The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is set to see an increase in payments starting October 1, 2024, due to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).
Administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), these payments provide essential financial assistance to low-income families, helping them purchase food and maintain food security.
For 2024, SNAP recipients can look forward to payments that include a modest COLA increase aimed at keeping up with inflation. This boost will vary by household size, income, and the state in which recipients live.
Maximum SNAP Payments by Household Size
The SNAP payment amounts depend on the number of people in your household and your earnings. Here’s the maximum monthly benefit for households in the 48 contiguous states:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 individual | $292 |
| 2 family members | $536 |
| 3 family members | $768 |
| 4 family members | $975 |
| 5 family members | $1,158 |
| 6 family members | $1,390 |
| 7 family members | $1,536 |
| 8 family members | $1,756 |
| Each additional member | +$220 |
Households with more members receive higher payments to cover their additional food costs. For example, a family of 4 can receive up to $975 per month, while a larger household of 8 could see payments of up to $1,756.
Payment Schedules by State
Each state distributes SNAP payments according to its own schedule. Some states send payments all at once, while others stagger payments throughout the month based on factors like the recipient’s Social Security number or last name.
Here’s a breakdown of when you can expect to receive your benefits in October 2024:
| State | Payment Schedule |
|---|---|
| Alabama | October 4-23 |
| 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 |
| 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 of October |
| 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 |
Higher Payments in Alaska and Hawaii
SNAP payments in Alaska and Hawaii are typically higher than those in the contiguous U.S. because of the elevated cost of living and inflation in these states.
This means that while other states cap payments at $1,756 for a household of eight, Alaska and Hawaii have significantly higher maximum benefit amounts to reflect their unique economic conditions.
Impact of the 2025 COLA Increase
The October 2024 SNAP payments will include the 2025 COLA increase, which is intended to help households keep up with rising food costs.
While the COLA boost is helpful, it is expected to be relatively small, and recipients may not notice a significant difference in their monthly payments. However, it does offer some relief, particularly for larger households.
Managing Your SNAP Benefits
If you’re a SNAP recipient, it’s important to track when your payment will arrive so you can manage your household expenses.
Remember, the amount you receive is based on your income, so households with higher incomes will receive less than the maximum amount.
It’s also helpful to plan your grocery shopping around your payment schedule to ensure you make the most of your benefits. Many states offer online shopping options for SNAP recipients, making it easier to use your benefits to buy food.
Starting in October 2024, SNAP recipients across the U.S. will receive payments that reflect the 2025 COLA increase.
With maximum payments ranging from $292 for individuals to $1,756 for families of eight, this program remains crucial for helping low-income households afford nutritious food. Be sure to check your state’s payment schedule to know when you can expect your benefits, and plan accordingly to make the most of your SNAP payments.
FAQs
How much will I receive in SNAP benefits in October 2024?
The maximum amount for a family of four is $975, while a household of eight can receive up to $1,756.
When will I receive my SNAP payment?
It depends on your state. Check the state-specific schedule to see when your payment will arrive.
Does the 2025 COLA apply to SNAP benefits?
Yes, the 2025 COLA will be included in the October 2024 payments.
Why do Alaska and Hawaii receive higher SNAP payments?
These states have higher living costs, so their SNAP benefits are adjusted accordingly.
Can I use SNAP benefits for online grocery shopping?
Yes, many states allow SNAP recipients to shop for groceries online using their benefits.
