SNAP 2025 COLA Increase New Food Stamp Amounts: Know Payment Dates

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in 2025.

This COLA increase is designed to help SNAP beneficiaries keep pace with inflation, boosting food stamp payments across most states and U.S. territories, including the 48 contiguous states, the District of Columbia, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. However, Hawaii has seen a slight reduction in its benefits.

Let’s break down the new payment amounts, who will benefit the most, and the specific dates SNAP payments will be issued in October 2025.

What Does the 2025 COLA Increase Mean?

The COLA increase is a yearly adjustment that raises SNAP benefits to align with inflation and the rising cost of living. While the adjustments vary depending on the location, most households will see a boost in their food stamp benefits starting in 2025.

For instance, a family of four in the 48 contiguous states will now receive $975, slightly up from $973. Though the increase may seem modest, it is still helpful to households navigating higher prices for groceries and essentials.

Decrease in Hawaii SNAP Benefits

Unlike the rest of the U.S., Hawaii has experienced a reduction in SNAP benefits after the 2025 COLA adjustment. Despite this, the new benefits for many families will still help offset some of the higher living costs in the state.

While families in Hawaii may feel the pinch, the overall benefits adjustment across the country will give most recipients a small financial boost.

Highest SNAP Payments After COLA

In 2025, Alaska will continue to have the highest SNAP payments due to its unique conditions. Alaska’s higher cost of living—caused by increased transportation costs and extreme weather conditions—drives up the price of goods and services. As a result, SNAP benefits in Alaska are significantly higher than in other states.

There are three payment levels in Alaska based on location:

• Urban areas: Families of four may receive up to $1,258.
• Rural 1 areas: Families could get up to $1,693.
• Rural 2 areas: Payments could be as high as $1,953 for the same family size.

Other regions with higher SNAP payments include Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands, although Alaska’s benefits remain the highest.

SNAP Payment Schedule for October 2025

The SNAP payment dates vary depending on the state and the last digit of the recipient’s Social Security number or another identifier.

Some states send payments throughout the month, while others distribute them over a shorter period. Below is the schedule for SNAP payments in October 2025:

State	Payment Dates
Alabama	October 4 to 23
Arizona	October 1 to 13
Arkansas	October 4 to 13
California	October 1 to 10
Colorado	October 1 to 10
Delaware	October 2 to 23
Florida	October 1 to 28
Georgia	October 5 to 23
Idaho	October 1 to 10
Illinois	October 1 to 10
Indiana	October 5 to 23
Iowa	October 1 to 10
Kansas	October 1 to 10
Kentucky	October 1 to 19
Louisiana	October 1 to 23
Maine	October 10 to 14
Maryland	October 4 to 23
Massachusetts	October 1 to 14
Michigan	October 3 to 21
Minnesota	October 4 to 13
Mississippi	October 4 to 21
Missouri	October 1 to 22
Montana	October 2 to 6
Nevada	October 1 to 10
New Mexico	October 1 to 20
New York	October 1 to 9
North Carolina	October 3 to 21
Ohio	October 2 to 20
Oklahoma	October 1 to 10
Oregon	October 1 to 9
Pennsylvania	First 10 business days of October
South Carolina	October 1 to 10
South Dakota	October 10
Tennessee	October 1 to 20
Texas	October 1 to 28
Utah	October 5, 11, 15
Virginia	October 1 to 7
Washington	October 1 to 20
West Virginia	October 1 to 9
Wisconsin	October 1 to 15

For territories:

• Guam: October 1 to 10
• Puerto Rico: October 4 to 22
• District of Columbia: October 1 to 10

Why Payment Dates Matter

Being aware of when your SNAP benefits will arrive is crucial for budgeting, especially for households relying on food stamps to meet their grocery needs.

Each state has its own payment schedule, and missing the correct date can cause confusion. If you’re unsure about your payment date, check with your state’s SNAP office or log into your online account for updates.

The 2025 COLA increase in SNAP benefits is a positive adjustment for most recipients across the United States, although Hawaii will see a reduction.

States with high costs of living, such as Alaska, continue to receive the largest benefits to help families cope with elevated expenses.

If you rely on SNAP benefits, knowing your payment dates and the amount you’ll receive can help with financial planning. Keep in mind the adjustments made to payments and schedule changes to avoid any issues with receiving your benefits on time.

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