The Food Stamps benefits are part of the United States Department of Agriculture and the Food and Nutrition Service food assistance program. Despite the fact that they fund SNAP, each State administers it.
In this way, they can adapt it to the reality of each area and send payments when they think it is best. For example, some states prefer to send Food Stamps in just one payday. While others prefer to send it in either a few days or even a few weeks. So, not all SNAP beneficiaries get their money on the same day.
One of the first States to send a one-time payment will be Alaska on December 1. Bear in mind that some states or U.S. territories have higher inflation so they also have larger Food Stamps payments. Alaska is one of them and you can get more money if you live in Rural 1 or Rural 2.
How much money can I get in Alaska from Food Stamps?
The maximum amount of money you can receive in Alaska depends on the area where you live. For example, if you are a single person, you can get $374 (Urban), $477 (Rural 1), $581 (Rural 2). As you can see there is an important difference between those getting SNAP in the city and in the country.
A family of four can get $1,248 (Urban), $1,591 (Rural 1), and $1,937 (Rural 2). The maximum Food Stamps amount for beneficiaries in Alaska is $3,487 (Rural 2), but that is only for an eligible family of 8 who has a very low income and they live in an area called Rural 2.
Families with 3 members can receive up to $1,525 in areas described as Rural 2. Families with just three members living in an urban area can get up to $983 or $1,253 if they live in a Rural 1 area. The average Food Stamps payments have nothing to do with maximum amounts.
So, do not expect such a large payment since you must have other earnings to buy part of your food. Remember that there are also work requirements apart from income tests. On average, the certification period is 8.9 months in Alaska.
Which other states send Food Stamps on a single payday?
North Dakota, Rhode Island, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Vermont also send SNAP checks in just one day, So, if you qualify for Food Stamps you will receive a one-time payment. All of them will send the food assistance money on the first day of the month.
Therefore, get ready to receive your check on December 1, 2023. The U.S. Virgin Islands also have higher payments. For example, a single person can collect up to $375. A family of 2 can get up to $688.
North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Vermont get the same maximum amounts. The maximum amount for those on Food Stamps in the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia is $291 if you are single.
A four-member family can collect a SNAP payment of up to $973. The only possibility to cash up to $1,751 is if you are 8 people living in the same household as well as having a very low income and no resources.
