As a new month begins, so does another round of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Commonly known as food stamps, SNAP provides financial support for groceries to low-income households across all 50 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. The benefits are distributed via Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which recipients can use at participating stores.
Payment Schedule
SNAP benefits are disbursed monthly, but the exact payment date depends on where you live. Although SNAP is federally funded, state and local authorities administer the funds, leading to variations in payment dates.
In some states, benefits are allocated based on case numbers, while in others, the schedule depends on the recipient’s last name. For example, California distributes benefits earlier in the month for case numbers ending in “01,” whereas in Delaware, the first letter of the recipient’s last name determines the payment date.
Payment Dates
Here is the schedule for SNAP benefits for September 2024 across each U.S. state and territory:
| State/Territory | Payment Dates (September 2024) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | September 4 to 23 |
| Alaska | September 1 |
| Arizona | September 1 to 13 |
| Arkansas | September 4 to 13 |
| California | September 1 to 10 |
| Colorado | September 1 to 10 |
| Connecticut | September 1 to 3 |
| Delaware | September 2 to 23 |
| District of Columbia | September 1 to 10 |
| Florida | September 1 to 28 |
| Georgia | September 5 to 23 |
| Guam | September 1 to 10 |
| Hawaii | September 3 to 5 |
| Idaho | September 1 to 10 |
| Illinois | September 1 to 20 |
| Indiana | September 5 to 23 |
| Iowa | September 1 to 10 |
| Kansas | September 1 to 10 |
| Kentucky | September 1 to 19 |
| Louisiana | September 1 to 23 |
| Maine | September 10 to 14 |
| Maryland | September 4 to 23 |
| Massachusetts | September 1 to 14 |
| Michigan | September 3 to 21 |
| Minnesota | September 4 to 13 |
| Mississippi | September 4 to 21 |
| Missouri | September 1 to 22 |
| Montana | September 2 to 6 |
| Nebraska | September 1 to 5 |
| Nevada | September 1 to 10 |
| New Hampshire | September 5 |
| New Jersey | September 1 to 5 |
| New Mexico | September 1 to 20 |
| New York | September 1 to 9 |
| North Carolina | September 3 to 21 |
| North Dakota | September 1 |
| Ohio | September 2 to 20 |
| Oklahoma | September 1 to 10 |
| Oregon | September 1 to 9 |
| Pennsylvania | September 3 to 14 |
| Puerto Rico | September 4 to 22 |
| Rhode Island | September 1 |
| South Carolina | September 1 to 19 |
| South Dakota | September 10 |
| Tennessee | September 1 to 20 |
| Texas | September 1 to 28 |
| Utah | September 5, 11, and 15 |
| Virgin Islands | September 1 |
| Vermont | September 1 |
| Virginia | September 1 to 7 |
| Washington | September 1 to 20 |
| West Virginia | September 1 to 9 |
| Wisconsin | September 1 to 15 |
| Wyoming | September 1 to 4 |
Key Takeaways
The disbursement of SNAP benefits varies significantly from state to state. In some states, such as Alaska, Rhode Island, North Dakota, Vermont, and the Virgin Islands, all payments are made on a single day. In contrast, states like Texas and Florida have a more extended range, distributing benefits throughout the month.
Knowing your state’s specific schedule helps ensure you know when to expect your monthly benefits. This is particularly important for planning and budgeting for food and other essentials.
To find out your exact payment date, you can check with your local SNAP office or visit your state’s official social services website.
FAQs
When will SNAP benefits be paid in September 2024?
Payment dates vary by state, ranging from September 1 to 28.
Why are SNAP payments on different dates?
States administer SNAP payments based on factors like case numbers or last names.
Can I receive my SNAP benefits earlier?
No, benefits are distributed according to the state-specific schedule.
How do I check my SNAP payment date?
Visit your state’s social services website or contact your local SNAP office.
Are SNAP benefits issued on weekends or holidays?
Some states may issue benefits on weekends or holidays, depending on their schedule.
