Understanding When Your EBT Cash Reloads: A Complete State-by-State Guide

If you receive SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, knowing when your EBT cash reloads is essential for monthly budgeting. The timing of when does ebt cash reload varies significantly across the United States, determined by factors unique to your individual case. This guide explains how the EBT system works and when you can expect your funds to arrive.

How the EBT Cash Reload System Works

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program provides monthly assistance to help low-income families purchase groceries and food items. Unlike a one-time deposit, your benefits are transferred to a prepaid debit card—your EBT card—with the allocated amount already loaded and ready to use.

Most states distribute SNAP benefits between the 1st and 23rd of each month, though the specific date you receive your allotment depends on several variables. These typically include your Social Security number, case number, last name, or the date you first applied for benefits. In 2026, the general distribution pattern remains consistent with previous years, though individual states maintain their own unique schedules.

It’s important to note that just because your neighbor receives benefits doesn’t mean your ebt cash reload date matches theirs. The last digit of your Social Security number, the first letter of your last name, or a combination of your case details determines your personal reload date.

Why Knowing Your EBT Cash Reload Schedule Matters

Understanding when your benefits arrive helps you plan your grocery shopping and manage your monthly food budget more effectively. If you know exactly when your card loads, you can time your purchases strategically and avoid the rush that often occurs on benefit distribution days at stores.

For recipients who rely on their EBT benefits as a primary food source, knowing the reload date ensures you don’t run out of funds mid-month. Many beneficiaries use this information to coordinate their shopping with family member’s reload dates or to plan meals accordingly.

How to Find Your Personal EBT Card Reload Date

Rather than guessing or relying on general information, the easiest way to discover your specific date is through your state’s official SNAP website. Each state maintains an “EBT in My State” section where you can enter your details and find your exact reload schedule.

To locate this information:

• Visit your state’s SNAP administration website
• Use the “EBT in My State” lookup tool
• Enter your case information or identifying details
• Your personalized reload date will be displayed

Alternatively, you can call your state’s SNAP customer service line for immediate assistance. Having your case number handy will speed up the process.

State-by-State EBT Cash Reload Timeline

The following breakdown shows when ebt cash typically reloads across all 50 states and U.S. territories. Remember, your exact date depends on your specific case identifier:

Northeast Region:

• Connecticut: 1st to 3rd, based on first letter of last name
• Maine: 10th to 14th, based on last digit of birthday
• Massachusetts: First 14 days, based on last digit of Social Security number
• New Hampshire: 5th of each month
• New Jersey: First 5 calendar days, based on 7th digit of case number
• New York: 1st to 9th (except NYC, where distribution spans 13 non-Sunday/holiday days)
• Pennsylvania: First 10 business days, based on last digit of case record number
• Rhode Island: 1st of each month
• Vermont: 1st of each month

Mid-Atlantic Region:

• Delaware: Over 23 days starting 2nd of month, based on first letter of last name
• Maryland: 4th to 23rd, based on first letter of last name
• Virginia: 1st to 9th, based on last digit of case number
• Washington, D.C.: 1st to 10th, based on first letter of last name
• West Virginia: First 9 days, based on first letter of last name

Southern Region:

• Alabama: 4th to 23rd, based on case number
• Arkansas: 4th to 13th, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Florida: 1st to 28th, based on 9th and 8th digits of case number
• Georgia: 5th to 23rd, based on last two digits of ID number
• Kentucky: First 19 days, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Louisiana: 1st to 14th, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Mississippi: 4th to 21st, based on last two digits of case number
• North Carolina: 3rd to 21st, based on last digit of Social Security number
• South Carolina: 1st to 19th, based on last digit of case number
• Tennessee: 1st to 20th, based on last two digits of Social Security number
• Texas: First 15 days, based on last digit of EDG number
• Puerto Rico: 4th to 22nd, based on last digit of Social Security number

Midwest Region:

• Illinois: 1st to 20th, based on combination of case type and case name
• Indiana: 5th to 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
• Michigan: 3rd to 21st, based on last two digits of ID number
• Minnesota: 4th to 13th, based on last digit of case number
• Missouri: 1st to 22nd, based on birth month and last name
• Nebraska: 1st to 5th, based on head of household’s Social Security number
• Ohio: 2nd to 20th, based on last digit of case number
• Wisconsin: First 15 days, based on 8th digit of Social Security number

Great Plains Region:

• North Dakota: 1st of each month
• South Dakota: 10th of each month
• Oklahoma: 1st to 10th, based on last digit of case number

Western Region:

• Alaska: 1st of each month
• Arizona: 1st to 13th, based on first letter of last name
• California: First 10 days, based on last digit of case number
• Colorado: 1st to 10th, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Hawaii: 3rd to 5th, based on first letter of last name
• Idaho: First 10 days, based on last number of birth year
• Montana: 2nd to 6th, based on last digit of case number
• Nevada: First 10 days, based on last number of birth year
• New Mexico: First 20 days, based on last two digits of Social Security number
• Oregon: 1st to 9th, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Utah: 5th, 11th, or 15th, based on first letter of last name
• Washington: Throughout the month, based on application and approval dates
• Wyoming: 1st to 4th, based on first letter of last name

U.S. Territories:

• Guam: 1st to 10th

Where You Can Use Your EBT Card

Your EBT benefits can be used at any SNAP-authorized retailer, which includes most supermarkets, farmers’ markets, convenience stores, and national chain retailers like Walmart and Target. Online grocery delivery services also accept EBT payments, making it convenient to shop from home.

Foods eligible for purchase with your benefits include fruits, vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, dairy products, bread, cereals, and numerous other staples. Non-food items, prepared foods, and alcohol cannot be purchased with your SNAP benefits.

Keeping Track of Your EBT Cash Reload

The best practice is to regularly check your state’s official SNAP website or call your state benefit office to confirm your reload date remains unchanged. Periodically confirming when your ebt cash reloads helps you maintain consistent monthly budgeting and prevents surprises.

Many states now offer mobile apps or text alert notifications that notify you when your benefits have been loaded onto your card, providing real-time confirmation beyond just tracking the expected date.