Your Guide to SNAP Food Stamps Reload Schedule Across All 50 States

Understanding when your food stamps reload is essential for planning your monthly groceries. The SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly assistance to low-income families through Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards. The timing of when your benefits reload varies significantly by state and depends on personal identification factors such as your Social Security number, case number, or last name.

When Do Your Food Stamps Reload Each Month?

For most households receiving SNAP assistance, food stamps reload between the 1st and 10th of each month. However, the exact date you receive your monthly benefits is determined by specific factors tied to your application, including the last digit of your Social Security number, your case number, or the first letter of your last name.

The easiest way to find your exact reload date is to visit your state’s official SNAP website and look for the “EBT in My State” section or contact your local benefits office. Benefits are loaded onto your prepaid EBT card, which functions like a standard debit card already loaded with your approved benefit amount.

Key Facts About SNAP and EBT Cards

• SNAP benefits work similarly to traditional food stamps and can be used at grocery stores, farmers’ markets, convenience stores, and major retailers like Walmart and Target
• Your EBT card reloads automatically once per month on your scheduled date—you don’t need to take any action
• The reload schedule is staggered throughout each month across all states to distribute benefit processing evenly
• Each state manages its own SNAP payment calendar, so your neighbor in another state may receive benefits on a completely different day

State-by-State Food Stamps Reload Schedules

The following breakdown shows when SNAP benefits reload in each state. Your specific reload date depends on the criteria listed for your state:

Southern States:

• Alabama: 4th-23rd (based on case number)
• Arkansas: 4th-13th (based on last digit of Social Security number)
• Florida: 1st-28th (based on 9th and 8th digits of case number)
• Georgia: 5th-23rd (based on last two digits of ID number)
• Kentucky: 1st-19th (based on last digit of Social Security number)
• Louisiana: 1st-14th (based on last digit of Social Security number)
• Maryland: 4th-23rd (based on first letter of last name)
• Mississippi: 4th-21st (based on last two digits of case number)
• North Carolina: 3rd-21st (based on last digit of Social Security number)
• South Carolina: 1st-19th (based on last digit of case number)
• Tennessee: 1st-20th (based on last two digits of Social Security number)
• Texas: 1st-15th (based on last digit of EDG number)
• Virginia: 1st-9th (based on last digit of case number)
• West Virginia: 1st-9th (based on first letter of last name)

Midwest and Plains States:

• Colorado: 1st-10th (based on last digit of Social Security number)
• Illinois: 1st-20th (based on case type and name combination)
• Indiana: 5th-23rd (based on first letter of last name)
• Iowa: 1st-10th (based on first letter of last name)
• Kansas: 1st-10th (based on first letter of last name)
• Michigan: 3rd-21st (based on last two digits of ID number)
• Minnesota: 4th-13th (based on last digit of case number)
• Missouri: 1st-22nd (based on birth month and last name)
• Nebraska: 1st-5th (based on head of household 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)
• South Dakota: 10th of the month
• Wisconsin: 1st-15th (based on 8th digit of Social Security number)
• Wyoming: 1st-4th (based on first letter of last name)

Western States:

• Alaska: 1st of the month
• Arizona: 1st-13th (based on first letter of last name)
• California: 1st-10th (based on last digit of case number)
• Hawaii: 3rd-5th (based on first letter of last name)
• Idaho: 1st-10th (based on last digit of birth year)
• Montana: 2nd-6th (based on last digit of case number)
• Nevada: 1st-10th (based on last digit of birth year)
• New Mexico: 1st-20th (based on last two digits of Social Security number)
• Oregon: 1st-9th (based on last digit of Social Security number)
• Utah: 5th, 11th, or 15th (based on first letter of last name)
• Washington: Staggered based on application and approval date
• Washington, D.C.: 1st-10th (based on first letter of last name)

Northeastern States:

• Connecticut: 1st-3rd (based on first letter of last name)
• Delaware: 2nd-24th (based on first letter of last name, spread over 23 days)
• Maine: 10th-14th (based on last digit of birthday)
• Massachusetts: 1st-14th (based on last digit of Social Security number)
• New Hampshire: 5th of the month
• New Jersey: 1st-5th (based on 7th digit of case number)
• New York: 1st-9th (1st-13th in New York City; excludes Sundays/holidays)
• Pennsylvania: 1st-10th business days (based on last digit of case number)
• Rhode Island: 1st of the month
• Vermont: 1st of the month

U.S. Territories:

• Guam: 1st-10th of the month
• Puerto Rico: 4th-22nd (based on last digit of Social Security number)

How to Find Your Exact Reload Date

If you don’t know your specific food stamps reload date, follow these steps:

1. Visit your state’s official SNAP or EBT website
2. Look for the “EBT in My State” section or similar resources
3. Enter your identifying information (Social Security number, case number, or last name)
4. Your personalized reload date will be displayed
5. Mark this date in your calendar each month to plan your shopping

Many states also offer phone hotlines or text alert services to remind you when your benefits have been reloaded to your card.

Where to Use Your Reloaded SNAP Benefits

Once your food stamps reload to your EBT card, you can use them at thousands of authorized retailers nationwide:

• Supermarkets and grocery stores (all major chains accept SNAP)
• Farmers’ markets (many now accept EBT)
• Convenience stores and small grocers (if authorized)
• Big-box retailers including Walmart, Target, and similar stores
• Online grocery services (select retailers offer this option)

Your benefits cover most foods including produce, dairy, proteins, grains, and pantry staples. Restaurant meals, alcohol, tobacco, and prepared foods are not eligible.

Planning Around Your Reload Schedule

Knowing exactly when your food stamps reload each month helps you budget effectively. Some tips for maximizing your SNAP benefits:

• Set a reminder for your reload date so you’re prepared to shop
• Plan your meals around your reload schedule
• Check your remaining balance through your state’s online portal or by calling the customer service number on your EBT card
• Keep your card in a safe place and report it lost immediately if needed
• Track your purchases to ensure your benefits last the full month

By understanding your state’s specific SNAP reload schedule and planning accordingly, you can ensure your family has consistent access to nutritious food throughout each month.