Some States will be the first to issue SNAP payments on October 1 with the 2025 COLA boost for eligible recipients. What is more, not all States and U.S. territories send the maximum Food Stamp amounts.
For your information, some States will send all the SNAP payments on a single payday. Therefore, that will be the only possible payday all recipients have. One of them will send the largest benefit payment after the 2025 COLA on October 1, 2024.
Top States for SNAP Benefits: Who Pays the Most and Which Have a Single Payday?
Alaska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Vermont are the States that will only have one payday for all Food Stamp recipients living there. Apart from them, the United States Virgin Islands will only have one payday as well.
Since the 48 contiguous States share the maximum payment amounts or allotments, North Dakota, Rhode Island, and Vermont will not send the largest SNAP checks on October 1, 2024.
In fact, the State of Alaska will be sending up to $3,516 for an eligible household with 8 members living in an area known as Rural 2. If compared to the maximum SNAP amount after the 2025 COLA in the 48 contiguous States, there is a considerable difference. An 8-member family can only receive up to $1,751.
SNAP payments after 2025 COLA starting on October 1, 2024
Here is the full list of paydays for all the States sending money to EBT cards on September 1, but they will have more payment dates.
- Arizona: October 1-13
- California: October 1-10
- Colorado: October 1-10
- Connecticut: October 1-3
- Florida: October 1-28
- Idaho: October 1-10
- Illinois: October 1-10
- Iowa: October 1-10
- Kansas: October 1-10
- Kentucky: October 1-19
- Louisiana: October 1-23
- Massachusetts: October 1-14
- Missouri: October 1-22
- Nebraska: October 1-5
- Nevada: October 1-10
- New Jersey: October 1-5
- New Mexico: October 1-20
- New York: October 1-9
- Oklahoma: October 1-10
- Oregon: October 1-9
- Pennsylvania: Over the first 10 business days
- South Carolina: October 1-10
- Tennessee: October 1-20
- Texas: October 1-28
- Virginia: October 1-7
- Washington: October 1-20
- West Virginia: October 1-9
- Wisconsin: October 1-15
- Wyoming: October 1-4
- Guam & D.C.
- Guam: October 1-10
- The District of Columbia: October 1-10
What are the factors that determine the maximum SNAP benefit amounts in different states and territories?
The main factors that determine the maximum SNAP benefit amounts in different states and territories are:
- Income eligibility standards: Households must meet gross and net income tests, which are based on a percentage of the federal poverty line. These income standards can vary by state.
- Larger households are eligible for higher maximum benefits. For example, in fiscal year 2024, the maximum monthly benefit is $291 for a 1-person household and $766 for a 3-person household in the 48 contiguous states and D.C.
- Cost of living: Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have higher income eligibility standards, maximum benefits, and deduction amounts compared to the 48 contiguous states and D.C. This accounts for the higher cost of living in those areas.
- Deductions: Households can deduct certain expenses from their gross income, such as a portion of shelter and child care costs, to calculate their net income for SNAP purposes. States have some flexibility in applying these deductions.
- Households in programs like TANF or SSI might be “categorically eligible” for SNAP. They then skip the gross income and asset tests. States can extend this eligibility to other qualifying households.
What is the difference in the maximum SNAP benefit amount between Alaska and the 48 contiguous States
The maximum SNAP benefit amounts are higher in Alaska compared to the 48 contiguous states. For the fiscal year 2024 (October 2023 to September 2024):
- For a household size of 1, the maximum benefit is $291 in the 48 states, but $364 in Alaska.
- For a household size of 4, the maximum benefit is $973 in the 48 states, but $1,216 in Alaska.
- For a household size of 8, the maximum benefit is $1,751 in the 48 states, but $2,188 in Alaska.
The differences are starker with the 2025 SNAP benefits (starting October 2024):
- An 8-member household in the 48 contiguous states can receive up to $1,751 maximum.
- However, an 8-member household in certain rural areas of Alaska (Rural 2) can receive up to $3,516, which is the largest maximum benefit across all states and territories.
How the October 1st COLA Will Impact Your Food Stamp Benefits
The cost of living adjustment (COLA) not only impacts retirement benefits, but also the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program SNAP, which provides food stamps via an EBT card. This adjustment, carried out by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), ensures that allocations reflect the rise in living costs, allowing families to maintain a basic standard of living.
Unlike the annual COLA adjustment for retirement benefits, which is announced in October by the Social Security Administration, the SNAP adjustment is made at the beginning of the federal fiscal year, on October 1. This means SNAP beneficiaries see these changes during the current year, whereas increases in retirement benefits apply to the following year.
When and How SNAP Benefits Are Adjusted (COLA)
The USDA annually adjusts SNAP maximum allocations, deductions, and income eligibility standards based on changes in the cost of living. According to official figures, nearly 5 million seniors receive both SNAP and retirement benefits, highlighting the importance of these adjustments for a significant portion of the population.
“We adjust the maximum allocations, deductions, and income eligibility standards for SNAP at the start of each federal fiscal year. The fiscal year begins on October 1. Changes are based on changes in the cost of living. The cost of living is the amount of money needed to maintain a basic standard of living,” explains the USDA on its website.
How does the USDA determine the maximum allotments for SNAP benefits?
The USDA determines the maximum allotments for SNAP benefits through a multi-step process:
- The maximum SNAP allotment is tied to the cost of the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan (TFP). The TFP is the cost of a nutritious diet for low-income households. In August 2021, the USDA updated the TFP, which raised SNAP benefits to help millions of families afford a healthy diet.
- Maximum monthly allotments are set based on household size. For example, in fiscal year 2024, the maximum monthly allotment is $291 for a 1-person household, $535 for 2 people, $766 for 3 people, and $973 for 4 people. Each additional person adds $219 to the maximum allotment.
- To calculate a household’s actual SNAP benefit, the USDA expects families to spend 30% of their net income on food. Households with no net income receive the maximum benefit for their household size.
- For households with net income, the monthly SNAP benefit equals the maximum allotment for that size minus 30% of the net income. Net income is determined by applying various deductions to gross income.
SNAP Benefits and the 2025 COLA: Key Changes That Could Affect Your Eligibility
Income eligibility standards for SNAP are set by law and based on the poverty level. Gross monthly income limits are set at 130% of the poverty level for household size, which means total household income before deductions. On the other hand, net monthly income, which is gross income minus allowable deductions, is set at 100% of the poverty level.
Each year, the USDA announces the COLA and new maximum allocations for SNAP benefits. For example, last year, the 2024 COLA was announced on August 3, so this year’s announcement regarding the 2025 COLA increase and its impact on SNAP benefits is expected at a similar time.
Maximum allocations will increase for the 48 states and DC, Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For this year, the maximum allocation for a family of four in the 48 states and DC was $973, and this amount is expected to increase for the new fiscal year.
For SNAP beneficiaries, these adjustments mean an update in the benefits they receive, in line with the rising cost of living. This is crucial to ensure that families can meet their basic food needs without their purchasing power being eroded by inflation.
When does the USDA announce the COLA adjustments for SNAP benefits?
The USDA usually announces the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) for SNAP benefits in August each year, with the changes taking effect on October 1st, the start of the federal fiscal year.
With the announcement of the 2025 COLA expected in the coming months, SNAP beneficiaries can anticipate an increase in their benefits to help mitigate the effects of inflation. These adjustments are essential to ensure that beneficiaries can maintain a basic standard of living and cover their food needs.
SNAP beneficiaries can prepare for these changes by staying informed through official USDA channels and local assistance offices. Additionally, it is important for beneficiaries to review their benefits and ensure their income and deductions are up-to-date to receive the correct amount of assistance.
- The Social Security Administration announces COLA adjustments for retirement benefits in October. They take effect the following January. SNAP benefits are adjusted at the start of the federal fiscal year on October 1st.
- The USDA adjusts SNAP benefits based on inflation and economic data. This ensures benefits match the real cost of living and keeps purchasing power.
- Each year, when it announces the COLA, the USDA updates the income eligibility standards and deductions based on the poverty level. It also adjusts maximum SNAP allotments.
- The exact COLA increase varies year to year, but is designed to help SNAP benefits keep up with rising living costs. For fiscal year 2024, the maximum allotment for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states and D.C. will be $973.
