How long do SNAP benefits last?
SNAP benefits issued on your EBT card don’t last forever, and depending on your state, you need to spend them on SNAP-eligible food before they expire.
And then there’s the question of how long you’ll get SNAP benefits once you’re approved—most people need to recertify every 6 to 12 months or risk losing benefits. Here’s everything you need to know about how long SNAP benefits last.
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Do SNAP benefits expire if you don’t use them right away?#do-snap-benefits-expire-if-you-dont-use-them-right-away
Yes, unused SNAP benefits expire eventually, but not at the end of the month. Any unused money from your monthly SNAP deposit will roll over to the next month.
But eventually, unused SNAP benefits on inactive accounts will expire, and they can do so in two ways: Offline storage at three months and benefit expungement at nine months.
What does it mean if your SNAP benefits are moved “offline”?#what-does-it-mean-if-your-snap-benefits-are-moved-offline
If you don’t use your EBT card or spend benefits for three months (91 days), some states will move your account to offline storage.
If your benefits are offline that means you won’t be able to use your EBT card anymore.
If you notice you are missing benefits or can’t use your card, you may be able to contact your local SNAP office to get your benefits back.
Just let the SNAP office know you think your benefits were moved offline and you want them restored. Once you contact the SNAP office, they are required to return your benefits within 48 hours.
What does it mean for your SNAP benefits to be “expunged”?#what-does-it-mean-for-your-snap-benefits-to-be-expunged
If you don’t use your EBT card or spend your benefits for nine months (274 days), your state will permanently remove unused SNAP benefits from your account.
You can’t get SNAP benefits back once they expire so it’s important to prevent them from expiring in the first place.
Here’s how to keep your benefits from expiring:
- Spend your benefits within nine months of deposit on your EBT card. When you use your EBT card, benefits are used on a first-in-first-out basis, which means the oldest SNAP benefits are used first. As long as you regularly use your EBT card on eligible items, your benefits won’t expire.
- Use your EBT card at least once every few months. State agencies can’t remove unused benefits from active accounts. The best way to keep your benefits from expiring is to keep your account active, even with a small purchase. If you stopped spending your SNAP benefits because you lost your EBT card or need a new one, make sure to report it to your state office.
- Don’t ignore letters or messages from your SNAP office. State agencies are required to provide notice 10 days before benefits go offline, and 30 days before benefits expire permanently to give you a chance to use the benefits. Make sure to keep your contact information up to date on your SNAP case so you don’t miss any important updates.
How long will you keep getting SNAP benefits?#how-long-will-you-keep-getting-snap-benefits
You should have received a SNAP approval letter when you were first approved for food stamps.
The approval letter has important information about your benefits, like how long you’ll get benefits before you need to recertify or renew your application (that’s called a certification period).
Most people get approved for SNAP for 6 to 12 months at a time. But, depending on your situation, your certification period could be shorter or longer:
- If you’re above a certain age or have a disability, your certification period may be up to 24 months
- If you have no income or recently lost work, your initial benefit period may be just 4 to 6 months
- If you’re a college student getting SNAP, your eligibility may align with your school schedule
Once it is time to renew your SNAP benefits, your SNAP office will send you a notice. If you miss the deadline or don’t turn in the renewal paperwork, your benefits will stop, even if your circumstances haven’t changed.
Make sure to check your mail regularly and keep your contact information up to date with your SNAP office so you don’t risk losing your benefits.
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How to avoid losing your SNAP benefits#how-to-avoid-losing-your-snap-benefits
Whether through expiration, benefits theft, failure to renew, or food stamp fraud, it’s possible to accidentally lose your SNAP benefits, even when you still qualify.
Here are simple steps to stay on top of your account:
- Report any changes to your contact information immediately to your SNAP office, especially if you move addresses or change phone numbers
- Always open letters from your SNAP office—they may include important deadlines or notices about recertification or expiring benefits
- Make an account on your state’s benefits web portal and keep in contact with your case manager at least every three to six months
- Use your EBT card at least once every few months
- Respond to recertification paperwork before the deadline
- Avoid accidental food stamp fraud, like letting someone else use your benefits, forgetting to report changes in income, or using benefits incorrectly
- Protect yourself from EBT theft by using the Propel app to monitor your EBT balance and transaction history, track deposits, and access other security features
Keeping your SNAP benefits active is all about staying informed, using your EBT card regularly, and following up on any paperwork from your local SNAP office.
If you’re ever unsure about the status of your benefits, reach out to your state’s SNAP hotline or speak with your case manager.
