The Propel Guide To EBT In Montana

SNAP, sometimes called food stamps or just EBT, can be an essential tool for low-income households in Montana to help supplement their grocery budget every month.

SNAP is federally funded and operates under national rules, but each state manages its own program under those guidelines. That means application steps, benefit schedules, renewal processes, and customer service details can vary depending on where you live.

Here’s what to know about EBT and SNAP benefits in Montana.

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How does SNAP work in Montana?#how-does-snap-work-in-montana

In Montana, about 79,800 people receive SNAP benefits.

If you’re looking for help covering groceries, SNAP provides monthly support through the Montana Access Card (Montana’s EBT card). Your benefits are loaded onto the card each month and can be used at stores that accept food stamps.

After you apply, a caseworker from your local county office will typically contact you for a phone interview to verify details like your household size, income, and expenses. Once your case is approved, benefits continue as long as you remain eligible and complete any required renewals.

How to apply for food stamps in Montana#how-to-apply-for-food-stamps-in-montana

There are several ways to apply for food stamps in Montana.

Apply for SNAP online

You can apply through the official state SNAP website below.

Apply for SNAP by phone or in person

If you need help applying or prefer speaking with someone, you can

• Call the Montana SNAP hotline at 1-888-706-1535 for information and guidance on how to apply in your county (some counties may allow you to apply by phone)
• Apply in person at your local Office of Public Assistance

SNAP application assistance is also available through your local food bank.

What you’ll need to apply for SNAP#what-youll-need-to-apply-for-snap

When you apply, you’ll usually be asked for:

• Proof of identity
• Information about everyone in your household, like birthdays and immigration status
• Income details, like pay stubs or benefit letters
• Housing and utility costs

You may not need every document to start an application; you can often submit missing information later.

Who is eligible for SNAP in Montana?#who-is-eligible-for-snap-in-montana

SNAP eligibility is mostly determined by your household size and income, but some applicants may have to meet additional requirements.

In general, you may qualify for SNAP if:

• Your household income is at or below state limits
• You meet work requirements (if it applies to you)
• You are a U.S. citizen, or you meet immigration requirements

When are SNAP deposits issued in Montana?#when-are-snap-deposits-issued-in-montana

SNAP benefits are sent out between the second and sixth day of every month in Montana. Your exact deposit date depends on the last digit of your SNAP eligibility system (CHIMES) case number (also known as your TEAMS case number). For example, if your TEAMS case number ends in 0 or 1, your benefits are available on the 2nd of the month. If your TEAMS case number ends in a 8 or 9, your benefits are available on the of the month.

Need to find your case number? Check your SNAP approval letter sent by your county or log into Montana’s benefits portal to find it under your case details.

If your SNAP deposit doesn't arrive when expected, review these common reasons why deposits are delayed.

How do I renew my food stamps in Montana?#how-do-i-renew-my-food-stamps-in-montana

SNAP benefits don’t last forever—you’ll need to renew your case (also called recertification) to keep getting them.

When to renew

Most households in Montana must renew every 12 months. Households where all adults are elderly or disabled and there is no earned income must renew every 24 months. Migrant and seasonal farm worker households must renew every 6 months.

In addition to this annual renewal, most households are required to submit a Simplified Report once per year—specifically 6 months after your case is opened or renewed—to keep benefits active.

Your SNAP office should send you a letter in the mail when it’s time to reapply. To be safe, you could also put a note in your calendar or wherever you keep important reminders.

How to renew

You can usually renew:

• Online through Montana’s benefits portal
• By phone
• By mail or in person

To find out the easiest way to renew in your area, call your caseworker, local office, or the Montana SNAP hotline: 1-888-706-1535

What is a Simplified Report?#what-is-a-simplified-report

The Simplified Report is a mandatory form that most people who qualify for SNAP have to fill out six months after they initially applied for or renewed their benefits.

You must complete a Simplified Report about 6 months after your case is approved or renewed, even if your information hasn’t changed.

You’ll be asked to report any changes since you last applied or renewed—like updates to your income, address, household members, or expenses. You may need to provide proof if something has changed.

You will not need to provide an interview as part of the Simplified Report.

Make sure to provide accurate details and sign the form so your SNAP benefits continue without a missed EBT deposit.

What can I buy with EBT in Montana?#what-can-i-buy-with-ebt-in-montana

Under federal SNAP rules, you can use your Montana Access Card to buy most food items meant to be prepared and eaten at home.

SNAP‑eligible foods in Montana include:

• Fruits and vegetables (fresh, frozen, dried, or canned)
• Meat, poultry, and fish
• Dairy products, like milk, cheese, and yogurt
• Bread and cereals
• Snack foods, like popcorn, chips, pretzels, and candy
• Seeds and plants that grow food
• Drinks like juice, water, and energy drinks
• Pantry staples like flour, olive oil, and spices
• Infant formula and baby food

What you can’t buy with SNAP in Montana:

• Alcohol, tobacco, or vapes
• Vitamins, supplements, and medicine
• Hot food that is sold prepared and ready to eat, like rotisserie chicken or soup from a deli
• Pet food
• Cleaning supplies and household items
• Diapers and wipes
• Live animals (except certain seafood and animals slaughtered before pickup)

While SNAP benefits are strictly for groceries and related food items, some people also receive TANF, which provides cash on an EBT card for household needs, including rent, bills, and other expenses.

Where are EBT cards accepted in Montana?#where-are-ebt-cards-accepted-in-montana

You can use your Montana Access Card at:

• Grocery stores
• Convenience stores
• Farmers markets
• Some online retailers

Download Propel to find nearby stores that take EBT, plus other Montana SNAP resources

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What SNAP changes do I need to report?#what-snap-changes-do-i-need-to-report

You may be required to report changes to your SNAP case.

In Montana, some changes must be reported sooner to help avoid delays or issues with your benefits. If you move or your contact information changes, it's a good idea to report those changes right away so you don't miss important letters about your benefits.

Changes you should report by the 10th day of the month after which the change occured:

• Income goes over your limit: If your household's total monthly gross income goes above 130% of the federal poverty limit
• Substantial lottery or gambling winnings: If your household receives lottery or gambling winnings of at least $4,250 or greater
• Work hours drop: If anyone in your household who is subject to ABAWD time limits works less than 20 hours per week, averaged monthly

Changes that can be reported during recertification or Simplified Report:

• Changes to your household, like a new baby or someone moving in or out
• Changes to your income, like starting or stopping a job
• Changes to housing costs, including rent, mortgage, or utility expenses

How to report changes

To report a change, you can do one of the following:

• Use your Montana’s benefits portal
• Call your local Office of Public Assistance
• Call your caseworker

If you’re unsure whether a change needs to be reported right away, contacting your Office of Public Assistance is the safest option.

How do I report a lost or stolen EBT card in Montana?#how-do-i-report-a-lost-or-stolen-ebt-card-in-montana

If your Montana Access Card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you should report it as soon as possible so you can get a new one and protect yourself from EBT theft.

Here's what to do:

• Call 1-866-850-1556
• Follow the prompts to cancel your card or request a replacement

Frequently asked questions#frequently-asked-questions

Can I get any discounts with my EBT card?#can-i-get-any-discounts-with-my-ebt-card

Yes, your Montana Access Card can get you more than just groceries. With an EBT card, you can get discounted or free admission to museums, theme parks, zoos, aquariums, and more.

You can even qualify for low–cost internet and discounted memberships to online retailers, like Amazon or Walmart.

Can I use my SNAP benefits at restaurants in Montana?#can-i-use-my-snap-benefits-at-restaurants-in-montana

No, in Montana, you cannot use SNAP benefits to buy hot, prepared food or to eat at restaurants.

While some states have a Restaurant Meals Program for the elderly, disabled, or those experiencing homelessness, Montana does not participate in this program.

You can only use your Montana Access Card at authorized retailers (like grocery stores and farmers markets) for food items intended to be prepared and eaten at home.

Can I get more food stamps if I’m pregnant or a new parent?#can-i-get-more-food-stamps-if-im-pregnant-or-a-new-parent

Being pregnant does not automatically increase your SNAP benefits. Once your child is born, however, you should report the new household member to your county on Montana’s benefits portal. More household members generally mean more benefits.

If you're pregnant or have a child under five years old, consider applying for the WIC program, which gives you extra benefits on top of food stamps—including things like support with breastfeeding and extra grocery benefits.

Can I use my Montana EBT card in another state?#can-i-use-my-montana-ebt-card-in-another-state

Yes, your Montana Access Card works in all 50 states, as well as most U.S. territories, at any store displaying the Quest® symbol or EBT/SNAP/food stamps accepted sign.

While you can use your benefits while traveling, using your card exclusively outside of Montana for an extended period may trigger a residency review by your state SNAP agency. If you move to another state permanently, you must close your Montana case and reapply in your new state to keep receiving benefits.

What other benefits are available to me in Montana?#what-other-benefits-are-available-to-me-in-montana

If you qualify for SNAP, you likely qualify for other state support:

• Montana Medicaid: Free or low-cost health coverage for kids and adults.
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF): Cash assistance for families with children.
• Montana LifeLine: A discount on your home phone or cell phone service.
• Montana Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP): Helps pay for winter heating costs.
• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children): Extra food assistance, breastfeeding support, and nutrition or health screenings for pregnant women, new moms, and children under age five.

Use this benefit finder tool to see what other support you and your family might be eligible for.