$3,516 in Food Stamps Coming to EBT Cards: Know Top States For SNAP Benefits

With the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) taking effect on October 1, 2024, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits are set to increase across the United States.

This adjustment is critical for millions of Americans who rely on SNAP to meet their basic food needs. The COLA is designed to ensure that the benefits keep pace with rising costs, allowing recipients to maintain their purchasing power.

Top States for SNAP Benefits

Certain states and U.S. territories will be among the first to issue SNAP payments under the 2025 COLA boost. Notably, Alaska stands out due to its significantly higher maximum SNAP benefit amounts, reflecting the higher cost of living in the state.

States with a Single Payday

Some states, including Alaska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Vermont, as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands, have only one payday for all SNAP recipients. This means all eligible individuals in these locations will receive their SNAP payments on the same day each month.

Alaska: The Highest SNAP Benefits

In Alaska, the SNAP benefits for an 8-member household in certain rural areas (Rural 2) can reach up to $3,516 per month after the 2025 COLA boost. This is significantly higher than the maximum benefit of $1,751 available to an 8-member household in the 48 contiguous states.

SNAP Payment Dates After 2025 COLA

With the COLA adjustment, SNAP payment dates can vary by state. Here is an overview of when payments will be made across various states in October 2024:

State	Payment Dates
Alaska	October 1
Arizona	October 1-13
California	October 1-10
Colorado	October 1-10
Connecticut	October 1-3
Florida	October 1-28
Idaho	October 1-10
Illinois	October 1-10
Iowa	October 1-10
Kansas	October 1-10
Kentucky	October 1-19
Louisiana	October 1-23
Massachusetts	October 1-14
Missouri	October 1-22
Nebraska	October 1-5
Nevada	October 1-10
New Jersey	October 1-5
New Mexico	October 1-20
New York	October 1-9
Oklahoma	October 1-10
Oregon	October 1-9
Pennsylvania	First 10 business days
South Carolina	October 1-10
Tennessee	October 1-20
Texas	October 1-28
Virginia	October 1-7
Washington	October 1-20
West Virginia	October 1-9
Wisconsin	October 1-15
Wyoming	October 1-4
Guam	October 1-10
D.C.	October 1-10

Factors Determining SNAP Benefit Amounts

The maximum SNAP benefit amounts vary depending on several factors:

1. Income Eligibility Standards: SNAP benefits are determined by gross and net income tests, which are based on a percentage of the federal poverty line. These standards can differ by state.
2. Household Size: Larger households are eligible for higher maximum benefits. For instance, in the 48 contiguous states, the maximum benefit for a 1-person household is $291, while for a 4-person household, it’s $973.
3. Cost of Living: States like Alaska and territories like Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands have higher income eligibility standards and maximum benefits due to the higher cost of living.
4. Deductions: Households can deduct certain expenses, such as shelter and childcare costs, from their gross income to calculate their net income for SNAP purposes.
5. Categorical Eligibility: Households receiving benefits from other programs like TANF or SSI might be categorically eligible for SNAP, meaning they bypass the usual income and asset tests.

Differences Between Alaska and the 48 Contiguous States

There is a notable difference in the maximum SNAP benefit amounts between Alaska and the lower 48 states. For example:

• 1-person household: $291 in the 48 states vs. $364 in Alaska.
• 4-person household: $973 in the 48 states vs. $1,216 in Alaska.
• 8-person household: $1,751 in the 48 states vs. $3,516 in certain rural areas of Alaska.

Impact of the October 1st COLA

The COLA adjustment is essential for SNAP recipients, ensuring that their benefits reflect the increased cost of living. This adjustment allows beneficiaries to maintain a basic standard of living despite rising prices.

The USDA’s annual adjustment affects maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards, ensuring that SNAP benefits remain adequate.

When and How SNAP Benefits Are Adjusted

SNAP benefits are adjusted at the start of the federal fiscal year on October 1st. The USDA determines these adjustments based on the cost of the Thrifty Food Plan (TFP), which represents the cost of a nutritious diet for low-income households.

The USDA also factors in inflation and other economic data to ensure benefits match the real cost of living.

Preparing for the COLA Adjustments

SNAP beneficiaries should stay informed about the upcoming COLA adjustments by monitoring official USDA announcements.

It is also crucial to ensure that your income and deduction information is current to receive the correct amount of benefits.

These adjustments are vital for maintaining the purchasing power of SNAP benefits and ensuring that families can afford essential groceries despite inflation.

The 2025 COLA boost will significantly impact SNAP benefits, particularly in states with higher costs of living like Alaska.

Eligible households should prepare for these changes by staying informed about payment dates and ensuring their eligibility information is up to date. These adjustments are essential in helping millions of Americans maintain their standard of living amidst rising costs.

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