Understanding When EBT Cards Get Refilled: A State-by-State Guide

If you’re receiving SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, one of the most important questions is: when do EBT cards get refilled? Unlike a paycheck that arrives on the same day for everyone, your Electronic Benefits Transfer card’s refill date depends on where you live and specific details about your case. Most states follow a staggered schedule throughout the month, meaning different recipients get their benefits loaded on different dates based on factors like their Social Security number, last name, or case number.

The good news is that the refill process is predictable once you know your specific schedule. In 2026, most states continue to maintain consistent monthly schedules for when EBT cards get refilled, allowing you to plan your grocery shopping accordingly.

Why Your EBT Card Refill Schedule Varies by State

Each state manages its own SNAP program and determines how benefits are distributed. Rather than loading all recipients’ benefits on a single day, states spread the refill process across multiple days of the month. This approach helps reduce system overload and ensures smoother processing of millions of transactions.

Your individual refill date is typically determined by one of these factors:

• The last digit of your Social Security number
• The first letter of your last name
• Your case number or application number
• The last two digits of your identification number
• Your birth month or year
• A combination of several factors specific to your state

For new SNAP applicants, benefits are generally processed and loaded onto your card between the 1st and 10th of the day each month, though this varies by state.

Key Factors That Determine When Your EBT Card Gets Refilled

Understanding what influences your refill date can help you better manage your monthly grocery budget. The timing isn’t random—it’s based on a systematic approach designed to distribute processing work evenly throughout the month.

State-Level Decisions: Your state’s Department of Human Services or equivalent agency decides the schedule. Some states use shorter windows (like 4-5 days), while others spread refills across 20+ days.

Consistent Monthly Pattern: Once assigned your refill date, you can expect your EBT card to be refilled on or around the same date every single month. This consistency allows you to plan ahead for grocery purchases.

New vs. Existing Recipients: If you’ve just been approved for SNAP, your first benefit deposit typically arrives within the initial refill window for new cases. Established recipients maintain their regular schedule.

When Does Your EBT Card Get Refilled? Complete State Guide

Here’s when EBT cards get refilled in all 50 states, plus U.S. territories and Washington, D.C. Check your state to find your specific refill date:

Alabama: 4th-23rd based on case number
Alaska: 1st of the month
Arizona: 1st-13th based on first letter of last name
Arkansas: 4th-13th based on last digit of Social Security number
California: 1st-10th based on last digit of case number
Colorado: 1st-10th based on last digit of Social Security number
Connecticut: 1st-3rd based on first letter of last name
Delaware: 2nd-24th based on first letter of last name
Florida: 1st-28th based on 9th and 8th digits of case number
Georgia: 5th-23rd based on last two digits of ID number
Guam: 1st-10th
Hawaii: 3rd and 5th based on first letter of last name
Idaho: First 10 days based on last digit of birth year
Illinois: 1st-20th based on case type and name
Indiana: 5th-23rd based on first letter of last name
Iowa: First 10 days based on first letter of last name
Kansas: First 10 days based on first letter of last name
Kentucky: First 19 days based on last digit of Social Security number
Louisiana: 1st-14th based on last digit of Social Security number
Maine: 10th-14th based on last digit of birthday
Maryland: 4th-23rd based on first letter of last name
Massachusetts: First 14 days based on last digit of Social Security number
Michigan: 3rd-21st based on last two digits of ID number
Minnesota: 4th-13th based on last digit of case number
Mississippi: 4th-21st based on last two digits of case number
Missouri: 1st-22nd based on birth month and last name
Montana: 2nd-6th based on last digit of case number
Nebraska: 1st-5th based on head of household’s Social Security number
Nevada: First 10 days based on last digit of birth year
New Hampshire: 5th of the month
New Jersey: First 5 days based on 7th digit of case number
New Mexico: First 20 days based on last two digits of Social Security number
New York: 1st-9th based on case number (13 days in New York City excluding Sundays and holidays)
North Carolina: 3rd-21st based on last digit of Social Security number
North Dakota: 1st of the month
Ohio: 2nd-20th based on last digit of case number
Oklahoma: 1st-10th based on last digit of case number
Oregon: 1st-9th based on last digit of Social Security number
Pennsylvania: First 10 business days based on case record number
Puerto Rico: 4th-22nd based on last digit of Social Security number
Rhode Island: 1st of the month
South Carolina: 1st-19th based on last digit of case number
South Dakota: 10th of the month
Tennessee: 1st-20th based on last two digits of Social Security number
Texas: First 15 days based on Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number
Utah: 5th, 11th, or 15th based on first letter of last name
Vermont: 1st of the month
Virginia: 1st-9th based on last digit of case number
Washington: Staggered throughout month based on application date
Washington, D.C.: 1st-10th based on first letter of last name
West Virginia: First 9 days based on first letter of last name
Wisconsin: First 15 days based on 8th digit of Social Security number
Wyoming: 1st-4th based on first letter of last name

How to Find Your Exact EBT Card Refill Date

The easiest way to confirm when your EBT card gets refilled is to visit your state’s official SNAP website through the FeedingAmerica provider directory. Look for the “EBT in My State” section and select your state to see detailed refill schedules and your personal deposit date.

You can also contact your state’s SNAP office directly with your case number to confirm your specific refill schedule.

Using Your EBT Benefits After Your Card Gets Refilled

Once your EBT card is refilled with the month’s benefit amount, you can use it immediately at authorized retailers. SNAP benefits work like a debit card—simply swipe or insert your card at checkout. Your benefits cover eligible food items including:

• Fruits and vegetables
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products and eggs
• Breads and cereals
• Snacks and beverages (non-alcoholic)

Where You Can Use Your Refilled EBT Card: Most supermarkets, grocery stores, farmers markets, and warehouse retailers like Walmart and Target accept EBT cards. Many online grocery services now accept SNAP benefits as well, making it more convenient to shop from home.

Planning Ahead: Making Your SNAP Benefits Last

Knowing exactly when your EBT card gets refilled helps you manage your food budget effectively. Mark your refill date on your calendar and plan your major grocery shopping trips accordingly. If you’re unsure whether an item qualifies for SNAP coverage, ask the cashier or check your state’s SNAP guidelines.

By understanding your state’s specific refill schedule and planning around it, you can maximize the nutritional value of your SNAP benefits throughout the month.