th by case number. Mississippi deposits from the 4th to 21st based on case number’s last two digits. Missouri uses birth month and last name, distributing from the 1st to 22nd. Montana concentrates deposits between the 2nd and 6th by case number. Nebraska deposits from the 1st to 5th by head of household’s Social Security number. Nevada (first 10 days as noted). North Carolina ranges from the 3rd to 21st based on Social Security number. Ohio covers the 2nd to 20th by case number. Pennsylvania (first 10 business days noted). Puerto Rico deposits from the 4th to 22nd using Social Security number. South Carolina spans from the 1st to 19th by case number. South Dakota deposits only on the 10th. Tennessee ranges from the 1st to 20th using Social Security number. Utah uses the 5th, 11th, or 15th based on last name. Virginia deposits from the 1st to 9th by case number. Washington distributes throughout the month based on your application and approval dates. Wisconsin covers the first 15 days using the eighth digit of Social Security number.

Using Your EBT Card: Where and How

Once your benefits are deposited to your EBT card—which functions as a prepaid debit card with your allocated benefits pre-loaded—you can use it at any SNAP-authorized retailer. These locations include most major supermarkets, farmers’ markets, convenience stores, and large retailers like Walmart and Target. Your EBT card can purchase any eligible food items including fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereal, and other household food staples. Many online grocery retailers now accept EBT as well, expanding your shopping options beyond brick-and-mortar stores.

Understanding when your EBT benefits are deposited each month allows you to plan your food purchases strategically and ensure you’re maximizing your assistance throughout the month. Since deposit dates vary significantly across states and depend on personal identifiers, taking time to verify your specific schedule through your state’s official website ensures you’ll never miss when your benefits become available.