Do SNAP Benefits Expire? What You Need to Know

The simple answer is: it depends on your state. SNAP benefits expiration policies aren’t uniform across the country—instead, individual states have the authority to determine whether their EBT cards include expiration dates. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows states this flexibility, meaning the rules you follow may differ significantly from your neighbors in another state.

State Rules Determine Your SNAP Card Expiration

Since regulations vary by state, the best approach is to contact your state’s EBT Customer Service directly. You can typically find this number on the back of your SNAP card or through your state program’s official website. They can provide specific details about whether your card has an expiration date and what that means for your benefits.

The Nine-Month Rule for Unused SNAP Benefits

Even if your state doesn’t enforce card expiration dates, the USDA has established an important rule: any SNAP card with zero activity for nine consecutive months will result in permanent loss of unused benefits. This is the federal inactivity threshold that applies nationwide.

However, there’s good news for households that regularly use their benefits. If you use your SNAP funds but don’t spend your entire monthly allocation, your remaining balance will automatically carry forward to the next month—even if you become ineligible for new benefits. This rolling benefit system means you can continue using accumulated SNAP funds on your card as long as you don’t exceed the nine-month inactivity window.

Importantly, if your household uses benefits regularly but maintains a carryover balance, those funds won’t disappear after nine months. The inactivity clock only triggers if the card experiences complete non-use.

How to Check Your SNAP Benefits Status

Understanding your specific state’s policies is crucial since they differ. Contact your local SNAP agency to learn:

• Whether your EBT card has an official expiration date
• How long you can retain unused benefits
• What constitutes “inactivity” in your state’s system

State Notification Requirements

Before the USDA removes or suspends your SNAP benefits, states must provide written notification at least 30 days in advance. This advance notice gives households time to use their benefits or contact their agency if they believe an error has occurred.

Since SNAP regulations are state-specific, taking time to verify your individual state’s rules ensures you won’t accidentally lose benefits due to overlooked expiration dates or inactivity policies. Contact your state’s SNAP office today to confirm the expiration status of your benefits.