The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continues to be a vital source of support for millions of Americans, providing crucial assistance in times of need. Knowing and complying with the requirements and schedules can make the difference between receiving benefits on time or facing additional difficulties.
The SNAP Program began distributing food stamps this month, without any delay or problem, passing with standard operating procedures. In places like Vermont, Rhode Island, Alaska and North Dakota, all funds were distributed on the first day of the month, eliminating the need for staggered payments.
In contrast, beneficiaries in states like Texas and Florida may have to wait until July 28 to receive their benefits. This delay is because the distribution schedule varies depending on the state’s administration of the program. Recipients should pay attention to several factors to determine the exact date of receipt of their benefits.
“Beneficiaries should verify their Social Security Number (SSN), Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number, case number, and the first letter of their last name for their specific payment date,” explained a SNAP program representative to ELMIRA.
Requirements to Obtain SNAP Benefits
To qualify and receive the maximum SNAP benefit, it is essential to meet certain income, work, and residency requirements.
Income Requirements
Gross monthly household income must not exceed 130% of the federal poverty line, adjusted for family size. For example, in 2024, a family of three must have gross monthly income of $2,694 or less, equivalent to $32,328 annually.
Additionally, there are allowable deductions that can reduce gross income to determine net income:
- A 20% deduction from earned income.
- A standard deduction based on household size.
- Dependent care deductions related to employment or education.
- Deduction for medical expenses over $35 per month for members, elderly or disabled people.
- Child support payments.
- Subsidy to house homeless people.
- Housing expenses including rent, mortgage, taxes and utilities.
Monthly Gross Income Limits in 2024
| Home size | Gross monthly income |
| 1 | $1,580 |
| 2 | $2,137 |
| 3 | $2,694 |
| 4 | $3,250 |
| 5 | $3,807 |
| 6 | $4,364 |
| 7 | $4,921 |
| 8 | $5,478 |
| Each additional member | +$557 |
Monthly Net Income Limits in 2024
| Home size | Net monthly income |
| 1 | $1,215 |
| 2 | $1,644 |
| 3 | $2,072 |
| 4 | $2,500 |
| 5 | $2,929 |
| 6 | $3,357 |
| 7 | $3,785 |
| 8 | $4,214 |
| Each additional member | +$429 |
Work and Residence Requirements
In addition to income, beneficiaries must meet certain work and residency requirements. “Applicants must be U.S. citizens or meet specific immigration criteria, and must reside in the state where they are applying for benefits,” a SNAP official said. Additionally, eligible adults ages 18 to 49 without dependents must work at least 80 hours per month or participate in certain job training programs.
States continuing to distribute SNAP benefit payments in July 2024
Here is the list of states and territories that are still distributing SNAP benefits in July 2024:
- Alabama: from July 4 to 23
- Arizona: from July 1 to 13
- Arkansas: from July 4 to 13
- Florida: from July 1 to 28
- Georgia: from July 5 to 23
- Indiana: from July 5 to 23
- Kentucky: from July 1 to 19
- Louisiana: from July 1 to 23
- Maryland: from July 4 to 23
- Michigan: from July 3 to 21
- Mississippi: from July 4 to 21
- Measurements: from July 1 to 22
- New Mexico: from July 1 to 20
- North Carolina: from July 3 to 21
- Ohio: from July 2 to 20
- Puerto Rico: July 4 to 22
- Tennessee: from July 1 to 20
- Texas: from July 1 to 28
- Washington: from July 1 to 20