New York distributes SNAP benefits on a staggered schedule tied to your case number. Knowing your deposit date means you can plan grocery trips and household spending without guessing. This guide covers the full 2026 EBT deposit schedule for both New York City and upstate counties, explains how to find your case number, and answers the most common questions about NY SNAP payment timing.
How New York's EBT Schedule Works
New York runs two separate deposit schedules depending on where you live. Residents of the five boroughs of New York City follow the NYC issuance schedule, which uses a "toe digit" system. Everyone else in the state follows the simpler upstate schedule, where your deposit date matches the last digit of your case number.
Benefits do not load all at once on one date. The state spreads deposits over the first part of each month to reduce strain on stores and the EBT system. Most deposits post between midnight and 6 AM Eastern Time on the scheduled date, so your funds are typically available first thing in the morning.
Upstate New York EBT Deposit Schedule (Outside NYC)
For all counties outside the five boroughs, the schedule is straightforward. Your benefits load on the date that corresponds to the last digit of your case number, between the 1st and 9th of every month.
| Last Digit of Case Number | Monthly Deposit Date |
|---|
| 0 or 1 | 1st of the month |
| 2 | 2nd of the month |
| 3 | 3rd of the month |
| 4 | 4th of the month |
| 5 | 5th of the month |
| 6 | 6th of the month |
| 7 | 7th of the month |
| 8 | 8th of the month |
| 9 | 9th of the month |
This schedule stays the same every month of the year. If your case number ends in 4, your benefits will always load on the 4th, regardless of the month.
Cash Assistance (if you receive it) loads on the same day as SNAP in upstate counties.
New York City EBT Deposit Schedule 2026
NYC uses a different system. Instead of the last digit of your case number, the deposit date is determined by the "toe digit," which is the second-to-last digit of your case number.
Benefits in the five boroughs are spread across 13 business days during the first two weeks of each month (excluding Sundays and holidays). The exact dates shift slightly from month to month based on the calendar.
How to Find Your Toe Digit
Your toe digit is the second-to-last digit of your full case number. For example:
- Case number 123456 = toe digit is 5
- Case number 987632 = toe digit is 3
Your case number appears on your Notice of Decision letter, your budget letter, or in your ACCESS HRA account online.
2026 NYC EBT Deposit Schedule by Toe Digit (January to June)
The table below shows the specific deposit dates for each toe digit across the first half of 2026. These dates are sourced from the official New York State OTDA issuance schedule.
| Toe Digit | January | February | March | April | May | June |
|---|
| 0 | Jan 2 | Feb 2 | Mar 2 | Apr 1 | May 1 | Jun 1 |
| 1 | Jan 3 | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Apr 2 | May 2 | Jun 2 |
| 2 | Jan 5 | Feb 4 | Mar 4 | Apr 3 | May 4 | Jun 3 |
| 3 | Jan 6 | Feb 5 | Mar 5 | Apr 6 | May 5 | Jun 4 |
| 4 | Jan 7 | Feb 6 | Mar 6 | Apr 7 | May 6 | Jun 5 |
| 5 | Jan 9 | Feb 9 | Mar 9 | Apr 8 | May 7 | Jun 8 |
| 6 | Jan 12 | Feb 10 | Mar 10 | Apr 9 | May 8 | Jun 9 |
| 7 | Jan 13 | Feb 11 | Mar 11 | Apr 10 | May 9 | Jun 10 |
| 8 | Jan 14 | Feb 12 | Mar 12 | Apr 11 | May 12 | Jun 11 |
| 9 | Jan 15 | Feb 13 | Mar 13 | Apr 14 | May 13 | Jun 12 |
For the July through December 2026 schedule, the state will publish an updated PDF in the second half of the year. You can find the latest version at otda.ny.gov.
Note that Cash Assistance in NYC typically deposits roughly two weeks after SNAP, not on the same day as upstate.
What Your Benefits Can Buy
Once your EBT card is loaded, you can use it at any SNAP-authorized retailer in New York or anywhere in the United States. Eligible items include:
- Groceries, produce, meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products, bread, and cereals
- Seeds and plants that produce food for the household to eat
- Non-alcoholic beverages and snacks
SNAP benefits cannot be used for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins or medicines, hot prepared foods, or non-food household items.
Many New York farmers markets accept EBT, and some participate in Health Bucks, a program that gives you extra funds for buying fresh produce.
How Much Can You Receive in 2026
Benefit amounts depend on your household size, income, and allowable deductions. The table below shows the maximum monthly SNAP benefit for 2026.
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit |
|---|
| 1 person | $292 |
| 2 people | $536 |
| 3 people | $768 |
| 4 people | $975 |
| 5 people | $1,158 |
| 6 people | $1,390 |
| 7 people | $1,536 |
| 8 people | $1,756 |
| Each additional person | +$220 |
Most households receive less than the maximum because benefit amounts are reduced based on 30 percent of your net income. If you have no income, you may receive the full maximum for your household size.
New York SNAP Income Limits 2026
To qualify for SNAP in New York, your household's gross monthly income must be at or below 130 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Net income (after deductions) must be at or below 100 percent FPL.
| Household Size | Gross Monthly Limit (130% FPL) | Net Monthly Limit (100% FPL) |
|---|
| 1 | $1,580 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $2,137 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $2,694 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $3,250 | $2,500 |
| 5 | $3,807 | $2,929 |
| 6 | $4,364 | $3,357 |
| 7 | $4,921 | $3,785 |
| 8 | $5,478 | $4,214 |
| Each additional | +$557 | +$429 |
New York also has a Categorical Eligibility expansion. Households with gross income up to 200 percent FPL may qualify if they receive certain non-cash benefits. This can help some working families who would otherwise be over the standard gross income limit.
How to Check Your EBT Balance
You can check your SNAP balance several ways:
- Online: Log in to ConnectEBT at connectebt.com
- Phone: Call 1-888-328-6399 (available 24 hours)
- Receipt: Your balance prints on the bottom of most grocery store receipts after you use your card
- Mobile app: The free Propel or ConnectEBT app shows your balance and recent transactions
Your unused SNAP balance carries over from month to month. However, if your account has no activity for 274 consecutive days, the remaining balance will be permanently removed.
What to Do If Your Benefits Don't Arrive
If your scheduled deposit date passes and the money is not on your card, take these steps:
- Check your balance using the phone number or app above to confirm the deposit did not post
- Verify you are checking the correct deposit date for your case number or toe digit
- Confirm your case is still active and you have completed any required recertification
- Contact your local Department of Social Services (upstate) or your ACCESS HRA case manager (NYC)
- If you believe there is an error, ask for a "fair hearing" to dispute a benefit reduction or termination
In genuine emergencies, New York offers Expedited SNAP, which can process your application in as few as 5 business days if your household has very low income and resources.
How to Apply for SNAP in New York
If you are not already enrolled and want to find out if you qualify, the application process takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
- Gather your documents. You will need proof of identity, proof of address, Social Security numbers for household members, and proof of income (pay stubs, benefit award letters).
- Choose your application method:
- Online: Apply at mybenefits.ny.gov for any county, or ACCESS HRA for NYC households
- In person: Visit your local Department of Social Services office
- By mail or fax: Download the application from otda.ny.gov and submit it
- Attend your interview. Most applicants must complete a brief phone or in-person interview with a caseworker.
- Receive your decision. The state has 30 days to process your application. If approved, you will receive an EBT card in the mail within 5 to 7 business days.
You can also use our free screener at benefitsusa.org/screener to check your eligibility for SNAP and other programs in about 2 minutes before you apply.
For more information about all benefits available to New York residents, visit our New York benefits guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do EBT benefits deposit in New York?
Benefits typically post between midnight and 6 AM Eastern Time on your scheduled deposit date. Most people find their balance has been updated by the time they wake up.
How do I find my case number in New York?
Your case number appears on any official letter from the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, including your Notice of Decision or budget letter. In NYC, you can also find it by logging into your ACCESS HRA account. Upstate residents can find it in their myBenefits account. If you cannot locate it, call 1-888-328-6399.
What is a "toe digit" and why does NYC use it?
New York City uses a two-digit system to spread deposits over more days than the upstate 9-day window. The "toe digit" is the second-to-last digit of your full case number. This allows NYC to distribute benefits across 13 business days instead of 9, which reduces crowding at stores on the busiest deposit days.
Does the New York EBT deposit schedule change in 2026?
The upstate schedule (1st through 9th by last digit) does not change. The NYC toe digit schedule shifts slightly each month because the specific business days in the first two weeks vary. The state publishes the official schedule every six months. The current PDF covers January through June 2026.
Can I use my New York EBT card in another state?
Yes. Your SNAP EBT card works at authorized retailers in all 50 states and U.S. territories. If you travel or move temporarily, your benefits are still accessible. If you move permanently to another state, you will need to transfer your case or apply in your new state.
What happens if my EBT card is lost or stolen?
Call 1-888-328-6399 immediately to report the card lost or stolen and request a replacement. You should also change your PIN. Replacement cards are typically mailed within 5 to 7 business days. If your benefits were stolen through card skimming, New York may be able to replace them under the SNAP benefit replacement rules.
What if I miss my recertification and my benefits stop?
If your benefits stop because you missed your recertification deadline, contact your local DSS office or ACCESS HRA as soon as possible. You may be able to recertify late and have benefits restored. You will not receive back pay for the months your case was inactive, so it is important to recertify on time.
Do SNAP benefits expire in New York?
Your SNAP balance carries over each month as long as you use your card at least once every 274 days. After 274 consecutive days of no activity, any remaining balance is removed and cannot be restored. Regular use prevents this from happening.
