In October 2025, millions of Americans will receive their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as Food Stamps.
These payments will reflect the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), designed to help beneficiaries keep up with inflation. SNAP benefits are deposited directly onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, and the payment schedule varies by state.
Let’s dive into what to expect in October 2025, including the payment schedule and the new COLA-adjusted benefit amounts, which can range from $1,751 to $3,516, depending on family size and location.
SNAP Payment Schedule for October
The exact day you receive your SNAP benefits depends on where you live. Some states disburse payments all at once, while others spread them out over several weeks based on factors such as Social Security Numbers, case numbers, or last names.
Here’s a breakdown of the October 2025 payment schedule by state:
| State | Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | October 4-23 |
| Alaska | October 1 |
| Arizona | October 1-13 |
| Arkansas | October 4-13 |
| California | October 1-10 |
| Colorado | October 1-10 |
| Connecticut | October 1-3 |
| Delaware | October 2-23 |
| Florida | October 1-28 |
| Georgia | October 5-23 |
| Hawaii | October 3-5 |
| Idaho | October 1-10 |
| Illinois | October 1-10 |
| Indiana | October 5-23 |
| Iowa | October 1-10 |
| Kansas | October 1-10 |
| Kentucky | October 1-19 |
| Louisiana | October 1-23 |
| Maine | October 10-14 |
| Maryland | October 4-23 |
| Massachusetts | October 1-14 |
| Michigan | October 3-21 |
| Minnesota | October 4-13 |
| Mississippi | October 4-21 |
| Missouri | October 1-22 |
| Montana | October 2-6 |
| Nebraska | October 1-5 |
| Nevada | October 1-10 |
| New Hampshire | October 5 |
| New Jersey | October 1-5 |
| New Mexico | October 1-20 |
| New York | October 1-9 |
| North Carolina | October 3-21 |
| North Dakota | October 1 |
| Ohio | October 2-20 |
| Oklahoma | October 1-10 |
| Oregon | October 1-9 |
| Pennsylvania | First 10 business days |
| Rhode Island | October 1 |
| South Carolina | October 1-10 |
| South Dakota | October 10 |
| Tennessee | October 1-20 |
| Texas | October 1-28 |
| Utah | October 5, 11, 15 |
| Vermont | October 1 |
| 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 |
| Puerto Rico | October 4-22 |
| The District of Columbia | October 1-10 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | October 1 |
Key Points About the October 2025 SNAP Payments:
- Immediate Payments: States like Alaska, Vermont, North Dakota, and Rhode Island will disburse all benefits on October 1, regardless of the recipient’s Social Security Number or case number.
- Staggered Payments: In states like Florida and Texas, payments may be delivered between October 1 and 28, depending on the state’s disbursement schedule.
SNAP Benefit Amounts for October 2025
SNAP benefits are based on the size of the household, income level, and location. Larger households will receive higher payments to account for the greater need.
Here are the maximum SNAP benefit amounts for households in the 48 contiguous states and Alaska, factoring in the 2025 COLA:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit (48 States) | Maximum SNAP Benefit (Alaska) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $292 | $586 |
| 2 | $536 | $1,078 |
| 3 | $768 | $1,543 |
| 4 | $975 | $1,958 |
| 5 | $1,158 | $2,324 |
| 6 | $1,390 | $2,790 |
| 7 | $1,536 | $3,092 |
| 8 | $1,756 | $3,516 |
- Maximum Benefits in the 48 States: For a household of eight, the maximum SNAP benefit will be $1,756 in October 2025.
- Alaska’s Higher Benefits: In Alaska, due to higher living costs, the maximum for an eight-person household is $3,516.
Additional Information:
- Hawaii Exception: Hawaii’s SNAP benefits are reduced compared to the mainland U.S. due to unique cost-of-living adjustments for the state.
- State Supplements: Some states may offer additional funds to supplement federal SNAP benefits, increasing the total amount for eligible residents.
How to Maximize Your SNAP Benefits in 2025
To ensure you receive the correct amount of SNAP benefits in 2025:
- Update Household Information: Ensure your household size, income, and expenses are correctly reported.
- Check Your State’s Payment Schedule: Each state has a specific payment date schedule, so mark your calendar accordingly.
- Use Benefits Wisely: SNAP benefits are meant for purchasing eligible food items, so make sure to budget and plan accordingly for the month.
FAQs
When will October SNAP benefits be sent out?
SNAP benefits will begin disbursing on October 1, 2025, though payment dates vary by state.
How much will a household of 4 receive in SNAP benefits?
A household of four can receive up to $975 in the 48 states or $1,958 in Alaska.
Why are Alaska’s SNAP benefits higher?
Alaska’s higher benefit amounts account for the state’s elevated cost of living.
Does Hawaii get less in SNAP benefits than other states?
Yes, Hawaii has lower benefit amounts due to different cost-of-living adjustments.
How are SNAP benefit amounts calculated?
Benefits are based on household size, income, and location, with adjustments made for inflation through COLA.
