Does EBT Card Balance Carry Over Each Month?
Understand how your EBT food benefits persist over time, potential expiration conditions, and practical ways to manage your balance for ongoing needs.
An Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card serves as a digital method for distributing food assistance benefits, primarily through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This card functions much like a debit card, allowing eligible individuals to access their benefits to purchase food items at authorized retailers. A common question is whether unused balances carry over each month; EBT card balances do carry over.
How EBT Balances Carry Over
EBT food assistance benefits accumulate, allowing recipients to use their funds as needed without pressure to spend them within a specific month. Unused funds from one month are automatically added to the next month’s allocation. This allows cardholders to save for larger purchases or manage their food budget more flexibly. For instance, if a recipient has a remaining balance of $20 from March, that amount will be available in April along with the new monthly deposit.
When Balances May Expire
While EBT balances typically roll over, benefits can be removed after an extended period of inactivity. States implement policies where benefits may expire if the EBT card is not used for a prolonged duration, such as six, nine, or twelve consecutive months. This rule ensures benefits are utilized by active recipients. For example, some states may remove benefits after 274 days of no purchase activity, which is approximately nine months. The specific timeframe for inactivity leading to expiration varies by state, so cardholders should consult their state’s EBT program guidelines.
Monitoring Your EBT Balance
Several methods are available to monitor your EBT balance. One common approach is to check the receipt after a purchase, as the remaining balance is often printed on it. Cardholders can also call the toll-free customer service number on the back of their EBT card, which is typically available 24/7. Many states offer online portals or mobile applications, such as ebtEDGE.com, where cardholders can register their account to view their balance and transaction history. Some authorized retail locations also allow cardholders to inquire about their balance at a customer service desk or by using a self-checkout machine.
General EBT Card Usage
EBT cards can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers’ markets. These items typically include most foods for human consumption, such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy, and bread. However, hot prepared foods, alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, and non-food items like pet food or household supplies are generally not permitted. To use the card, recipients swipe it at a point-of-sale terminal and enter their Personal Identification Number (PIN).
It is important to keep the EBT card and PIN secure, as benefits may not be replaceable if used fraudulently. If a card is lost, stolen, or damaged, cardholders should immediately contact the customer service number to report it and request a replacement.