The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which will take effect starting October 1, 2024.
The increase is set for the 48 contiguous States, the District of Columbia, Guam, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Alaska. However, Hawaii will be the only state to experience a reduction in benefits due to changes in its cost of living.
Maximum SNAP Amounts After the 2025 COLA Increase
SNAP recipients in the eligible regions will begin to see a slight boost in their Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card payments as of October 1, 2024.
While the COLA increase is modest, it still provides some relief to low-income households across the country. Those in Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands will receive higher benefits due to the higher living costs in those areas.
What to Expect from the 2025 COLA Increase
While the increase may be small, it will still offer some assistance to recipients facing rising costs. However, beneficiaries in Hawaii will see a reduction in SNAP benefits due to a lower cost of living adjustment for that state.
SNAP Payment Schedule for October 2024
The payment dates for SNAP benefits vary depending on the state or territory. Some areas send all payments on October 1, while others distribute benefits throughout the month. Below is a breakdown of when states and territories will distribute payments in October 2024.
Payment Dates by State:
- Alabama: October 4-23
- Alaska: October 1
- 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
- Hawaii: October 3-5
- 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: Over the first 10 business days
- 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, and 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
Territories:
- Guam: October 1-10
- Puerto Rico: October 4-22
- District of Columbia: October 1-10
- U.S. Virgin Islands: October 1
Understanding the Changes
While the COLA increase may not seem dramatic, it ensures that SNAP benefits keep pace with inflation, helping recipients cover food and basic needs.
The adjustment happens yearly and is crucial for ensuring that families continue to receive sufficient support as the cost of living rises.
Hawaii’s SNAP Benefit Reduction
Unfortunately, Hawaii is the only state where SNAP recipients will face a reduction in their benefits, as the state’s cost of living has adjusted downward.
While this may cause some financial strain, it reflects the USDA’s assessment of local economic conditions.
The 2025 COLA increase for SNAP benefits will provide much-needed support to low-income households, starting from October 1, 2024. By knowing the exact payment schedule for your state or territory, you can plan your budget accordingly and ensure you receive the correct amount each month.
FAQs
When will the SNAP COLA increase take effect?
The 2025 COLA increase for SNAP will take effect on October 1, 2024.
Which states will see higher SNAP benefits?
The 48 contiguous States, District of Columbia, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Alaska will see higher benefits due to the 2025 COLA increase.
Why is Hawaii seeing a reduction in SNAP benefits?
Hawaii’s cost of living has decreased, so SNAP benefits will be reduced in the state as part of the 2025 COLA adjustment.
How are SNAP payments distributed?
SNAP payments are distributed based on each state or territory’s schedule. Some states distribute payments on October 1, while others, like Florida and Texas, distribute benefits over the course of the month.
What is the purpose of the COLA increase for SNAP benefits?
The COLA increase ensures that SNAP benefits keep up with inflation, allowing recipients to continue affording basic needs like food.
