Split Issuance Food Stamp Release for March 2019 FAQ

As a follow-up measure to the early issuance of February benefits during the federal government partial shutdown, the Division of Family and Children Services (DFCS) has released the March allotment of SNAP (Food Stamp) benefits as a split issuance with half on March 2 and the remaining half on the customer’s regular issuance date for ongoing March benefit recipients. 

Why have my benefits decreased?
Your benefits have not decreased. Instead, you will receive two issuances in the month of March that together will equal your regular benefit amount. Half will be available on or about March 2 and the other half will be available on your normal issuance date. 

When will I receive the remaining balance that wasn’t issued on March 2?
The last two digits of your Client ID will determine when you will receive the second half of your benefits in the month of March. 

Example: Client ID 123456789 – last 2 digits are 89 and you are eligible for $192.00
On March 2, $96.00 of your March benefit will be available.
On your regular issuance date of March 21, the remaining $96.00 will be available.

Last 2 digits
of your Client ID		00-0910-1920-2930-3940-4950-5960-6970-7980-8990-99
Issuance Date5th7th9th11th13th15th17th19th21st23rd

Do I need to do anything to access my March Food Stamp benefits?
There is nothing you need to do to access your benefits. Your March benefits will be made available automatically on your EBT card if you are currently receiving benefits.

Do I have to use my benefits issued on March 2 by a certain date or time?
SNAP (Food Stamps) benefits are available for immediate use. Benefits not used (purchases & returns) within 365 days will be removed from your EBT account and cannot be replaced. If you have additional questions, use the self-service options at 1-877-423-4746 to get up to date information on the status of your case.

I have not finished my renewal; once complete, how will my benefits be issued?
When your renewal is completed, and you have met all eligibility requirements, your case will be processed as normal.  You are encouraged to submit any verification the worker has asked for or may need as soon as possible using the Gateway customer portal or using the kiosks in the local DFCS offices to eliminate mailing time.

I received early February benefits and now early issuance in March, do I still need to complete my renewal?
Yes.

I lost my EBT card. Can I order a new EBT card?
Please call 1-888-421-3281 or visit https://www.connectebt.com/gaebtclient/ to request a replacement card.