In 2025, the US Department of Agriculture has released the new Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits) payment schedule. The main objective of this program is to provide financial assistance to low-income individuals and families in the purchase of healthy foods.
The distribution of these benefits occurs at different times during the first days of the month, depending mainly on the number of cases of beneficiaries throughout the country.
For New York residents, payments are distributed based on the last digit of each beneficiary’s case number. This ensures that funds reach a broad spectrum of people in a staggered manner throughout the month, rather than at a single point in time, which could have a significant impact on local markets.
How many Americans receive SNAP benefits?
Annually, more than 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits, which allow them to purchase food at supermarkets and other establishments. These monthly payments not only help families purchase food, but also support the local economy by increasing purchasing power in vulnerable communities.
However, each year the payment schedule may experience minor variations depending on the particularities of each state. Additionally, the exact amount of benefits changes based on the annual cost of living adjustment, which influences how beneficiaries plan their food purchases and manage their budget.
For New York State, along with the rest of the 48 contiguous states and Washington DC, the maximum amounts are 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
SNAP benefits payment schedule for New York
In New York State, the payment schedule for beneficiaries who do not reside in the five boroughs of New York City is organized as follows:
- Case numbers ending in 0 or 1 receive their benefits on the first day of the month.
- For numbers ending in 2, funds are available on day 2.
- Cases ending in 3 have their payment on day 3.
- Those who end in 4 will receive their benefits on day 4.
- Those ending in 5 get their payments on day 5.
- Case numbers ending in 6 will see their benefits on day 6.
- Day 7 is for those cases that end in day 7.
- Benefits for those ending in 8 will be available on the day 8.
- Finally, numbers ending in 9 will receive their payments on the day 9.
The distribution in New York City is different from the state
New York City residents experience a different process. Benefit payments in this area are spread over 13 different days that do not include Sundays or holidays, during the first two weeks of each month. This tiered approach allows for better management of resources and avoids inconveniences in the distribution system.
Now, keep the following information in mind: if the date falls on a Saturday, Sunday or holiday, payment will be made the previous business day. This is crucial for recipients to properly plan their budget.