SNAP Alert – Upcoming $973 Check for 4-Member Families on Food Stamps

If you’re a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) beneficiary, your September payment might still be on its way. SNAP, previously known as Food Stamps, provides essential financial support to help families purchase food, with payments being delivered to EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards throughout the month.

As of September 2024, many states have already completed their distributions, but there are still 39 states and territories continuing to send out benefits. Whether you’re a family of four or a smaller household, you can check the upcoming payment schedule to know when to expect your money.

SNAP Payment Schedule

Here are the dates for SNAP benefits, organized by state, for September 2024:

Territories like Guam, Puerto Rico, and the District of Columbia also have their respective payment schedules:

Maximum SNAP Amount

If you’re a family of four living in one of the 48 contiguous states or the District of Columbia, you can receive up to $973 in SNAP benefits. This is the maximum allotment for families of this size in 2024. However, not all families qualify for the full amount, as payments depend on factors like income and household size.

On average, a family of four typically receives around $713 per month, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP). Larger families, such as those with eight members, may qualify for as much as $1,751 in benefits.

SNAP Benefits

SNAP benefits aren’t the same for every family. Several factors play into how much assistance your household will receive:

• Income Limits: To qualify for SNAP, households must meet specific income tests. Your gross monthly income must be below 130% of the federal poverty line, while your net income, after deductions, should be under 100% of the poverty line.
• Assets: Households without an elderly or disabled member must have assets below $2,750, while those with an elderly or disabled member have a limit of $4,250.
• Deductions: Several deductions help calculate your net income, which determines your SNAP benefits. These include:
  • Standard deduction: $193 for households of 1-3 members (FY 2024).
  • Earned income deduction: 20% of earnings.
  • Dependent care deduction: For childcare expenses.
  • Medical expense deduction: For the elderly or disabled with high medical costs.
  • Child support deduction: If you’re paying legally obligated child support.
  • Excess shelter cost deduction: For households with high housing costs.

Thrifty Food Plan

SNAP benefits are designed based on the USDA’s Thrifty Food Plan, which calculates the cost of nutritious food for different household sizes. For FY 2024, the maximum SNAP benefits range from $291 for a single person to $1,751 for a family of eight. The program expects families to contribute 30% of their net income toward food, with the benefit making up the difference.

How to Check

If you’re unsure when your state or territory will send out your SNAP benefits, you can visit the USDA’s official website at USDA Monthly Issuance Schedule. This tool lets you check the specific dates for SNAP payments based on your location.

Remember, SNAP benefits play a vital role in helping families afford nutritious food, especially during tough times. If you’re not already enrolled and need additional financial help with food costs, it’s always worth applying to avoid food insecurity.

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