As of October 2024, six U.S. states will be distributing Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, with some eligible recipients getting payments as high as $1,756.
These payments, commonly known as Food Stamps, are distributed via EBT cards to help low-income families access nutritious food. The states involved in this specific distribution schedule are Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, and Maryland.
Here’s what you need to know about SNAP benefits eligibility, payment schedules, and how different states manage the distribution process.
State-Specific Payment Schedules
Each of the six states involved in this SNAP distribution period has its own unique way of scheduling payments. Below is a breakdown of how and when you can expect your Food Stamp benefits if you live in one of these states.
Alabama SNAP Payment Dates
In Alabama, SNAP benefits are distributed based on the last two digits of your case number:
- October 15: For case numbers ending in 55-59
- October 23: For case numbers ending in 95-99
This system ensures staggered payments throughout the month, making it easier for the state to manage the distribution process.
Delaware SNAP Payment Dates
Delaware organizes its SNAP payments based on the first letter of the recipient’s last name:
- October 15: Last names starting with “N”
- October 16: Last names starting with “O”
- October 17: Last names starting with “P”
- October 18: Last names starting with “Q” or “R”
- October 19: Last names starting with “S”
This alphabetical system helps distribute the workload for the state’s EBT system.
Georgia SNAP Payment Dates
Georgia bases its SNAP benefits distribution on the last two digits of your SNAP ID number:
- October 15: ID numbers ending in 50-59
- October 17: ID numbers ending in 60-69
- October 19: ID numbers ending in 70-79
- October 21: ID numbers ending in 80-89
- October 23: ID numbers ending in 90-99
This system also spreads out payments across the month to avoid overwhelming the system.
Indiana SNAP Payment Dates
Indiana distributes benefits based on the first letter of the recipient’s last name:
- October 15: For last names starting with “M” or “N”
- October 17: For last names starting with “O,” “P,” “Q,” or “R”
- October 19: For last names starting with “S”
- October 21: For last names starting with “T,” “U,” or “V”
- October 23: For last names starting with “W,” “X,” “Y,” or “Z”
This alphabetical distribution ensures that payments are spread out through the month.
Louisiana SNAP Payment Dates
In Louisiana, the last digit of your Social Security Number (SSN) determines when you will receive your benefits:
- October 17: SSNs ending in 6
- October 19: SSNs ending in 7
- October 21: SSNs ending in 8
- October 23: SSNs ending in 9
Maryland SNAP Payment Dates
Maryland uses the first three letters of a recipient’s last name to distribute SNAP payments:
- October 15: Last names starting between LOY and MCO
- October 16: Last names starting between MCP and NEF
- October 17: Last names starting between NEG and PGZ
- October 18: Last names starting between PHA and RIC
- October 19: Last names starting between RID and SDZ
- October 20: Last names starting between SEA and STC
- October 21: Last names starting between STD and TRA
- October 22: Last names starting between TRB and WES
- October 23: Last names starting between WET and ZZZ
Eligibility for SNAP Payments
To qualify for SNAP benefits, you must meet certain income and resource limits set by the federal government, which are adjusted annually.
These limits depend on the size of your household, gross monthly income, and net monthly income (after allowable deductions). You also need to meet residency and work requirements in most cases.
Additionally, some households may qualify for the maximum benefit amount, which in some states can be as high as $1,756. This amount varies depending on your household size, income, and the state’s specific guidelines.
Maximize Your SNAP Benefits
If you’re receiving SNAP benefits, it’s important to track your payment schedule and understand how to make the most of the resources available to you.
By shopping wisely and looking for deals, you can stretch your SNAP benefits to cover a broader range of essential groceries.
If you’re unsure of your eligibility or have questions about your benefits, contact your local SNAP office. They can help clarify any questions you have about your payments or eligibility status.
SNAP is designed to ensure that low-income individuals and families have access to nutritious food, and understanding how the system works can help you plan your monthly budget effectively.
FAQs
How are SNAP payments scheduled in Alabama?
Alabama schedules payments based on the last two digits of your case number.
When will I get SNAP benefits in Georgia?
Payments depend on your ID number; those ending in 90-99 will be paid on October 23.
What’s the SNAP payment date for Maryland recipients?
Payments are based on the first three letters of your last name, with different dates between October 15-23.
How much can I receive in SNAP benefits?
Depending on your state and household size, you can receive up to $1,756.
When does Indiana send out SNAP payments?
Indiana distributes benefits from October 15 to 23 based on the first letter of your last name.
