When Do EBT Cards Refill Each Month? Complete State-by-State Guide

Finding out when do ebt cards refill is essential for households relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Unlike bills that arrive unpredictably, your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) benefits follow a set schedule—but that schedule varies significantly depending on where you live. Understanding your specific refill date helps you budget more effectively and plan your grocery shopping around your available funds.

Understanding EBT Refill Schedules: The Basics

SNAP provides monthly assistance to eligible low-income families through an EBT card system. Instead of receiving physical food stamps, beneficiaries get a prepaid debit card loaded with their monthly allowance. The key question many recipients ask is straightforward: when do ebt cards refill?

The answer depends on several factors specific to your state and circumstances. Most states distribute SNAP benefits between the 1st and the 25th of each month, though some states compress their schedule into just the first 10 days. Your specific refill date is typically determined by one of these factors: the last digit of your Social Security number, your case number, the first letter of your last name, or your birth date—depending on your state’s system.

In 2025 and beyond, most states maintained consistent SNAP refill schedules without significant changes. Benefits are transferred automatically to your EBT card on your assigned date each month. This staggered approach helps prevent overwhelming a single processing day and allows state agencies to distribute resources more evenly throughout the month.

How to Find Your Exact EBT Refill Date

Rather than trying to remember complex state-specific formulas, the easiest approach is to check directly with your state’s benefits office. You can visit your state’s official SNAP or benefits website and use their EBT lookup tool. Many states maintain a dedicated “EBT in My State” section where you input your information and receive your personalized refill schedule.

Another reliable method is to simply check your EBT card’s transaction history in the last month. Your previous refill date gives you a reliable baseline—most states load benefits on the same calendar day each month. If you received your last deposit on the 15th, you’ll almost certainly receive your next refill on the 15th as well.

You can also contact your state’s SNAP hotline or visit your local benefits office for personalized assistance. Many states offer phone support or online account portals where you can see your benefit amount, refill date, and transaction history all in one place.

How SNAP and EBT Benefits Work

Your EBT card functions like a standard debit card tied exclusively to your SNAP benefits. Once your monthly allowance reloads onto the card, you can use it immediately at authorized retailers. The card doesn’t expire after a certain date—any unused balance rolls over and combines with your next month’s refill.

SNAP covers a wide range of food items including fresh produce, meats, dairy products, breads, cereals, frozen foods, and pantry staples. The program does not cover prepared foods, household items, vitamins, alcohol, or tobacco. Your EBT card is accepted at most supermarkets, farmers’ markets, many convenience stores, and major retailers like Walmart and Target. Some online grocery services now accept EBT benefits as well, expanding your shopping options.

EBT Refill Dates by State: Your Reference List

Each state manages its own SNAP benefit schedule. Here’s when you can expect your benefits to refill depending on your state:

Alabama, Alaska & Arizona:

• Alabama: Between the 4th and 23rd, based on case number
• Alaska: Always the 1st of the month
• Arizona: Between the 1st and 13th, based on first letter of last name

Arkansas Through Connecticut:

• Arkansas: Between the 4th and 13th, based on last digit of Social Security number
• California: First 10 days, based on last digit of case number
• Colorado: Between the 1st and 10th, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Connecticut: 1st to 3rd, based on first letter of last name

Delaware Through Georgia:

• Delaware: Spreads over 23 days starting on the 2nd, based on first letter of last name
• Florida: Between the 1st and 28th, based on 9th and 8th digits of case number
• Georgia: Between the 5th and 23rd, based on last two digits of ID number

Hawaii Through Illinois:

• Hawaii: 3rd or 5th, based on first letter of last name
• Idaho: First 10 days, based on last number of birth year
• Illinois: Between the 1st and 20th, based on case type and name

Indiana Through Kansas:

• 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

Kentucky Through Maryland:

• Kentucky: First 19 days, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Louisiana: Between the 1st and 14th, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Maine: 10th to 14th, based on last digit of birthday
• Maryland: 4th to 23rd, based on first letter of last name

Massachusetts Through Michigan:

• Massachusetts: First 14 days, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Michigan: 3rd to 21st, based on last two digits of ID number

Minnesota Through Missouri:

• Minnesota: 4th to 13th, based on last digit of case number
• Mississippi: 4th to 21st, based on last two digits of case number
• Missouri: Between the 1st and 22nd, based on birth month and last name

Montana Through Nebraska:

• Montana: 2nd to 6th, based on last digit of case number
• Nebraska: 1st to 5th, based on last digit of head of household’s Social Security number

Nevada Through New Jersey:

• Nevada: First 10 days, based on last number of birth year
• New Hampshire: Always the 5th
• New Jersey: First 5 calendar days, based on 7th digit of case number

New Mexico Through New York:

• New Mexico: First 20 days, based on last two digits of Social Security number
• New York: 1st to 9th, except New York City spreads over 13 non-weekend days

North Carolina Through North Dakota:

• North Carolina: 3rd to 21st, based on last digit of Social Security number
• North Dakota: Always the 1st

Ohio Through Oklahoma:

• Ohio: 2nd to 20th, based on last digit of case number
• Oklahoma: 1st to 10th, based on last digit of case number

Oregon Through Pennsylvania:

• Oregon: 1st to 9th, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Pennsylvania: First 10 business days, based on last digit of case record number

Puerto Rico & Rhode Island:

• Puerto Rico: 4th to 22nd, based on last digit of Social Security number
• Rhode Island: Always the 1st

South Carolina Through South Dakota:

• South Carolina: 1st to 19th, based on last digit of case number
• South Dakota: Always the 10th

Tennessee Through Texas:

• Tennessee: 1st to 20th, based on last two digits of Social Security number
• Texas: First 15 days, based on last digit of Eligibility Determination Group number

Utah & Vermont:

• Utah: 5th, 11th, or 15th, based on first letter of last name
• Vermont: Always the 1st

Virginia Through Wisconsin:

• Virginia: 1st to 9th, based on last digit of case number
• Washington: Staggered based on application date and approval date
• 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
• Wisconsin: First 15 days, based on 8th digit of Social Security number

Wyoming & Territories:

• Wyoming: 1st to 4th, based on first letter of last name
• Guam: 1st to 10th

Making the Most of Your EBT Benefits

Now that you understand when do ebt cards refill in your state, you can plan your monthly grocery budget with confidence. Many recipients find it helpful to shop shortly after their refill date when their full balance is available. Others spread their purchases throughout the month based on their household needs.

Track your EBT balance regularly through your state’s online portal or by calling the customer service number on the back of your card. This prevents overdrafts and helps you identify any unauthorized transactions. Keep your EBT card secure just like you would a regular debit card, and report lost or stolen cards immediately to prevent fraud.

Understanding your state’s specific refill schedule empowers you to maximize your SNAP benefits and feed your household more effectively.