The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides crucial food assistance to millions of Americans.
As the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) prepares to adjust benefits with the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA), recipients should be aware of the payment schedules and anticipated changes.
SNAP Payment Schedule for September 2024
Below is the full payment schedule for SNAP benefits across different states and territories for September 2024:
State-by-State Payment Dates
- Alabama: September 4-23
- Alaska: September 1
- Arizona: September 1-13
- Arkansas: September 4-13
- California: September 1-10
- Colorado: September 1-10
- Connecticut: September 1-3
- Delaware: September 2-23
- Florida: September 1-28
- Georgia: September 5-23
- Hawaii: September 3-5
- Idaho: September 1-10
- Illinois: September 1-10
- Indiana: September 5-23
- Iowa: September 1-10
- Kansas: September 1-10
- Kentucky: September 1-19
- Louisiana: September 1-23
- Maine: September 10-14
- Maryland: September 4-23
- Massachusetts: September 1-14
- Michigan: September 3-21
- Minnesota: September 4-13
- Mississippi: September 4-21
- Missouri: September 1-22
- Montana: September 2-6
- Nebraska: September 1-5
- Nevada: September 1-10
- New Hampshire: September 5
- New Jersey: September 1-5
- New Mexico: September 1-20
- New York: September 1-9
- North Carolina: September 3-21
- North Dakota: September 1
- Ohio: September 2-20
- Oklahoma: September 1-10
- Oregon: September 1-9
- Pennsylvania: Over the first 10 business days
- Rhode Island: September 1
- South Carolina: September 1-10
- South Dakota: September 10
- Tennessee: September 1-20
- Texas: September 1-28
- Utah: September 5, 11, and 15
- Vermont: September 1
- Virginia: September 1-7
- Washington: September 1-20
- West Virginia: September 1-9
- Wisconsin: September 1-15
- Wyoming: September 1-4
U.S. Territories and D.C.
- Guam: September 1-10
- Puerto Rico: September 4-22
- District of Columbia: September 1-10
- U.S. Virgin Islands: September 1
SNAP Maximum Amounts Before the COLA Increase
The USDA has confirmed that maximum payments will remain unchanged until September 30, 2024. Here are the current maximum amounts for SNAP benefits:
Maximum SNAP Benefits (Before COLA)
- Individual: $291
- Family of 2: $535
- Family of 3: $766
- Family of 4: $943
- Family of 5: $1,155
- Family of 6: $1,386
- Family of 7: $1,532
- Family of 8: $1,751
Anticipated Changes After COLA
After the 2025 COLA adjustment, there will be a slight increase in benefits:
New Food Stamp Amounts (After COLA)
- Individual: $292
- Family of 2: $536
- Family of 3: $768
- Family of 4: $975
- Family of 5: $1,158
- Family of 6: $1,390
- Family of 7: $1,536
- Family of 8: $1,756
Despite the small increase, these adjustments are essential to help families cope with rising living costs. The USDA’s adjustments ensure that the purchasing power of SNAP benefits remains stable amidst inflation.
Special Note on Hawaii
Hawaii is the only state where SNAP recipients will see a decrease in their maximum benefits after the COLA adjustment. This unique situation reflects the specific economic conditions in Hawaii.
Preparing for the Changes
To ensure you receive the correct amount of benefits, keep your information up to date with your local SNAP office. This includes reporting any changes in income, household size, and other relevant factors.
Staying informed through official USDA channels and local assistance offices can help you navigate these changes smoothly.
The upcoming COLA adjustments will bring slight increases in SNAP benefits for most recipients, while Hawaii will see a decrease. Understanding the payment schedule and being aware of the changes can help you better manage your benefits and plan for the future.
FAQs
When will the COLA adjustments take effect?
The COLA adjustments will take effect on October 1, 2024, at the start of the federal fiscal year.
How will the COLA adjustment affect SNAP benefits in Hawaii?
Hawaii will see a decrease in maximum SNAP benefits after the COLA adjustment, unlike other states which will see a slight increase.
What are the current maximum SNAP benefits for a family of four?
The current maximum benefit for a family of four is $943, which will increase to $975 after the COLA adjustment.
How can I ensure I receive the correct SNAP benefits?
Keep your information up to date with your local SNAP office and report any changes in income or household size.
Where can I find the payment schedule for my state?
The payment schedule is provided above for all states and territories, detailing when SNAP benefits will be distributed in September.
