The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, is a lifeline for millions of Americans.
With the rising cost of living and inflation, many people rely on this benefit to help cover their grocery bills. Big changes are coming to the SNAP program in 2025, and it’s important to stay informed about how these updates might affect you and your family.
In this article, we’ll explain what SNAP is, the upcoming changes due to the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA), and how you can prepare for these changes to ensure you’re getting the most out of your benefits.
What is SNAP?
SNAP is a government program that helps low-income individuals and families buy the food they need to stay healthy. Each month, eligible participants receive funds on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which they can use to buy food at participating stores.
For many, SNAP benefits make a big difference, allowing them to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and other essential groceries.
The Impact of Inflation on SNAP
In recent years, inflation has caused the price of groceries to rise sharply, which means that SNAP benefits don’t stretch as far as they used to.
To help offset the rising cost of living, SNAP benefits are adjusted each year through the Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). This adjustment increases the amount of money recipients receive to help cover the cost of inflation.
2025 COLA for SNAP Benefits
The upcoming 2025 COLA adjustment will take effect on October 1st, 2025, and will likely result in a significant increase in SNAP benefits. While the exact percentage increase hasn’t been announced yet, it’s expected to be larger than in previous years due to high inflation rates.
For instance, the current maximum benefit per family member is $291. By 2025, this amount is expected to rise, although the exact amount will depend on federal calculations. This adjustment is crucial for helping low-income families afford the rising cost of groceries and ensuring they can put nutritious food on the table.
When Will the Changes Take Place?
The 2025 COLA increase will start affecting benefits on October 1st, 2025. Unlike other federal programs like Social Security, which often see COLA adjustments at the start of the year, SNAP’s adjustment happens earlier to address immediate needs caused by inflation.
This means that by the time September 2024 payments have been issued, recipients can expect an increase in their benefits starting in October.
What You Need to Do?
If you receive SNAP benefits, you don’t need to do anything to receive the COLA increase. Your benefits will automatically adjust based on the new COLA amount starting in October 2025.
However, it’s always a good idea to stay informed by checking with your local USDA office or accessing your EBT account online to make sure everything is in order.
If you have questions about your specific benefit amount or how to maximize your benefits, your local SNAP office can provide additional information.
Upcoming SNAP Payments for September 2024
While we wait for the 2025 COLA increase, it’s important to know when your September 2024 SNAP payments will be distributed. Different states have different schedules for when they deposit SNAP benefits. Here’s a table outlining the payment dates for each state in September 2024:
| State | September Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Sept 4 – 23 |
| Alaska | Sept 1 |
| Arizona | Sept 1 – 13 |
| Arkansas | Sept 4 – 13 |
| California | Sept 1 – 10 |
| Colorado | Sept 1 – 10 |
| Connecticut | Sept 1 – 3 |
| Delaware | Sept 2 – 23 |
| Florida | Sept 1 – 28 |
| Georgia | Sept 5 – 23 |
| Hawaii | Sept 3 – 5 |
| Illinois | Sept 1 – 10 |
| Indiana | Sept 5 – 23 |
| Iowa | Sept 1 – 10 |
| Kansas | Sept 1 – 10 |
| Kentucky | Sept 1 – 19 |
| Louisiana | Sept 1 – 23 |
| Maine | Sept 10 – 14 |
| Maryland | Sept 4 – 23 |
| Massachusetts | Sept 1 – 14 |
| Michigan | Sept 3 – 21 |
| Minnesota | Sept 4 – 13 |
| Mississippi | Sept 4 – 21 |
| Missouri | Sept 1 – 22 |
| Nebraska | Sept 1 – 5 |
| New York | Sept 1 – 9 |
| North Carolina | Sept 3 – 21 |
| Ohio | Sept 2 – 20 |
| Oklahoma | Sept 1 – 10 |
| Texas | Sept 1 – 28 |
| Utah | Sept 5, 11, 15 |
| Virginia | Sept 1 – 7 |
| Washington | Sept 1 – 20 |
| Wisconsin | Sept 1 – 15 |
Be sure to check your specific state’s payment date to know when you’ll receive your benefits.
Related:
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Conclusion
The SNAP program is set to undergo important changes in 2025, with the COLA adjustment providing much-needed relief to millions of Americans dealing with the rising cost of groceries. While the exact increase in benefits is yet to be determined, you can rest assured that the federal government is taking steps to ensure that your benefits reflect the realities of inflation.
Stay informed about these changes and make sure you’re ready for the upcoming adjustments in October 2025.