The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) helps people in all 50 states and U.S. territories, such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, get food. It is the biggest food assistance program in the country.
SNAP makes sure that millions of Americans can get healthy meals. It is run at the state level by the USDA and managed at the federal level by the USDA.
An Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which works like a debit card, lets people get their benefits. You can use this card at grocery stores, convenience stores, and some farmers’ markets to buy fruits, vegetables, dairy, bread, meats, and other items that are accepted. But it can not be used for tobacco, alcohol, ready-made meals, or things that are not food.
How to Apply for SNAP in 2025
You can start the SNAP application process at the local SNAP office or online portal in your state. Each state has its own application process, rules for who can get benefits, and levels of those benefits.
These depend on the size, income, and expenses of the household. Those who want to apply must show proof of citizenship or legal residency, employment, assets, and a certain amount of income based on the size of their household.
Usually, you have to send in paperwork and go to an interview to make sure you are eligible. Once approved, monthly benefits are added to the person’s EBT card, which can then be used at stores that accept them.
SNAP Benefit Amounts for 2025
The maximum benefit amounts are different in each state and territory because of the different costs of living there. The most money that people in the 48 states that are connected to D.C. can get each month from SNAP is:
- 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
*These figures differ in territories like Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam, where living costs are higher.
January Payment Schedule in New York
In New York, SNAP benefits are given out based on the last number of the case number. For people outside of New York City, here is the schedule:
Groups that have already received their allotments:
- Ends in 0 or 1: Payments available on the 1st
- Ends in 2: Payments on the 2nd
- Ends in 3: Payments on the 3rd
- Ends in 4: Payments on the 4th
- Ends in 5: Payments on the 5th
- Ends in 6: Payments on the 6th
- Ends in 7: Payments on the 7th
The last two groups to be paid this month are:
- Ends in 8: Payments on the 8th
- Ends in 9: Payments on the 9th
For people who live in New York City, payments are spread out over 13 days in the first two weeks of each month, excluding Sundays and holidays. The website for the NYC Department of Social Services has a full schedule.
In order to see if you might be able to get SNAP benefits, you should look at how much money your household makes compared to the limits that are set based on family size. In New York, you can only be sure you are eligible after sending in an application that meets all the requirements.
For example, a family of four could make $3,380 a month, while a household of three people without earned income (no one aged 60 or older or disabled) could make no more than $2,798.00 a month. As the family grows, this number goes up.
