SNAP benefits are distributed monthly and vary by state. Each state handles payment dates differently based on its population and operational capabilities. These allowances, formerly known as “food stamps,” are available in all 50 states (and Washington DC), Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and, in a different and autonomous way, Puerto Rico.
The SNAP benefits program in the US provides assistance to millions of people in need of food. Every month, it serves as a silent ally for over 40 million individuals. The number of people using SNAP is not constant; it rises and falls like waves on the beach.
What are the reasons? Unemployment fluctuates, sometimes increasing and sometimes decreasing. However, politicians have an impact: when they change the rules (raising or lowering the income limit to qualify), the number of participants follows suit.
The maximum SNAP benefits allotments in 2025
There is no single amount for everyone, but it is determined by household conditions such as income, other non-SNAP benefits, real estate, vehicles, and household size.
Profits are calculated using a formula that takes into account income, fixed expenses (like rent), and the number of mouths to feed. The maximum amount, in households of up to eight people, is as follows:
- Household size 1: $292
- Household size 2: $536
- Household size 3: $768
- Household size 4: $975
- Household size 5: $1,158
- Household size 6: $1,390
- Household size 7: $1,536
- Household size 8: $1,756
- Each additional person: $220
Remember that these amounts are valid until September 30, 2025, when the fiscal year ends, and are impacted by the cost of living “COLA” of 2.5% for this period. They will increase beginning October 1 in accordance with the newly registered inflation.
SNAP benefit start dates in April 2025 by State
SNAP benefits are paid monthly, and distribution dates differ by state because the program is administered at the state level. The states that begin benefit distribution on April 1 are as follows:
- Alaska: April 1
- Arizona: April 1 to April 13
- California: April 1 to April 10
- Colorado: April 1 to April 10
- Connecticut: April 1 to April 3
- D.C.: April 1 to April 10
- Florida: April 1 to April 28
- Guam: April 1 to April 10
- Idaho: April 1 to April 10
- Illinois: April 1 to April 20
- Iowa: April 1 to April 10
- Kansas: April 1 to April 10
- Kentucky: April 1 to April 19
- Louisiana: April 1 to April 23
- Massachusetts: April 1 to April 14
- Missouri: April 1 to April 22
- Nebraska: April 1 to April 5
- Nevada: April 1 to April 10
- New Jersey: April 1 to April 5
- New Mexico: April 1 to April 20
- New York: April 1 to April 9
- North Dakota: April 1
- Oklahoma: April 1 to April 10
- Oregon: April 1 to April 9
- Rhode Island: April 1
- South Carolina: April 1 to April 19
- Tennessee: April 1 to April 20
- Texas: April 1 to April 28
- Virgin Islands: April 1
- Vermont: April 1
- Virginia: April 1 to April 7
- Washington: April 1 to April 20
- West Virginia: April 1 to April 9
- Wisconsin: April 1 to April 15
- Wyoming: April 1 to April 4
The following states do not begin SNAP payments on April 1: Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota, and Utah.
