Do EBT Benefits Expire? What You Need to Know
Understand the rules around EBT benefit expiration. Learn how to keep your benefits active and what options you have regarding their status.
Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards are a system for delivering government assistance. These cards function much like debit cards, allowing recipients to access benefits electronically at authorized retailers. A common question is whether funds on an EBT card can expire. Understanding these rules is important for managing financial aid.
EBT Benefit Expiration Rules
EBT benefits, whether for food assistance or cash aid, can indeed expire if they are not used. Unused Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits generally roll over from one month to the next, but they are subject to expiration if the account remains inactive for an extended period. Most SNAP benefits expire after nine months of no activity on the EBT card. This inactivity period leads to the permanent removal of benefits from the account.
Cash benefits on an EBT card also have expiration rules tied to inactivity, and these periods can be shorter than those for SNAP benefits. For instance, some states may remove cash benefits after 90 days of inactivity. The exact timeframes for both SNAP and cash benefit expiration, as well as what actions count as activity, are determined by state-specific regulations.
States are generally required to notify benefit recipients before their benefits are expunged. This notification often occurs about 30 days before the benefits are removed.
Keeping EBT Benefits Active
Preventing the expiration of EBT benefits primarily involves making regular use of the card. Any purchase made with the EBT card, regardless of the amount, typically resets the inactivity clock for both food and cash benefits. Consistently using the card helps to demonstrate ongoing need and prevents the account from being flagged as inactive.
While making a purchase is the most reliable method, some states may also consider other actions as card activity. Checking the EBT balance at an ATM or a point-of-sale device could potentially count as activity in certain areas, though this is not universally true. It is advisable to prioritize making a purchase to avoid any uncertainty regarding activity status. Regularly checking the balance can also help cardholders monitor their account and anticipate any potential issues.
Cardholders should integrate periodic EBT card use into their routine, even if they do not immediately require the full amount of their benefits. This proactive approach ensures that accumulated funds do not reach the inactivity threshold. Maintaining an active card helps in retaining access to the financial support provided through these programs.
Handling Expired EBT Benefits
If EBT benefits have expired, the options for recovery are generally very limited. For SNAP benefits, once they are removed due to inactivity, they are permanently lost and cannot be reinstated. This emphasizes the importance of preventing expiration through regular card use.
Cash benefits, while also subject to expiration, might have slightly different, though still restricted, recovery possibilities depending on the state. Some states may offer a very narrow window or specific conditions under which expired cash benefits could be partially reinstated. Such recovery is not common and varies significantly by state policy.
Individuals who suspect their benefits have expired or believe there was an error should promptly contact their state’s EBT customer service hotline or local welfare agency. These agencies can provide accurate information regarding the specific situation and applicable state rules. When contacting them, it is helpful to have the EBT card number and personal identification details ready to facilitate the inquiry.