The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has announced the October 2024 payment dates for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, commonly known as food stamps. Payments will start on October 1 and include a Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). However, residents of Hawaii will see a reduction in their benefits compared to other states.
Millions of Americans depend on SNAP benefits, and payment schedules vary by state. In this article, we’ll explore the key details, including payment dates, maximum benefit amounts, and state-specific schedules.
Payment Dates
SNAP benefits for October 2024 will begin rolling out on October 1. Some states will deliver benefits to recipients’ Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards on that day, while others have staggered schedules. Payment delivery could take as long as 28 days in states like Florida and Texas.
Here’s a breakdown of the payment schedule for each state:
| State | Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | October 4-23 |
| Alaska | October 1 |
| Arizona | October 1-13 |
| Arkansas | October 4-13 |
| California | October 1-10 |
| Colorado | October 1-10 |
| Connecticut | October 1-3 |
| Delaware | October 2-23 |
| Florida | October 1-28 |
| Georgia | October 5-23 |
| Hawaii | October 3-5 |
| Idaho | October 1-10 |
| Illinois | October 1-10 |
| Indiana | October 5-23 |
| Iowa | October 1-10 |
| Kansas | October 1-10 |
| Kentucky | October 1-19 |
| Louisiana | October 1-23 |
| Maine | October 10-14 |
| Maryland | October 4-23 |
| Massachusetts | October 1-14 |
| Michigan | October 3-21 |
| Minnesota | October 4-13 |
| Mississippi | October 4-21 |
| Missouri | October 1-22 |
| Montana | October 2-6 |
| Nebraska | October 1-5 |
| Nevada | October 1-10 |
| New Hampshire | October 5 |
| New Jersey | October 1-5 |
| New Mexico | October 1-20 |
| New York | October 1-9 |
| North Carolina | October 3-21 |
| North Dakota | October 1 |
| Ohio | October 2-20 |
| Oklahoma | October 1-10 |
| Oregon | October 1-9 |
| Pennsylvania | Over the first ten business days |
| Rhode Island | October 1 |
| South Carolina | October 1-10 |
| South Dakota | October 10 |
| Tennessee | October 1-20 |
| Texas | October 1-28 |
| Utah | October 5, 11, 15 |
| Vermont | October 1 |
| Virginia | October 1-7 |
| Washington | October 1-20 |
| West Virginia | October 1-9 |
| Wisconsin | October 1-15 |
| Wyoming | October 1-4 |
| Guam | October 1-10 |
| Puerto Rico | October 4-22 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | October 1 |
| Washington, D.C. | October 1-10 |
In states like Alaska, Vermont, Rhode Island, and North Dakota, all payments will be issued on October 1, regardless of Social Security number, case number, or the first letter of your last name. In states like California, recipients need to check the last digit of their case number to know when they will receive their benefits.
Amounts
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive depends on your household size and income. The larger your household, the higher your benefit amount. Below are the maximum monthly SNAP payments for October 2024 in the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C. Benefits are higher in Alaska due to the higher cost of living.
| Household Size | Maximum Payment (Contiguous States) | Maximum Payment (Alaska) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 member | $292 | $459 – $586 |
| 2 members | $536 | $840 – $1,070 |
| 3 members | $768 | $1,208 – $1,538 |
| 4 members | $975 | $1,529 – $1,944 |
| 5 members | $1,158 | $1,815 – $2,306 |
| 6 members | $1,390 | $2,177 – $2,764 |
| 7 members | $1,536 | $2,399 – $3,047 |
| 8 members | $1,756 | $2,743 – $3,516 |
For households with more than eight members, an additional $220 per person will be added to the maximum benefit. In Alaska, the additional amount per person ranges from $344 to $439, depending on the part of the state where the recipient lives.
COLA
The Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) is applied to SNAP benefits each year to account for inflation and rising living costs. For October 2024, COLA will be reflected in your SNAP benefits, meaning you should see a slight increase in your monthly payment. However, residents of Hawaii will notice a decrease in benefits due to adjustments based on local economic factors.
Final Thoughts
October 2024 SNAP benefits will be distributed according to your state’s payment schedule, with some states issuing all benefits on October 1 and others spreading payments out over the month. Maximum benefit amounts are determined by household size and geographic location, and COLA adjustments are included for most recipients, except in Hawaii.
If you’re unsure about your payment date or need to check your benefit amount, it’s a good idea to monitor your EBT card balance or reach out to your state’s SNAP office for more information.
FAQs
When will my October SNAP benefits arrive?
SNAP payments begin on October 1, but payment dates vary by state.
What is the maximum SNAP benefit for one person?
The maximum payment is $292 for one person in the contiguous U.S.
Will COLA increase SNAP payments in October 2024?
Yes, COLA adjustments are included, except for residents in Hawaii.
How much can a family of four receive in SNAP benefits?
A family of four can receive up to $975 in the contiguous U.S.
Does my state issue SNAP payments on the same day each month?
No, states have different payment schedules that may vary each month.
