SNAP Payment Up to $3,516 in Food Stamps Coming Soon: Know All States Payment Schedule & More

With the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) boost set to take effect on October 1, 2024, many Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients will see an increase in their monthly benefits.

This boost is designed to help eligible households keep up with rising costs, ensuring they have access to the food they need.

Some states will be the first to issue these increased payments, and the maximum benefit amounts will vary depending on where recipients live.

States with a Single Payday and the Largest SNAP Benefit

A few states and U.S. territories have a unique approach to distributing SNAP benefits, opting to issue payments on a single payday for all recipients. The states that follow this model include:

• Alaska
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• United States Virgin Islands

Of these, Alaska stands out for offering the largest SNAP benefits after the 2025 COLA. Specifically, an 8-member household living in Alaska’s Rural 2 area can receive up to $3,516 in food stamps.

This is significantly higher than the maximum benefit available in the 48 contiguous states, where an 8-member household can receive up to $1,751.

SNAP Payments After 2025 COLA Starting on October 1, 2024

Here’s a detailed look at the SNAP payment schedule for October 2024 across various states:

• 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: Over the 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 and the District of Columbia will also follow a similar distribution schedule, with payments being issued between October 1 and October 10.

Difference in Maximum SNAP Benefit Amounts: Alaska vs. 48 Contiguous States

Alaska’s higher cost of living, especially in rural areas, is reflected in the significantly higher SNAP benefits compared to those offered in the 48 contiguous states. Here’s a comparison:

Maximum SNAP Benefits for FY 2024 (October 2023 to September 2024):

• Household Size of 1:
  • 48 States: $291
  • Alaska: $364
• Household Size of 4:
  • 48 States: $973
  • Alaska: $1,216
• Household Size of 8:
  • 48 States: $1,751
  • Alaska: $2,188

Maximum SNAP Benefits for FY 2025 (Starting October 2024):

• Household Size of 8:
  • 48 States: $1,751
  • Alaska (Rural 2): $3,516

This stark difference underscores the challenges faced by residents in Alaska, particularly in rural areas where the cost of groceries and other essentials is considerably higher.

The 2025 COLA adjustment will bring a welcomed increase in SNAP benefits for many households across the U.S.

However, the extent of this increase varies significantly by state, with Alaska offering the highest benefits due to its unique cost of living challenges.

Understanding your state’s payment schedule and the potential increase in benefits can help you plan your budget more effectively.

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