In November, Alaska and Hawaii will issue some of the largest Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments in the United States.
While most states distribute SNAP benefits over several days or weeks, Alaska and Hawaii provide significant payment amounts to eligible households, with rural regions receiving particularly high benefits.
Here’s what to expect from the SNAP distributions in these states, including payment schedules, maximum benefit amounts, and eligibility.
SNAP Payment Dates in November
For November, SNAP payments in Alaska and Hawaii follow different distribution schedules:
- Alaska: All SNAP recipients in Alaska will receive their benefits on November 1.
- Hawaii: Hawaii issues payments based on the recipient’s last name:
- Last names A–I receive payments on November 3.
- Last names J–Z receive payments on November 5.
Maximum SNAP Payments in Alaska for November
Alaska’s SNAP benefits vary depending on household size and location, with rural areas qualifying for higher benefits due to the increased cost of living in remote regions. Here’s a breakdown of the maximum SNAP payments for Alaska’s Urban, Rural 1, and Rural 2 areas:
| Family Size | Urban | Rural 1 | Rural 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $377 | $481 | $586 |
| 2 members | $692 | $882 | $1,074 |
| 3 people | $991 | $1,263 | $1,538 |
| 4 beneficiaries | $1,258 | $1,604 | $1,953 |
| 5 recipients | $1,494 | $1,905 | $2,319 |
| 6 members | $1,793 | $2,287 | $2,783 |
| 7 members | $1,982 | $2,527 | $3,076 |
| 8 members | $2,265 | $2,888 | $3,516 |
| Each additional member | $283 | $361 | $440 |
Rural 2 areas receive the highest payments, with a family of 8 potentially qualifying for $3,516 in monthly SNAP benefits. These elevated amounts reflect the costlier grocery and transportation expenses in Alaska’s remote areas.
Maximum SNAP Payments in Hawaii for November
In Hawaii, SNAP payments are also among the highest in the U.S. The maximum benefit amounts for households in Hawaii are slightly lower than Alaska’s, yet they still reflect the higher cost of living in the state.
| Family Size | Maximum SNAP Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $517 |
| 2 members | $946 |
| 3 people | $1,320 |
| 4 beneficiaries | $1,723 |
| 5 recipients | $2,034 |
| 6 members | $2,458 |
| 7 members | $2,774 |
| 8 members | $3,102 |
| Each additional member | $328 |
Hawaii’s maximum SNAP payment for a household of 8 is $3,102, and a single person could receive up to $517.
Factors Affecting SNAP Payments
While Alaska and Hawaii lead in SNAP benefit amounts, the exact payment varies based on several factors:
- Household Size: SNAP payments increase with the number of household members, as seen in both Alaska and Hawaii.
- Income: The specific amount each household receives depends on total household income and eligibility criteria.
- Location: Alaska’s payments vary by region, with rural areas receiving more substantial assistance due to higher living costs.
- Cost-of-Living Adjustments (COLA): The USDA’s COLA for SNAP, which takes effect in 2025, impacts the maximum benefit levels to account for inflation.
As the 2025 COLA adjustment kicks in, Alaska and Hawaii are issuing some of the largest SNAP benefits in the U.S. this November.
Alaska’s rural areas and Hawaii’s high cost of living mean families can receive up to $3,516 and $3,102, respectively. For those in other states, maximum benefits are lower but still increase with household size.
To explore SNAP eligibility requirements and understand the specifics of the 2025 COLA increase, visit the USDA’s SNAP page at USDA SNAP.
