SNAP Payments Starting October 4 in These States – Food Stamp Checks Worth Up to $1,756

SNAP benefits, commonly referred to as Food Stamps, are a crucial lifeline for millions of low-income families in the U.S., helping them purchase food and essential items. As we enter October 2024, many states have already begun distributing SNAP payments, while others will begin on October 4th. According to the USDA and the Food and Nutrition Service, five states will start sending out their benefits on October 4.

These states include Alabama, Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, and Mississippi. Here’s what you need to know about eligibility, payment schedules, and how to check when your benefits will arrive.

SNAP Payments

In Alabama, Food Stamps will be distributed between October 4th and October 23rd. The exact day you receive your benefits depends on the last two digits of your SNAP case number. For example, if your case number ends in 00-04, your benefits will be loaded onto your EBT card on October 4.

Similarly, Arkansas will send out benefits from October 4th to October 13th. However, in this state, the distribution schedule is based on the last digit of your Social Security Number (SSN). If your SSN ends in 0 or 1, expect to receive your SNAP benefits on October 4.

State	SNAP Delivery Dates	How Payments Are Distributed
Alabama	October 4 – October 23	Last two digits of SNAP case number
Arkansas	October 4 – October 13	Last digit of Social Security Number

Benefit Amounts

With the upcoming 2025 COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment) increase, the maximum SNAP benefits for individuals and families have risen. Here’s a look at the maximum amounts that households can receive:

• Individuals: Up to $292
• Families of Four: Up to $975
• Families of Eight: Up to $1,756

These benefit amounts are the same across the 48 contiguous states. Remember, these figures reflect the maximum allotments and may vary based on your income and household situation.

Payments

If you’re in Maryland, SNAP benefits will be distributed between October 4th and October 23rd. Payment dates are determined by the first three letters of your last name. For instance, if your last name begins with letters between AAA and BAO, your benefits will be available on October 4.

In Minnesota, SNAP benefits will be distributed based on the last digit of your case number. If your case number ends in 4, you’ll receive your payment on October 4. Case numbers ending in other digits will receive their benefits later in the month.

For residents of Mississippi, SNAP payments will be sent between October 4th and October 21st. Just like in Alabama, benefits are based on the last two digits of your case number. If yours ends in 00-04, your benefits will be available on October 4.

State	SNAP Delivery Dates	How Payments Are Distributed
Maryland	October 4 – October 23	First three letters of your last name
Minnesota	October 4, 10, 11	Last digit of case number
Mississippi	October 4 – October 21	Last two digits of case number

How to Check

If you’re unsure when your benefits will arrive or how much you’ll receive, you can check your EBT card balance through several methods:

• EBT Customer Service: Call the number on the back of your card for up-to-date information.
• EBT Card Website: Log into your state’s EBT website or app to view your account details.
• Retail Store Receipt: Your remaining balance will appear on the receipt after any EBT card purchase.

As October rolls in, millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits to help meet their food needs. If you live in Alabama, Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, or Mississippi, be sure to check the distribution schedule based on your case number or SSN to know when your benefits will arrive. SNAP is an essential program, especially during times of economic hardship, and these timely payments can make a significant difference for families in need.

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