Your SNAP benefits stop when your household no longer meets the program's income or resource limits, or when you fail to recertify before your case expires

Food stamps—officially called SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition information Program)—end on a specific date set by your state. That date is printed on your approval letter and on your EBT card statement. Most SNAP cases last 12 months, though some last 24 months depending on your household type and state rules. When that period ends, your benefits stop unless you recertify before the important date.

You can also lose SNAP before your case expires if your income rises above your state's limit, if your household size changes, if you fail to report changes to your caseworker, or if you don't respond to a recertification notice. Each state runs SNAP differently, so the exact rules and timelines vary where you live.

Key Takeaways

  • Your SNAP case has an end date, usually 12 months from approval, and benefits stop automatically on that date if you do not recertify.
  • You must recertify before your case expires—waiting until after the important date means a gap in benefits while your new process is processed.
  • Your benefits can stop mid-case if your income exceeds your state's limit, your household size changes, or you do not report changes to your caseworker.
  • Each state sets its own income limits, recertification windows, and notice requirements, so contact your local SNAP office or your state's SNAP website for exact dates and procedures.

How SNAP case expiration works

When you are approved for SNAP, your case is assigned an end date. Your approval letter states this date clearly. In most states, cases run for 12 months from the approval date, though households with elderly or disabled members, or those with very low income, may receive 24-month cases. On the day your case expires, your EBT card stops working for food purchases. No notice is required—the system straightforward terminates the case.

Your state's SNAP office sends a recertification notice 30 to 60 days before your case ends. This notice tells you the important date to submit your recertification paperwork. If you submit before that important date, your new case typically begins the day after your old one expires, with no gap. If you miss the important date, your case closes and you must start a new process from scratch, which takes 30 days to process in most states.

When income changes trigger a loss of benefits

If your household income rises above your state's SNAP limit, you lose benefits. The income limit varies by state and household size. For example, a single person in one state might have a limit of $1,500 per month, while another state sets it at $1,800. Your approval letter shows your household's specific limit.

You are required to report income changes to your caseworker within 10 days in most states. If you do not report and your income has exceeded the limit, your case can be closed for non-compliance. Some states allow a small income increase without ending your case—called a "disregard"—but you still must report the change. Contact your local SNAP office or check your state's SNAP website to learn your exact income limit and reporting important date.

Household changes that affect your SNAP case

When someone moves into or out of your household, your SNAP case changes. If a household member moves out, your income limit and benefit amount both drop. If someone moves in, your limit may rise but your benefits per person typically fall because the same money spreads across more people. You must report these changes within 10 days.

If you do not report a household change and your caseworker discovers it during a review or recertification, your case can be closed or your benefits can be reduced retroactively. Some states require you to report changes by phone, others by mail or online portal. Check your approval letter or your state SNAP website for the reporting method in your area.

Missing a recertification important date

Recertification is the process of proving you still meet SNAP rules. Your state sends a notice 30 to 60 days before your case expires, telling you what documents to submit and by what date. Common documents include recent pay stubs, a lease or mortgage statement, and proof of any benefits you receive. The important date is firm—if your paperwork arrives even one day late, your case closes.

Once your case closes for missing the important date, you must file a new SNAP process. Processing takes about 30 days, during which you have no benefits. Some states allow you to request an expedited review if you are in urgent need, but this is not may provide. The best approach is to submit your recertification paperwork at least one week before the important date, and keep a copy for your records.

Failure to comply with SNAP rules

SNAP has work requirements in most states. If you are between 16 and 59 and not disabled, elderly, or caring for a child under 6, you may be required to work, look for work, or participate in a work program. Failing to meet these requirements can result in case closure. The exact rules vary by state—some have stricter requirements than others, and some have exemptions for certain counties or time periods.

You can also lose SNAP if you are convicted of certain crimes, if you provide false information on your process, or if you do not respond to requests from your caseworker for verification. If your case closes for non-compliance, you may be able to reopen it by meeting the requirement or providing the missing information, but there may be a waiting period. Ask your caseworker what steps you need to take to restore your benefits.

How to avoid a gap in benefits

The simplest way to keep SNAP flowing is to recertify on time. When you receive your recertification notice, gather the documents listed and submit them at least one week before the important date. Keep a copy of everything you send and note the date you submitted it. If you submit by mail, consider using certified mail so you have proof of delivery.

Report any changes to your household or income within 10 days of the change. If you are unsure whether something must be reported, contact your caseworker. It is better to report something unnecessary than to miss a required report. If your case closes unexpectedly, contact your SNAP office when ready to find out why and what you need to do to reopen it.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my EBT card when my SNAP case expires?

Your card continues to exist but stops working for food purchases on your case end date. You can keep the card—it will reactivate if you recertify and are approved. If you lose the card, you can request a replacement from your state's EBT customer service line, which is printed on the back of the card.

Can I recertify early, before I get the notice?

Most states allow you to recertify up to 30 days before your case expires. Contact your local SNAP office to ask if early recertification is available in your state and how to request it. Early recertification can help you avoid a gap if you know your case is ending soon.

What if I miss the recertification important date by a few days?

In most states, a late submission means your case closes and you must file a new process. Some states have a short grace period—usually a few days—but this is not may provide. Contact your SNAP office when ready if you miss the important date to ask whether they will accept a late submission or what your options are.

Will I get a warning before my benefits stop?

Your state must send a notice before your case expires, but the notice goes to the address on file. If you have moved and did not update your address, you may not receive it. Check your address with your SNAP office and update it if needed. You can also log into your state's SNAP portal or call your caseworker to confirm your case end date.

How do I find out my exact case end date?

Your approval letter states your case end date. You can also call your local SNAP office, check your state's online SNAP portal if available, or look at your most recent EBT statement. Your state SNAP website has a phone number and office locator to help you reach your caseworker.