The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is vital for millions of Americans, helping them access nutritious food during times of financial need. In these days of high inflation, every dollar counts, and many families closely follow their SNAP benefits to manage their food expenses.
As of September, 26 states have paid out benefits, and 12 have already completed this month’s distribution, but there are some important updates and changes for beneficiaries to keep in mind.
Here’s everything you need to know about SNAP benefits this month, state payment schedules, and upcoming changes that may impact your monthly payments.
Payments
Though SNAP is a federal program, the distribution of benefits is managed by each individual state. This means there’s no national date for when benefits are credited. Instead, states follow their own schedules based on various factors such as the primary beneficiary’s last name or the last digits of their Social Security number.
All recipients receive their SNAP benefits via Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used like a debit card to buy food at approved stores. The amount of benefits is automatically credited to their EBT card monthly, and any unused funds carry over into the following month.
Payment Schedules
As of September, many states have already paid their benefits, while others are still in the process of distributing them. Beneficiaries should note the specific payment schedule for their state to know when they’ll receive their next check. The maximum SNAP benefit for a family of eight in September is $1,751, while a single person can receive up to $291.
Here’s a breakdown of states and their September payment schedules:
| State | Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| Arizona | September 1-13 |
| Arkansas | September 4-13 |
| Minnesota | September 4-13 |
| Massachusetts | September 1-14 |
| Wisconsin | September 1-15 |
| Kentucky | September 1-19 |
| New Mexico | September 1-20 |
| Tennessee | September 1-20 |
| Washington | September 1-20 |
| Missouri | September 1-22 |
| Alabama | September 4-23 |
| Delaware | September 2-23 |
| Louisiana | September 1-23 |
| Maryland | September 4-23 |
| Florida | September 1-28 |
| Texas | September 1-28 |
| Ohio | September 2-20 |
| Michigan | September 3-21 |
| North Carolina | September 3-21 |
| Georgia | September 5-23 |
| Indiana | September 5-23 |
| Maine | September 10-14 |
| Utah | September 11 and 15 |
The following states have already delivered their SNAP payments for September:
| State | Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| New York | September 1-9 |
| Oregon | September 1-9 |
| West Virginia | September 1-9 |
| California | September 1-10 |
| Colorado | September 1-10 |
| Idaho | September 1-10 |
| Illinois | September 1-10 |
| Iowa | September 1-10 |
| Kansas | September 1-10 |
| Nevada | September 1-10 |
| Oklahoma | September 1-10 |
| South Carolina | September 1-10 |
Changes
From October 1, 2024, through September 30, 2025, SNAP benefit amounts will adjust to new federal guidelines. These changes are designed to account for inflation and the increased cost of living. Below is the updated SNAP maximum allotment based on household size:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Allotment (Oct 2024 – Sep 2025) |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $292 |
| 2 persons | $536 |
| 3 persons | $768 |
| 4 persons | $975 |
| 5 persons | $1158 |
| 6 persons | $1390 |
| 7 persons | $1536 |
| 8 persons | $1756 |
| Each additional | $220 |
These adjustments are intended to help low-income families better cope with rising food prices and maintain access to nutritious food.
Benefits
While beneficiaries can expect changes in their SNAP payments, there is another issue that could affect low-income households: SNAP benefit theft. If Congress does not take action by September 30, households whose benefits are stolen through fraud, such as skimming, could lose their compensation. Skimming occurs when criminals steal card information from EBT cards at point-of-sale terminals, leading to unauthorized transactions.
Unlike traditional debit cards, EBT cards do not have embedded microchips or other anti-theft protections like contactless payments, making them more vulnerable to theft. Without Congressional action, families affected by skimming may not be able to recover stolen benefits, which could put many families in financial jeopardy.
A bipartisan push is underway to extend protections for victims of SNAP benefit theft. However, as Congress is focused on preventing a government shutdown before October 1, it’s unclear whether a stand-alone law to protect SNAP recipients will be passed in time.
SNAP benefits continue to be a lifeline for many American families, particularly during times of high inflation. As September comes to an end, beneficiaries should stay informed about their state’s payment schedule and prepare for the upcoming changes to benefit amounts beginning in October.
Additionally, families should be aware of the potential risks to their benefits if no action is taken to protect against SNAP benefit theft. With $61.5 million in stolen benefits from 2023-2024, it’s crucial that Congress addresses the issue to safeguard vulnerable families.
FAQs
How much is the maximum SNAP benefit for a family of eight?
The maximum benefit is $1,751 for a family of eight in September.
When will SNAP benefits increase?
SNAP benefits will adjust starting October 1, 2024.
Which states have already delivered SNAP payments in September?
New York, Oregon, and West Virginia are among the states that have delivered payments.
What is SNAP skimming?
Skimming is the theft of EBT card information, leading to stolen SNAP benefits.
What can beneficiaries do if their SNAP benefits are stolen?
Currently, there are limited protections, but Congress is working on legislation to address this.
