The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the upcoming October Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments, including the 2025 Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) increase.
While the COLA boost will be modest, it’s intended to help SNAP recipients keep up with inflation. The distribution schedule varies by state, with some sending payments over several days, while others distribute benefits on a single day.
Payment Dates
Most states distribute SNAP benefits over a range of dates. Below is a breakdown of the payment dates for various states in October. Alaska, Vermont, Rhode Island, and North Dakota, for example, send all payments on a single day, while other states stagger payments.
| State | Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | October 4-23 |
| 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 |
| 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 | First 10 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, and 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 |
Payments
Certain states, including Alabama, California, Florida, and Texas, will be sending SNAP payments of up to $1,756 for larger households. SNAP benefits are calculated based on household size and income. Alaska and Hawaii, due to their higher cost of living, offer larger payments than the contiguous U.S.
Benefits
The amount of SNAP benefits you receive depends on your household size and income. Here are the maximum monthly payments for households in the 48 contiguous states:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Payment |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each additional | +$220 |
These amounts include the small COLA adjustment for 2025, but recipients may not notice a significant increase as food prices remain elevated.
COLA
Starting in October, SNAP payments will reflect the 2025 COLA adjustment. This increase aims to help recipients deal with rising costs, though the boost is modest compared to inflation. The USDA makes these annual adjustments to ensure benefits keep pace with the cost of living, but the increase may not be enough to offset higher grocery prices in many areas.
SNAP Recipients
Your exact payment will depend on your household income and size. While single individuals receive less, larger households of up to eight members can qualify for up to $1,756 per month. Families in Alaska and Hawaii receive even higher benefits due to higher living costs.
Additionally, some states may distribute benefits all at once, while others will spread out payments over several days or weeks. Recipients should check their specific state’s payment schedule to know when to expect their funds.
The upcoming SNAP payments in October will bring a slight boost thanks to the 2025 COLA increase, but with inflation still impacting food costs, many recipients may find the increase insufficient. Be sure to check your state’s payment schedule to know when you’ll receive your benefits.
FAQs
When will I receive my SNAP benefits in October?
Payment dates vary by state, with some distributing benefits throughout the month and others on a single day.
How much will I receive in SNAP benefits?
The amount depends on your household size and income. A family of four can receive up to $975.
Will the 2025 COLA increase impact my SNAP benefits?
Yes, the COLA increase is included, but the boost is relatively small.
Are SNAP benefits higher in states like Alaska and Hawaii?
Yes, due to higher living costs, benefits in these states are higher than in the contiguous U.S.
Can I check my payment schedule online?
Yes, you can check your state’s payment schedule on your state’s SNAP portal or through the USDA website.
