The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital source of financial support to millions of low-income men, women and families across the US. The delivery of SNAP benefits is done on a monthly basis but the payment timetable is different from one state to another – some states pay out their benefits in the beginning of the month while others distribute the payment later in the month.
In case you are concerned whether your state will be issuing SNAP benefits from October 14 to October 20, here are the important facts.
How SNAP payments work
SNAP benefits are provided through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, similar to debit cards. The amount of benefits loaded onto the card depends on household size, income, and other factors. Benefits can be used to purchase eligible food items at participating retailers nationwide. Each state manages its own SNAP distribution schedule, so recipients may get their benefits on different dates depending on where they live.
How are SNAP payment dates decided?
You may wonder how states decide when to send out SNAP payments. Each state follows a unique schedule, often based on factors like your case number or the first letter of your last name. These schedules ensure that everyone does not receive payments at the same time, helping to manage the system more efficiently.
If you want to know the exact day you’ll receive your SNAP benefits, it’s a good idea to check your state’s distribution calendar or contact your local SNAP office.
What can you buy with SNAP?
SNAP benefits are intended to help you purchase essential groceries. However, it’s important to remember that you cannot use SNAP benefits to buy non-food items like alcohol, tobacco, household supplies, or vitamins. Eligible food purchases include:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snacks
- Seeds and plants to grow food
Which states are distributing SNAP benefits between October 14 and October 20?
If you reside in any of the following states, here are the dates during which SNAP benefits are being issued this week:
- Delaware: October 14 – 23
- Florida: October 14 – 28
- Georgia: October 14 – 23p
- Illinois: October 14 – 20
- Indiana: October 14–23
- Kentucky: October 14 – 19
- Louisiana: October 14 – 23
- Maryland: October 14 – 23
- Michigan: October 14 – 21
- Mississippi: October 14 – 21
- Missouri: October 14 – 22
- North Carolina: October 14 – 21
- Ohio: October 14 – 20
- Tennessee: October 14 – 20
- Texas: October 14 – 28
- Washington: October 14 – 20
These dates represent ongoing distributions in some states, while others start or finish their payments within the specified period.
What to do if you have not received your benefits
If your SNAP benefits are not loaded onto your EBT card by the expected date, it’s important to check for any delays in your state. Delays can happen for several reasons, including public holidays or processing issues. You can usually check the status of your benefits through your state’s SNAP website or by contacting your local SNAP office.
