SNAP is not approved forever. Every household is approved for a set length of time, called a certification period, and must renew before it ends. Renewal is called recertification. If you finish it on time, your benefits continue without a break. If you miss it, your case closes and you have to start over with a new application.
This guide covers how long certification periods last, when your renewal notice comes, the key deadline, what the interview and documents look like, and how to fix a closed case. It is part of our SNAP and EBT guides.
How long SNAP approval lasts
The rules are in federal regulation 7 CFR 273.10(f) and 273.14. States choose the length within these limits:
| Household type | Maximum certification period | Common in practice |
|---|---|---|
| Most households | 12 months | 6 or 12 months |
| All adults elderly (60+) or disabled, no earned income | 24 months | 12 or 24 months |
| Expedited cases with postponed documents | Short, usually 1 to 2 months | Until proofs are provided |
| Households with unstable income or circumstances | As short as 1 to 3 months | Varies |
Many households on a 12-month or 24-month period also have a mid-period report (often at month 6 or 12). That is a shorter form to report changes, not a full renewal. Do not ignore it: missing a periodic report can also close your case.
Your approval notice lists your certification period dates. You can usually see them in your state’s online account too.
The timeline and the 15th-of-the-month rule
Your state must send a notice of expiration before your last month begins, telling you how to renew and by when. The most important date is the 15th of your last month.
| When you act | What happens |
|---|---|
| Submit the renewal by the 15th of the last month, then complete the interview and turn in documents on time | No gap. Next month’s benefits arrive on your usual date. |
| Submit after the 15th but before the period ends | The state still has to process it, but next month’s benefits may be late. |
| Submit after the period ends | Your case closes. Many states treat a form filed within 30 days as a new application, and benefits are prorated from the filing date. |
| Do nothing | Benefits stop after the last month. You must reapply. |
For example, if your certification period ends on March 31, your notice should arrive by the start of March. File by March 15 and finish the interview and documents on time, and April benefits arrive on your normal date.
How to recertify, step by step
- Read the notice. It names the form, the due date and how to submit.
- Complete the form. Most states offer online, mail, fax and in-person options. Report current income, household members, rent, utilities, child support paid and medical costs (medical only if someone is 60+ or disabled).
- Submit early. Aim for well before the 15th. Keep a confirmation number or a copy.
- Do the interview. Most states interview by phone. Some may skip the interview for certain households. Watch for a scheduled time in your mail or online account; if you miss it, call right away to reschedule.
- Send documents. You receive a list, often with a 10-day deadline.
- Watch for the decision. The approval notice shows your new benefit amount and next certification period.
Documents you may need
States usually ask only for things that changed or need checking. Keep these ready:
| Category | Examples |
|---|---|
| Earned income | Last 30 days of pay stubs, employer letter, self-employment records |
| Other income | Social Security or SSI award letter, unemployment, child support received, pension |
| Housing | Lease or rent receipt, mortgage statement, property tax or insurance bill |
| Utilities | Recent bill if your state asks (many use a standard allowance) |
| Dependent care | Receipts or a letter from the provider |
| Medical (60+ or disabled) | Pharmacy receipts, insurance premiums, bills, travel costs to appointments |
| Child support paid | Court order and proof of payments |
Changes in any of these affect your amount; see SNAP benefit amounts and the deductions in SNAP eligibility and income limits.
Rules that may apply to you at renewal
The 2025 budget law (Public Law 119-21) changed several SNAP rules, and states often apply them at your next recertification:
- Work time limit. Adults 18 to 64 without a child under 14 in the home may now be covered by the 3-month time limit unless they meet 80 hours a month or are exempt. See SNAP work requirements.
- Internet costs. Internet bills can no longer be counted as a shelter expense.
- Heating help. Receiving energy assistance (LIHEAP) only triggers the higher utility allowance for households with an elderly or disabled member.
- Noncitizens. Eligibility is now limited to certain groups, such as lawful permanent residents and some Cuban/Haitian entrants and COFA citizens.
- New income limits. The FY2027 limits and maximum amounts take effect Oct 1, 2026.
- Food restrictions. In some states, SNAP can no longer buy soda or candy. See SNAP food restrictions by state.
If your benefit goes down or stops, read the notice carefully. It must explain the reason and your right to appeal.
If your benefits stopped
- Within 30 days after the period ended: call your SNAP office. Many states will process your late renewal as a new application without a full restart, with benefits prorated from the day you file.
- More than 30 days: reapply. See how to apply for SNAP. If you have very little income or cash, ask for expedited SNAP and you could get benefits within 7 days.
- If the state made the mistake, for example your form was received on time but not processed, ask for a fair hearing. Ask the office whether your case can be reopened while the hearing is pending.
Tips for a smooth renewal
- Keep your mailing address, phone number and email current with the state.
- Set a phone reminder for the first day of your last month.
- Upload documents through the state app or portal when possible and save screenshots.
- Report big changes (a new job, someone moving in or out) when they happen rather than waiting for renewal.
- Remember that Lifeline, which gives a free government phone plan to SNAP households, has its own yearly renewal. See Lifeline recertification.
Frequently asked questions
Does my EBT card change when I recertify? No. You keep the same card and PIN; new benefits load on it. See what EBT is.
Can I recertify if I moved to another state? No. SNAP is run by each state. You must close the old case and apply in the new state.
What if I cannot make the interview time? Call before the appointment to reschedule. Missing the interview without rescheduling can lead to denial.
Will my benefits be the same? Not necessarily. They are recalculated using your current income, expenses and the latest yearly figures.
To learn the basics of the program, read what SNAP is.
Sources: eCFR: 7 CFR 273.14 (recertification), eCFR: 7 CFR 273.10 (certification periods), USDA: OBBB implementation, USDA: 2025 law implementation memo, USDA: FY2027 cost-of-living adjustments.