Millions of Americans receive essential food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). since of October 1, 2024, certain states will be the first to receive these payments since the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is expected to increase SNAP benefits.
However, not every state distributes the maximum benefit amount. In fact, some jurisdictions only pay out rewards once, meaning that every recipient in those states gets their benefits on the same day.
States with Just One Payday
Every month, SNAP benefits are distributed by a number of states and territories on a single payday. On October 1, 2024, all SNAP beneficiaries in Alaska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, Vermont, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will get their payments on the same day.
The use of a single payday strategy guarantees that all eligible individuals in these locations receive their benefits concurrently, hence facilitating recipients’ ability to plan their purchases. These states do not, however, all provide the maximum SNAP benefit amounts.
Alaska
Because of its greater cost of living, Alaska is unique in that it offers the highest SNAP benefit amounts. Following the 2025 COLA, the maximum SNAP benefit for an eligible eight-member household residing in “Rural 2,” a remote location, is an astounding $3,516. This is a substantial sum above the 48 contiguous states’ maximum, which is $1,751 for an eight-person household.
This huge disparity in benefit amounts emphasizes how location affects living expenses and, in turn, how much is awarded for SNAP. The higher cost of necessities in rural areas of Alaska than in the contiguous United States is reflected in the state’s higher benefits.
Dates for SNAP Payments
Some states will distribute all of their SNAP benefits on October 1, 2024, while other states will distribute payments in stages throughout the month.
For example, SNAP payments are distributed in Florida from October 1 to October 28, in Texas from October 1 to October 28, and in California from October 1 to October 10. The dates for SNAP payments in a few states are shown here:
| State | Date of Payment |
| Arizona | October 1-13 |
| California | October 1-10 |
| Florida | October 1-28 |
| Texas | October 1-28 |
| Massachusetts | October 1-14 |
| Washington | October 1-20 |
| Virginia | October 1-7 |
The Effects of 2025 COLA
An essential component of modifying SNAP benefits to keep up with inflation is the USDA’s yearly COLA determination.
The COLA is going to raise SNAP benefits for all recipients for the fiscal year 2025, which begins on October 1, 2024. In light of growing living expenses, this modification is essential to recipients’ ability to retain their purchasing power.
It’s critical that SNAP recipients be aware of these developments and routinely check their benefits. As these COLA adjustments take effect, recipients can receive the correct amount of aid by making sure that their income and deductions are current.
It is anticipated that the 2025 COLA would raise the SNAP benefit limit, guaranteeing that families will be able to continue affording necessities. This raise is essential, particularly in expensive regions like Alaska where living expenses can differ greatly from those in the lower 48 states.
In general, SNAP beneficiaries can maximize their benefits and more effectively manage their food budgets by being aware of the variables that affect their benefits and remaining updated regarding payment dates.
Read Also: SNAP Food Stamps Increase: See If You Qualify for Up to $586 Per Month
Possible Factors
The maximum SNAP benefit amounts in each state and territory are determined by a number of criteria. Among them are:
Income Eligibility Standards: Based on a portion of the federal poverty level, states implement net and gross income criteria. States may have slightly different requirements than others.
Size of Household: Benefits are higher for larger households. For instance, a home consisting of one person may receive up to $291 in the 48 contiguous states, whereas a household consisting of three people may earn up to $766.
Cost of Living: The cost of living is greater in territories like Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands as well as states like Alaska and Hawaii. Their qualifying requirements and SNAP benefits are then raised to reflect these discrepancies.
Deductions: A person’s ultimate SNAP benefit amount may change depending on the states’ allowance of specific deductions from gross income, such as housing and child care expenses.
