Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are paid monthly, and distribution dates vary by state, and we do know that each state handles payment dates in its own way, according to its populations and operational capabilities. These allowances, formerly known as “food stamps,” are available in all 50 states (and Washington DC), as well as in Guam, the US Virgin Islands, and, in a different and autonomous way, in Puerto Rico.
In the United States, the SNAP benefits initiative is a program that helps millions of people put food on the table. It is a silent ally that supports more than 40 million people every month. The number of people using SNAP is not fixed – it rises and falls like waves on the beach. The reasons? Well, unemployment sometimes goes up and sometimes goes down, too. But politicians also influence: when they adjust the rules (raising or lowering the income limit to qualify), the number of participants dances to the rhythm they set.
The maximum SNAP benefits allotments in 2025
Here there is no single amount for everyone, but it is subject to the conditions of the household, such as income, other benefits outside of SNAP, real estate, vehicles, and household size (among others).
Profits are calculated using a formula that considers income, fixed expenses (such as rent), and the number of mouths to feed. The maximum amount, in households of up to 8 people, are the following:
- 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”, which was 2.5% for this period. From October 1, they will increase according to the new inflation that is registered.
SNAP benefit start dates in April 2025 by State
SNAP benefits are paid monthly, and distribution dates vary by state, as the program is administered at the state level. The states that begin their benefit distribution on April 1 are the following:
- 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
States that do not begin their SNAP payments on April 1 are Alabama, Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, New Hampshire, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, South Dakota and Utah.