In April, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will roll out another installment of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, aiding low-income individuals and families in accessing nutritious meals. As the overseeing authority, the USDA implements this initiative through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS). However, the payment distribution dates vary across states due to unique methods employed by each.
SNAP’s objective is to bolster the health and well-being of society’s economically disadvantaged segments, simultaneously addressing food insecurity. To qualify for SNAP, households must pass three eligibility criteria related to income, net income, and asset limits.
Types of SNAP Benefits
SNAP benefits are intended to assist low-income individuals and families in purchasing nutritious foods. To qualify, households must meet specific criteria related to:
- Gross Monthly Income: Must be below 130% of the poverty line. For a three-person household in 2024, this means $2,072/month, adjusting for larger households.
- Net Income: The household’s net income, after deductions, must be at least equal to the federal poverty level.
- Asset Limits: Household assets must be $2,750 or less, except if they include a person who is 60 years or older, or disabled, in which case the limit is $4,250.
Maximum SNAP Benefit Allowances (April 2024)
- 1 person: $291
- 2 people: $535
- 3 people: $766
- 4 people: $973
- 5 people: $1,155
- 6 people: $1,386
- 7 people: $1,532
- 8 people: $1,751
- For larger households, additional amounts are provided for each extra member.
SNAP Payment Dates by State (April 2024)
- Alabama: April 4 to 23
- Alaska: April 1
- Arizona: April 1 to 13
- Arkansas: April 4 to 13
- California: April 1 to 10
- Colorado: April 1 to 10
- Connecticut: April 1 to 3
- Delaware: April 2 to 23
- District of Columbia: April 1 to 10
- Florida: April 1 to 28
- Georgia: April 5 to 23
- Guam: April 1 to 10
- Hawaii: April 3 to 5
- Idaho: April 1 to 10
- Illinois: April 1 to 10
- Indiana: April 5 to 23
- Iowa: April 1 to 10
- Kansas: April 1 to 10
- Kentucky: April 1 to 19
- Louisiana: April 1 to 23
- Maine: April 10 to 14
- Maryland: April 4 to 23
- Massachusetts: April 1 to 14
- Michigan: April 3 to 21
- Minnesota: April 4 to 13
- Mississippi: April 4 to 21
- Missouri: April 1 to 22
- Montana: April 2 to 6
- Nebraska: April 1 to 5
- Nevada: April 1 to 10
- New Hampshire: April 5
- New Jersey: April 1 to 5
- New Mexico: April 1 to 20
- New York: April 1 to 9
- North Carolina: April 3 to 21
- North Dakota: April 1
- Ohio: April 2 to 20
- Oklahoma: April 1 to 10
- Oregon: April 1 to 9
- Pennsylvania: April 3 to 14
- Puerto Rico: April 4 to 22
- Rhode Island: April 1
- South Carolina: April 1 to 10
- South Dakota: April 10
- Tennessee: April 1 to 20
- Texas: April 1 to 28
- Utah: April 5, 11, and 15
- Virgin Islands: April 1
- Vermont: April 1
- Virginia: April 1 to 7
- Washington: April 1 to 20
- West Virginia: April 1 to 9
- Wisconsin: April 1 to 15
- Wyoming: April 1 to 4
This variety in payment dates reflects the different distribution methodologies adopted by each state, ensuring that beneficiaries receive their funds efficiently.