October is just around the corner, and for millions of Americans relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, that means their Food Stamps are about to arrive. This month, payments will include the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) boost, helping families combat inflation. While the majority of states will see the increase, residents of Hawaii will notice a reduction due to unique state adjustments.
If you’re wondering when your benefits will arrive in October, the timing depends on the state you live in. Some states distribute funds on the first day of the month, while others spread payments out over a longer period.
Schedule
Your state’s payment schedule depends on different factors such as case number, Social Security Number, or the first letter of your last name. Some states, like Alaska, send SNAP benefits to all recipients on October 1st, while others follow a more staggered schedule.
States Delivering SNAP Payments:
- Alaska
- Vermont
- Rhode Island
- North Dakota
Recipients in these states will receive their benefits without considering factors like Social Security numbers or case numbers. If you live in these states, your funds will hit your EBT card on October 1st.
Staggered Payment Schedules
If you live in other states, the payment timing might vary. Here’s a list of some states with more extended delivery windows:
- Alabama: October 4-23
- California: October 1-10
- Florida: October 1-28
- Texas: October 1-28
- Georgia: October 5-23
- New York: October 1-9
- Missouri: October 1-22
- Ohio: October 2-20
- Michigan: October 3-21
- Hawaii: October 3-5
Most states distribute benefits based on the last digit of your case number, but this can vary. For instance, California delivers benefits over a ten-day window, with those whose case numbers end in “1” receiving funds on October 1.
Payment by State (Examples)
| State | Delivery Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | October 4-23 |
| California | October 1-10 |
| Florida | October 1-28 |
| Texas | October 1-28 |
| New York | October 1-9 |
| Ohio | October 2-20 |
| Michigan | October 3-21 |
SNAP Benefit Amounts
The amount of SNAP benefits a household receives varies based on the size of the family. Larger households receive more aid, but each state has slightly different maximum payment amounts due to cost of living variations.
For the 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., the maximum monthly amounts are:
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,751 |
In Alaska, due to higher living costs, the maximum for a household of eight can go up to $3,516. If you have a family of more than eight, an additional amount will be provided for each extra member. The exact amount you receive also depends on your income, expenses, and other personal factors.
COLA Boost for 2024
SNAP benefits are annually adjusted to reflect changes in the cost of living, which is known as the COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). This adjustment ensures that benefits keep up with inflation and help families maintain purchasing power as prices rise.
In October 2024, the COLA increase will be included in SNAP payments, meaning recipients can expect to see slightly higher amounts than previous months. Keep in mind that Hawaii residents will receive reduced benefits due to a specific state modification.
October brings both relief and support for millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits. As these payments begin to roll out, it’s important to check your state’s schedule so you know exactly when to expect your funds.
FAQs
When will I receive my October SNAP benefits?
It depends on your state, but many will begin issuing payments on October 1.
Does the COLA increase apply to all states?
Yes, all states will apply the COLA boost, except for Hawaii, where benefits will be slightly reduced.
How much will my family receive in October?
Your payment depends on household size and income. Maximums range from $292 for one person to $1,751 for a family of eight.
Do I need to know my case number to receive benefits?
In some states like California, yes. Check your state’s rules for specifics.
Can I check the exact payment schedule for my state?
Yes, your state’s human services department or USDA website will have the payment schedule.
