If you or your family receives SNAP benefits (that’s the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps), you might be wondering what happens to any money you don’t spend each month. Do you lose it? Can you save it up for later? The rules about what happens to unused SNAP benefits can be a little confusing, so let’s break it down and see what you need to know about how they work.
Can I Save My Unused SNAP Benefits?
Yes, you can definitely save your unused SNAP benefits! The good news is that any SNAP benefits you don’t use in a given month will roll over to the next month. This means the money stays on your EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer card, the card SNAP uses) and is available for you to use later.
How Long Do SNAP Benefits Last?
SNAP benefits aren’t usually lost at the end of the month. Instead, they stay available until you use them, as we talked about. However, there’s a time limit on how long benefits can remain unused before they disappear. The specifics of this vary a bit by state, but generally:
Most states allow you to keep benefits for a certain amount of time, typically 12 months, before they are removed from your account. After this period of inactivity, the unused money is no longer available to you. So, it’s a good idea to use your benefits regularly to avoid losing them.
- Make sure you use your benefits within the timeframe specified by your state.
- Check your state’s specific policy for any exceptions to the general rule.
If you have questions, check your state’s SNAP website or call their customer service number.
Keep in mind there are some reasons your benefits might be stopped. For example, if your income goes up or you no longer meet the eligibility requirements, you might not get SNAP benefits anymore. Also, in some states, there’s a policy that if you don’t use your benefits at all for a certain period (like a year), they might be removed.
What Can I Buy with SNAP Benefits?
You can use SNAP benefits to buy most food items at grocery stores, supermarkets, and some farmers’ markets. The goal of SNAP is to help families get the food they need to eat a healthy diet. But not everything is covered, so it’s important to know the rules.
SNAP can be used to purchase the following:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Other foods like snacks and non-alcoholic beverages
Here’s what you can’t buy with SNAP:
SNAP benefits are not for non-food items such as:
- Alcoholic beverages, like beer, wine, or liquor.
- Tobacco products, including cigarettes and vapes
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements.
- Pet food
- Household supplies
- Hot foods that are ready to eat.
Checking Your SNAP Balance and Transaction History
Knowing how much money you have on your EBT card is crucial. You don’t want to get to the checkout and find you don’t have enough! Luckily, it’s pretty easy to check your balance.
There are several ways to check your EBT balance:
You can check your balance in the following ways:
- Call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card. They can tell you your balance and your last few transactions.
- Check online. Many states have an EBT website or portal where you can log in to see your balance and transaction history.
- Use a mobile app. Some states have apps that you can use to check your balance and track your spending.
It’s also a good idea to keep track of your spending, so you can budget your SNAP benefits effectively.
How to Use Your SNAP Benefits
Using your SNAP benefits at the store is a simple process, but it can be a little different from using a debit or credit card. Knowing the steps ahead of time will help make the process go smoothly.
At the checkout, tell the cashier you’ll be using your EBT card. They’ll ask you to swipe your card and enter your PIN (Personal Identification Number). Make sure your PIN is kept secure, and never give it out to anyone!
- Your PIN is very important.
- Keep it secret.
- Never give it to anyone else.
The cashier will then process your purchase. If you’re buying both SNAP-eligible and non-eligible items, the cashier will separate them. SNAP benefits will pay for the eligible items. You can pay for the non-eligible items with another form of payment, like cash or a debit card.
What if My EBT Card is Lost or Stolen?
If your EBT card is lost or stolen, it’s essential to report it right away. Someone could use your benefits if they have your card and PIN. Fortunately, the process of getting a replacement is usually pretty easy, but you need to act quickly to protect your benefits.
Here’s what to do if your EBT card is lost or stolen:
- Immediately call the customer service number on the back of your EBT card. This is the quickest way to report it.
- The customer service representative will cancel your old card and order a new one.
- You’ll typically get a new EBT card in the mail within a few days.
- In some cases, you might be able to get a temporary card to use while you wait for the new one to arrive.
It’s better to be safe than sorry, so report a lost or stolen card immediately.
Tips for Managing Your SNAP Benefits
Managing your SNAP benefits effectively can help you make your food budget stretch further and avoid losing benefits. Planning ahead, making smart choices, and staying organized will help.
Here are some helpful tips:
Planning and Budgeting:
| Tip | Details |
|---|---|
| Plan your meals | Make a list of what you need before going to the store. |
| Compare Prices | Check prices at different stores and compare brands. |
| Buy in Bulk | Consider buying items in bulk that you use often. |
Using coupons, buying store brands, and looking for sales can also help you save money on food.
Remember to always use your benefits responsibly.
Be sure to use your SNAP benefits regularly, and be aware of your state’s policies to avoid losing any of your hard-earned money.
It is important to stay informed about SNAP and the policies in your state.
Conclusion
So, to sum it all up: Yes, your unused SNAP benefits do roll over, which is great news! You don’t have to worry about losing them at the end of the month. You can save them for later, as long as you use them within a certain timeframe. Remember to check your state’s specific rules about how long benefits last. By understanding how SNAP works and using your benefits wisely, you can make sure you and your family have access to the food you need. If you’re ever unsure about something, don’t hesitate to contact your local SNAP office or visit their website for more information.