When Does Your EBT Expire? Understanding State Rules and Key Timelines

The straightforward answer is: it depends on your state. Whether your EBT card will expire varies by location, as the U.S. Department of Agriculture allows individual states to decide their own expiration policies. Understanding these rules is crucial for managing your SNAP benefits effectively.

Does Your EBT Card Actually Expire?

Not all states enforce expiration dates on EBT cards. Since the USDA permits states to implement this requirement at their discretion, the rules differ significantly across the country. To determine whether your specific EBT card will expire, contact your state’s EBT Customer Service number—typically found on the back of your card or through your state program’s website.

Even if your card doesn’t physically expire, your benefits have important time limitations. This is where the critical nine-month inactivity rule comes into play, which can dramatically impact your access to funds.

The Critical 9-Month Rule for EBT Benefits

Here’s what you absolutely need to know: if your EBT card remains unused for nine consecutive months, any remaining balance will be permanently forfeited. This applies regardless of whether your state has an official card expiration date. However, benefits issued in a given month will automatically carry forward into the next month if unspent—even if you’re no longer enrolled in the program.

This means you can access SNAP funds on your card within the nine-month window, provided you haven’t let it sit completely dormant. Households that regularly use their cards can maintain balances across months without losing anything. The critical distinction is between regular, ongoing usage and complete inactivity.

How to Check Your Status and Protect Your Benefits

Forbes reports that states must notify households at least 30 days before removing benefits due to inactivity. To stay ahead of potential issues:

• Call your state EBT customer service to confirm whether your card has an expiration date
• Use your benefits at least once every nine months to avoid losing them
• Check your balance regularly and watch for state notifications
• Understand that benefit rules vary considerably by state

Since SNAP policies and EBT expiration requirements differ across states, contact your local SNAP agency for information specific to your situation. Taking these steps ensures you won’t inadvertently lose access to benefits you’ve earned.