Why is the EBT system down?
If your EBT card isn’t working or you can’t check your EBT balance, sometimes it’s because the EBT system that runs your benefits program is down.
The Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system is a payment system that government benefits programs like food stamps ( SNAP), WIC, and Cash EBT use to deliver benefits.
Here’s why EBT system outages happen, what occurs, and what you can do the next time you think the system isn’t working.
Propel is the #1-rated EBT balance checking app
What happens when the EBT system is down?#what-happens-when-the-ebt-system-is-down
The EBT system pays monthly benefits deposits, manages EBT card transactions, and tracks your EBT balance.
If the EBT system is down:
- Your card may not work at checkout — the EBT system needs a working system to verify your PIN, card balance, store address, and what you can buy with EBT before transactions go through
- You may not be able to check your balance — during an EBT outage, benefits management websites or apps like Propel, ebtEDGE, and ConnectEBT may not work
- You may not be able to update EBT security features — even if your card still works, security features like card locking and blocking out of state and online transactions may not be accessible until the system comes back online
Each EBT system is managed by technology and financial services companies that your state contracts with. When the EBT system goes down, these companies are responsible for working quickly to fix the problem, so outages are usually temporary.
Common reasons why the EBT system is down#common-reasons-why-the-ebt-system-is-down
EBT system outages happen all the time. Sometimes they affect everyone, and sometimes they affect only one state or region. Regardless of scale, EBT outages usually have predictable causes.
Here are some common reasons the EBT system goes down.
1. High traffic at deposit times
Most SNAP deposits arrive at midnight, with the exception of a few states. When monthly deposits arrive, thousands of people try to check their balance or make purchases at the same time. These high traffic deposit times can overwhelm the servers, cause EBT system outages, or temporarily slow down store transactions, balance checks, and logins.
2. System updates and maintenance
During maintenance windows, such as system updates or fixes, the EBT system may be shut down for a short time, usually no more than a few hours. States usually try to schedule routine maintenance during low traffic times and give advanced notice to people who get benefits, but urgent issues sometimes cause unplanned shutdowns.
3. Nationwide or regional issues
Sometimes the EBT system experiences localized or systemwide issues that cause EBT cards to temporarily fail across an entire state or multiple states. These outages are usually caused by power outages, network issues, or payment/processor failures.
Things that may look like the EBT system is down, but aren’t#things-that-may-look-like-the-ebt-system-is-down-but-arent
When your EBT card or apps aren’t working how they normally do, it isn’t always the EBT system's fault.
Here are some explanations:
- Poor internet connection causing issues with the server
- You tried using your EBT card at a store that doesn't take EBT cards. To use your benefits, find stores that take your benefit program's EBT card. For example if you have food stamps, you should shop at a store that takes SNAP.
- You used an incorrect PIN too many times and got locked out of your card
- You don’t have enough funds on your EBT card balance due to running out of funds, missing a deposit, EBT theft, a missed recertification deadline, or a recent change to your case
- You tried to buy something that isn’t allowed by your benefits program. If you’re not sure, check our full lists of everything you can buy with SNAP and everything you can buy with WIC
- You have EBT security features turned on that block the transaction
- Your preferred EBT application or website is having technical issues
How does an EBT outage affect the Propel app?#how-does-an-ebt-outage-affect-the-propel-app
Propel connects to your state’s EBT system to show your balance and transaction history. Therefore, if the EBT system is down:
- Your balance may not update
- You may see a login error
- Recent transactions may not appear
This does not mean your benefits are gone or your account was deleted. Once the state EBT system is restored, usually within a few hours, your balance and transactions should update automatically.
What should I do if the EBT system is down?#what-should-i-do-if-the-ebt-system-is-down
If you think the EBT system is down, here are steps you can take:
- Check for other common reasons your EBT card isn’t working
- Wait a few hours and try again
- Try using your EBT card at another store
If the issue continues, call the EBT customer service number on the back of your card to report the issue and ask how long the outage will last. You can also contact your local SNAP office.
