2025 COLA Increase Raises SNAP Payments – Up to $3,516 in Food Stamps Added to EBT Cards

As the fiscal year 2025 begins on October 1, SNAP recipients across the United States will see an increase in their benefits due to the annual Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA). These adjustments are crucial for ensuring that benefits keep pace with inflation and help families maintain their purchasing power in the face of rising living costs. Here’s what you need to know about the 2025 SNAP benefits, including when you’ll receive them, which states offer the most, and how the COLA impacts your eligibility and benefit amounts.

Payment Schedule

Several states and territories issue SNAP benefits on a single day each month, ensuring that all recipients receive their benefits simultaneously. These states and territories include:

• Alaska
• North Dakota
• Rhode Island
• Vermont
• U.S. Virgin Islands

For recipients in these areas, benefits will be loaded onto their EBT cards on October 1, 2024. Alaska, in particular, will see some of the highest benefit amounts due to its higher cost of living.

Payment Dates

Most states distribute SNAP benefits over a range of dates, typically determined by factors like your Social Security number or case number. Here’s a look at the payment schedules for some of these states:

• Arizona: October 1-13
• California: October 1-10
• Colorado: October 1-10
• Connecticut: October 1-3
• Florida: October 1-28
• Illinois: October 1-10
• Kentucky: October 1-19
• Louisiana: October 1-23
• Missouri: October 1-22
• New York: October 1-9
• Texas: October 1-28
• Washington: October 1-20

These payment schedules ensure that benefits are distributed evenly across the month, providing consistent support to households.

U.S. Territories

• Guam: October 1-10
• District of Columbia: October 1-10

Amounts

SNAP benefits are primarily determined by household income. To qualify, households must meet both gross and net income tests, which are based on a percentage of the federal poverty line. These income standards can vary slightly by state, with higher thresholds in states with a higher cost of living.

Household Size

The maximum benefit amount is also influenced by household size. For example, in the 48 contiguous states and D.C., the maximum monthly benefit for a one-person household is $291, while a household of four can receive up to $973. Larger households are eligible for higher maximum benefits.

Cost of Living

States and territories with higher costs of living, such as Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have higher income eligibility standards and maximum benefits. For instance, an eight-member household in Alaska’s Rural 2 area can receive up to $3,516, compared to $1,751 in the 48 contiguous states.

Deductions

Households can deduct certain expenses from their gross income to determine their net income for SNAP purposes. These deductions can include shelter costs, child care expenses, and medical expenses for elderly or disabled members. States have some flexibility in applying these deductions, which can impact the final benefit amount.

Categorical Eligibility

Households receiving benefits from other assistance programs like TANF or SSI may be categorically eligible for SNAP, meaning they automatically meet certain eligibility criteria. This can simplify the application process and potentially increase the benefits received.

Impact

The USDA adjusts SNAP benefits annually at the start of the federal fiscal year, on October 1, based on changes in the cost of living. This adjustment ensures that the benefits align with current economic conditions and inflation, providing recipients with sufficient funds to meet their basic food needs.

Impact of COLA

The 2025 COLA will result in increased SNAP benefits for most recipients, reflecting the rising cost of living. For example, the maximum monthly benefit for a family of four in the 48 contiguous states will increase from $973 in fiscal year 2024. The exact new maximum allotment will be announced by the USDA, but it is expected to be higher to account for inflation.

Maximum Benefits

• 48 Contiguous States: For fiscal year 2024, the maximum benefit for an eight-member household is $1,751.
• Alaska: For fiscal year 2024, the maximum benefit for an eight-member household in Rural 2 areas is $3,516, the highest in the nation.

These differences highlight the significant variation in SNAP benefits depending on where you live.

Staying Informed

SNAP recipients should stay informed about these changes and ensure their income and deductions are up-to-date to receive the correct amount of benefits. Regularly checking with local assistance offices or official USDA channels can help you stay on top of any updates or changes to the program.

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