Latest $973 SNAP Check For 4-member Families In September: Know Eligibility & More Details

In 2024, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients, also known as Food Stamp beneficiaries, will receive updated benefit amounts.

A family of four can receive a maximum of $973 in monthly benefits, depending on their income and other eligibility factors.

Here’s a breakdown of the key details, including eligibility requirements, payment dates, and factors determining the amount of SNAP benefits you may receive.

Maximum SNAP Benefits for Families of Four

The maximum SNAP benefit for a family of four is $973 per month in the 48 contiguous U.S. states and the District of Columbia.

However, most families will receive less than this amount, with the average payment being $713 for a household of four. Larger families, such as those with eight members, could receive up to $1,751.

These payments help cover a significant portion of a household’s food budget, providing relief from food insecurity. If you don’t qualify for the maximum amount, your payment will be calculated based on your income, assets, and certain deductions.

Payment Dates by State

SNAP payments are issued on different dates depending on your state of residence. If you haven’t received your payment yet, you can check the expected dates below:

State	Payment Dates
Alabama	September 4-23
Arizona	September 1-13
Arkansas	September 4-13
California	September 1-10
Colorado	September 1-10
Florida	September 1-28
Georgia	September 5-23
Illinois	September 1-10
Indiana	September 5-23
Kansas	September 1-10
Louisiana	September 1-23
Maine	September 10-14
Maryland	September 4-23
Michigan	September 3-21
Minnesota	September 4-13
Mississippi	September 4-21
Missouri	September 1-22
North Carolina	September 3-21
Ohio	September 2-20
Oregon	September 1-9
Texas	September 1-28
Virginia	September 1-7
Washington	September 1-20
Wisconsin	September 1-15
Puerto Rico	September 4-22
District of Columbia	September 1-10

If your state is not listed, visit the USDA’s SNAP issuance schedule to find out your payment date.

SNAP Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for SNAP, households must meet specific income and asset requirements. The amount of benefits your household receives is determined by your gross income (before deductions) and net income (after deductions).

Income Limits

• Gross Income Test: Your household’s gross income must be below 130% of the federal poverty line. For example, a family of four should have a gross monthly income of $2,872 or less.
• Net Income Test: Your net income must be below 100% of the poverty line after certain deductions.

Asset Limits

• Without elderly or disabled members: Household assets must not exceed $2,750.
• With elderly or disabled members: Household assets must not exceed $4,250.

Most vehicles are not considered part of your assets for SNAP purposes, and certain deductions, like those for child support or medical expenses, may reduce your countable income.

Deductions That Affect SNAP Benefits

To calculate your net income, several deductions are applied to your gross income:

• Standard deduction: $193 for households of 1-3 people in 2024.
• Earned income deduction: 20% of your earnings.
• Dependent care deduction: For childcare or other dependent care expenses.
• Medical expense deduction: For costs over $35 per month for elderly or disabled members.
• Excess shelter deduction: For high housing costs relative to income.

SNAP calculates the final benefit amount by expecting families to spend 30% of their net income on food. The final monthly benefit equals the maximum SNAP amount for your household size, minus 30% of your income.

Claiming SNAP Benefits

If you’re eligible for SNAP and haven’t yet applied, you can start the process online or through your local SNAP office. The application process involves providing details about your household income, assets, and family size.

SNAP benefits are typically issued through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which function like debit cards and can be used to purchase eligible food items at authorized retailers.

For families of four, the maximum monthly SNAP benefit is $973, though many factors influence how much you will actually receive. Make sure to verify your eligibility based on your household income, assets, and family size.

If you haven’t received your payment yet, check your state’s issuance schedule to know when to expect your benefits.

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