As September approaches, many Floridians reliant on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) are looking to find out when their benefits will be disbursed. SNAP, commonly known as food stamps, is a federal program administered by individual states to assist low-income households. In Florida, the program is managed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF), which issues benefits through the Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) system.
When to expect SNAP payments in September
In Florida, SNAP benefits are sent out from the 1st to the 28th of every month, based on the 9th and 8th digits of your Florida case number, dropping the 10th digit.
If your:
| Case number’s 9th and 8th digits are | Benefits available |
| 00-03 | 1st of the month |
| 04-06 | 2nd of the month |
| 07-10 | 3rd of the month |
| 11-13 | 4th of the month |
| 14-17 | 5th of the month |
| 18-20 | 6th of the month |
| 21-24 | 7th of the month |
| 25-27 | 8th of the month |
| 28-31 | 9th of the month |
| 32-34 | 10th of the month |
| 35-38 | 11th of the month |
| 39-41 | 12th of the month |
| 42-45 | 13th of the month |
| 46-48 | 14th of the month |
| 49-53 | 15th of the month |
| 54-57 | 16th of the month |
| 58-60 | 17th of the month |
| 61-64 | 18th of the month |
| 65-67 | 19th of the month |
| 68-71 | 20th of the month |
| 72-74 | 21st of the month |
| 75-78 | 22nd of the month |
| 79-81 | 23rd of the month |
| 82-85 | 24th of the month |
| 86-88 | 25th of the month |
| 89-92 | 26th of the month |
| 93-95 | 27th of the month |
| 96-99 | 28th of the month |
Florida’s SNAP eligibility criteria
To qualify for SNAP benefits in Florida, applicants must meet specific criteria set by both federal and state guidelines. The following are the key eligibility requirements:
- Residency: Applicants must be residents of Florida.
- Identity: Applicants must provide proof of their identity.
- Income: Households must meet income guidelines that are adjusted annually. For 2024, the gross monthly income limit for a household of one is $1,580, while for a household of four, it is $3,252. The net monthly income, which is the household’s income after deductions, must be at or below the poverty line.
- Deductions: Some household expenses may be subtracted from the total monthly income in the food assistance budget. The budget may subtract for shelter expenses, dependent care, medical expenses, child support paid, utility deductions, and earned income deductions.
- Resources: Households must have resources (assets such as savings and checking accounts) below $2,750. For households with an elderly or disabled member, the resource limit is $4,250. Not all assets are counted; for instance, the primary home and retirement accounts are generally excluded.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults between the ages of 18 and 49 without dependents are required to work or participate in a work program for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits for more than three months in 36 months.
- Citizenship: Applicants must be U.S. citizens or legal non-citizens. Undocumented immigrants are not eligible for SNAP, but eligible household members can receive benefits on behalf of ineligible members.
- SSN: Individuals must provide a Social Security Number or proof they have applied for one.
- Child Support Cooperation: Certain individuals must cooperate with the state’s child support enforcement agency to prove a child’s legal relationship with their parent and to get the court to order child support payments.
- Reporting Changes: Households must report when their total monthly gross income exceeds 130% of the Federal Poverty Level for their household size and when the work hours of able-bodied adults fall below 80 hours per month. The household must report these changes within 10 days after the end of the month of the change.
How to apply for SNAP in Florida
Florida residents who believe they qualify for SNAP can apply online through the ACCESS Florida system. The application process requires applicants to provide proof of identity, residency, income, and expenses. After applying, applicants may be asked to complete an interview, which can be conducted over the phone or in person.
Once approved, recipients will receive an EBT card, which functions like a debit card and can be used at authorized grocery stores and retailers to purchase eligible food items.
What to do if you experience issues
If any issues arise with your SNAP benefits or EBT card, it is crucial to address them immediately to avoid delays in receiving your food assistance. Common issues include lost or stolen cards, incorrect benefit amounts, or difficulties with accessing benefits. In such cases, beneficiaries should contact the EBT Customer Service or visit the DCF website for guidance.
If you miss your payment or encounter issues with your EBT card, you can contact Florida’s EBT Customer Service at 1-888-356-3281 or visit My Florida Families for further assistance.
