Your EBT card stays active unless your case is closed or your benefits run out

Your EBT card works as long as your benefits account has money in it and your case is open with your state's food information program. If you have not received a notice saying your case is closed, your card should work at checkout. The card itself does not expire in the way a credit card does — it is tied to your account, not a printed date.

The most common reason a card stops working is that your benefits have been spent down to zero. This happens when you use your balance faster than new benefits are added each month. Another reason is that your case was closed because you did not recertify, your income changed, or you moved out of state. A third reason is a temporary hold placed by your state while they review your case.

If your card was declined at the register, the first step is to check your balance. You can do this by calling the customer service number on the back of your card, checking your state's online portal, or texting the number provided by your card issuer. The answer to why it did not work is usually in that balance or in a notice you received in the mail.

Key Takeaways

  • Your EBT card works whenever your account has a balance and your case is open with your state program.
  • A zero balance is the most common reason a card is declined, and new benefits are added on a set day each month.
  • If your case was closed, you will have received a written notice from your state explaining why and what to do next.
  • Temporary holds can freeze your card while your state reviews income, household size, or other details — these usually lift within days or weeks.
  • Moving to a new state closes your case in the old state and requires you to open a new one where you live now.

How to check your balance and account status

Call the number printed on the back of your EBT card. This is your state's customer service line, and they can tell you your current balance, when your next deposit is coming, and whether your case is open or closed. Have your card number ready. The call is free and usually takes less than five minutes.

Many states also offer an online portal or mobile app where you can log in and see your balance, transaction history, and case status without calling. Search "[your state name] EBT portal" or "[your state name] SNAP online" to find the login page. If you do not have an online account set up, you can create one using your Social Security number and case number.

If you received a notice in the mail saying your case was closed or your benefits were reduced, that notice will explain the reason and tell you how to respond. Read it carefully — it usually includes a important date for you to provide more information or request a hearing if you disagree.

Why your case might be closed

Your case closes when you do not recertify by the important date your state sets. Recertification means submitting proof that you still meet the income and household requirements — usually once a year, sometimes more often. Your state mails a recertification form and sets a important date. If you miss it, your case closes and your benefits stop.

Your case also closes if your income rises above your state's limit, if you move to a different state, if you are no longer a U.S. citizen or may have access to immigrant, or if you fail to respond to a request for information. Some states close cases if you do not use your card for a long period — typically 90 days or more with no transactions.

If your case was closed and you believe it was a mistake, you can request a hearing. The notice you received will explain how to request one. You have a limited time to ask — usually 10 to 30 days depending on your state — so act on this quickly if you plan to challenge the closure.

What to do if your card is declined

First, check your balance by calling the number on your card or logging into your state's portal. If you have money in your account, the decline might be a temporary system error. Try the transaction again at the same store or a different store. If it works the second time, the first attempt was likely a glitch.

If your balance is zero, you will need to wait for your next monthly deposit. Your state adds benefits on a set day each month — usually between the 1st and the 28th. Check your notice or call customer service to find out your deposit day. You can use your card as soon as the new balance appears in your account.

If your balance shows money but your card is still declined, your account may be frozen pending a review. Call customer service and ask whether there is a hold on your case. If there is, ask what information your state needs from you and how long the hold usually lasts. Providing the information quickly can lift the hold sooner.

Moving to a new state and keeping benefits

When you move to a new state, your old state's case closes automatically. You cannot use your old EBT card in the new state. You must open a new case with your new state's food information program within 30 days of moving if you want benefits to continue without a gap.

Contact your new state's program office — search "[new state name] SNAP office" or "[new state name] food information" to find the local office or online process. You will need to provide proof of your new address, income, and household size. Some states let you start the process online; others require you to visit an office or call.

If you explore in your new state before your old case closes, your benefits may overlap for a few days. Once your new case is approved, you will receive a new EBT card in the mail. The old card will no longer work.

Temporary holds and case reviews

A temporary hold freezes your card while your state verifies information about your income, household size, or citizenship. This is not the same as a case closure — your case is still open, but you cannot spend your benefits until the review is done. Holds usually last a few days to a few weeks.

Your state places a hold when something in your case does not match their records — for example, if you reported a household member who is no longer living with you, or if your income changed and you did not report it. They send you a notice asking for proof or an explanation. Responding quickly lifts the hold faster.

If you ignore the notice or miss the important date to respond, the hold can turn into a case closure. Read any notice you receive and follow the instructions. If you are unsure what information they want, call the number on the notice and ask.

What happens if you move out of state temporarily

If you are moving out of state but plan to return, your case will close when you leave. Most states do not allow you to keep benefits while living in another state. If you return within a few months, you can reopen your case in your original state, but you will need to go through the process process again.

If you are unsure whether your move is permanent, contact your state's program office before you leave. Ask whether you can put your case on hold or what the process is to reopen it if you return. Some states have different rules for temporary absences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my EBT card in another state while I am visiting?

Yes. Your EBT card works in any state as long as your case is open in your home state and your account has a balance. You can use it at any store that accepts EBT, regardless of where you are. When you return home, your card continues to work normally.

What if I lost my EBT card?

Call the number on your old card or contact your state's program office to report it lost. Your state will deactivate the old card and mail you a replacement, usually within 7 to 10 business days. Your balance transfers to the new card automatically. In the meantime, ask your state whether you can withdraw cash at an ATM using a PIN while you wait for the replacement.

Does my EBT card expire?

The card itself has an expiration date printed on it, but that date is not the same as your benefits expiring. When your card expires, your state mails you a replacement card automatically. Your benefits do not stop — they transfer to the new card. If you do not receive a replacement card within a few weeks of the expiration date, call customer service.

Can I still use my card if I am behind on recertification?

No. Once your recertification important date passes, your state closes your case and your card stops working. You must recertify to reopen your case and get your benefits back. Contact your state's program office to find out what documents you need to submit and whether you can do it online or by mail.

What if my card works at one store but not another?

Some stores have outdated card readers or system problems that cause declines even when your account is fine. Try the transaction again or use a different store. If the problem happens at the same store every time, contact that store's manager — they may need to update their equipment. Your card itself is working if it works anywhere.