There is a common fear that not using your EBT card could lead to your SNAP benefits being suspended, but that is not the case.
Contrary to belief, SNAP benefits do not expire at the end of each month, and they can be accumulated for a bigger balance. In fact, many families who receive benefits on the lower-end of the scale often save up their benefits to allow them to do a bigger shop.
Card holders may receive a call from the DTA, however, if their card balance builds up to a particularly high amount or if the card is not used for some time. But they will usually check if you need help using it or if you are having any problems.
The card can even be used if your account is suspended or closed for some reason, providing there is still balance to use. And if retroactive payments are made, they don’t need to be used right away.
When can my SNAP benefits be removed?
The EBT card does not need to be used every month, but you will need to use it every now and again to ensure you still keep your SNAP benefits.
The DTA can remove the benefits from your account if you have not used the card at all for 274 consecutive days, which adds up to nine months.
Just keep in mind that the DTA will need to have sent you a letter to warn you 30 days before they take any action to remove the benefits. When they do remove them, the benefit balance will be expunged, and they cannot be reclaimed, so this is important to keep in mind.
