Millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients may receive their Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) payments this week. These funds provide essential assistance to families and individuals, helping them purchase groceries and maintain a healthy diet. To ensure you’re prepared, it’s important to know your state’s unique SNAP payment schedule and eligibility criteria.
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Why It Matters
SNAP benefits are a lifeline for over 40 million Americans, enabling access to nutritious food each month. However, the timing of these payments can impact a household’s ability to budget effectively, especially when stretching funds between pay periods. Knowing when your benefits will be issued allows better financial planning and ensures groceries are available when needed.
Payment Schedules
Each state has its own rules for distributing SNAP benefits. Below is an overview of the payment schedules for several states this week.
Alabama
SNAP payments depend on the last two digits of the case number:
- 65-69: January 17
- 70-74: January 18
- 75-79: January 19
- 80-84: January 20
- 85-89: January 21
- 90-94: January 22
- 95-99: January 23
Delaware
Benefits are issued based on the first letter of the recipient’s last name:
- P: January 17
- Q, R: January 18
- S: January 19
- T: January 20
- U, V: January 21
- W: January 22
- X, Y, Z: January 23
Florida
Florida uses the 9th and 8th digits of the case number:
- 58-60: January 17
- 61-64: January 18
- 65-67: January 19
- 68-71: January 20
- 72-74: January 21
- 75-78: January 22
- 79-81: January 23
Georgia
Payments are determined by the last two digits of the case number:
- 60-69: January 17
- 70-79: January 19
- 80-89: January 21
- 90-99: January 23
Indiana
Indiana bases its payment schedule on the first letter of the last name:
- O, P, Q, R: January 17
- S: January 19
- T, U, V: January 21
- W, X, Y, Z: January 23
Louisiana
Payments are based on the last digit of the Social Security number:
- 6: January 17
- 7: January 19
- 8: January 21
- 9: January 23
Maryland
Maryland issues payments based on the first three letters of the recipient’s last name:
- NEG-PGZ: January 17
- PHA-RIC: January 18
- RID-SDZ: January 19
- SEA-STC: January 20
- STD-TRA: January 21
Texas
Payments depend on the last two digits of the eligibility determination group (EDG) number:
- 04-06: January 17
- 07-10: January 18
- 11-13: January 19
- 14-17: January 20
Additional States
Many other states, including Kentucky, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, and Tennessee, follow similar case number or last name schedules. Recipients are encouraged to check with their state’s SNAP office for exact payment dates.
What’s Next
Starting in January, the maximum monthly benefit for an individual increased by $1, from $291 to $292. A household of four saw a $2 increase, bringing the total to $975. While these changes may seem minor, they offer additional support for families facing rising grocery costs.
SNAP recipients should also anticipate their February benefits, as most states issue payments earlier in the month. Stay informed about your payment schedule to ensure timely access to your funds.
FAQs
How are SNAP payments scheduled?
Schedules vary by state, using case numbers or last names.
What is the new maximum SNAP benefit?
It is now $292 for individuals and $975 for a family of four.
When will Alabama SNAP recipients get paid?
Payments depend on case numbers ending in 65-99 between Jan. 17-23.
Does Texas issue SNAP payments weekly?
No, Texas distributes payments based on EDG numbers throughout the month.
Are SNAP payment schedules the same in all states?
No, each state sets its own schedule and criteria.
