April arrives, and it arrives with a bang. Many American families rely on SNAP Food Stamps to meet their basic food needs on a monthly basis. What distinguishes it from other payments? That its schedule varies by state, as each has its own payment dates. But, because you need to know the dates to get organized, we’ll tell you what they are.
What is the SNAP payment?
SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, provides monthly funds to millions of American families, allowing them to purchase groceries. These funds are distributed via EBT cards, which are reloaded on a monthly basis and can be used at SNAP-approved establishments. This means you can’t use your EBT card at any store or supermarket.
Why are EBT cards used for this payment?
This type of card is secure, fast, and efficient, allowing states to pay recipients quickly without encountering fraud, theft, or stigmatization. This last point is especially important because, in addition to being functional, these cards serve a social purpose. They enable people to shop independently, without attracting attention with visible bills or coupons.
This eliminates the stigma associated with receiving public assistance and protects recipients’ privacy and dignity by allowing them to choose their own food.
When does the check arrive?
As previously stated, each state determines when to send its checks, but we can estimate that states such as Alaska, Rhode Island, Vermont, and North Dakota issue payments on the first of the month, while Connecticut and Nebraska send them between the 1st and 5th. Here’s the list. Keep in mind that this is an estimate, and if your payment is delayed, you can check your balance using your EBT card system.
- April 1: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Guam, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
- April 2: Delaware, Montana, Ohio.
- April 3: Hawaii, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina.
- April 4: Alabama, Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Puerto Rico.
- April 5: Georgia, Indiana, Utah, New Hampshire.
- April 10: Maine, South Dakota.
- April 11: Utah.
- April 15: Utah.
What can and can’t you buy with SNAP?
Because this is a benefit to assist families in eating properly, SNAP benefits include all fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, chicken and fish, breads, cereals and legumes, eggs, dairy, and everything else associated with healthy eating.
However, fast food and ready-made meals are not covered, nor are personal hygiene products, alcohol, cigarettes, or cosmetics. Remember that this payment is only intended to cover essential food needs; anything that is not required for a healthy, balanced diet is not covered by this benefit.
Many states have already received their SNAP payments for April. Run to the nearest grocery store and do your shopping!
