In March, SNAP payments, commonly known as food stamps, will be distributed nationwide to eligible recipients, though not everyone will receive their funds simultaneously. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) disburses monthly allowances to low and no-income households throughout the United States and its territories. The allocated amount varies based on household income and size.
The SNAP benefits federal initiative primarily aims to support vulnerable populations, including senior citizens, individuals with disabilities, and others facing economic challenges, ensuring they have access to sustenance for themselves and their families. Beneficiaries access their funds through an electronic benefit transfer card (EBT), which is accepted at participating stores, allowing them to purchase essential food and beverages.
US States That Start Paying Snap Benefits on March 1st
In March 2024, several U.S. states will initiate the distribution of SNAP benefits at the beginning of the month, March 1st, 2024. These states include the following: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Florida, Guam, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, and Wyoming. These states will provide financial assistance to eligible recipients through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, supporting individuals and families in need.
Furthermore, numerous U.S. states will not commence SNAP benefit payments on the 1st of the month. Instead, they will disburse funds on various dates throughout March. For example, Alabama will issue payments from March 4 to 23, Arkansas from March 4 to 13, Delaware from March 2 to 23, Georgia from March 5 to 23, Maine from March 10 to 14, Maryland from March 4 to 23, Michigan from March 3 to 21, Minnesota from March 4 to 13, Mississippi from March 4 to 21.
Following the list of states issuing SNAP payments, Missouri from March 1 to 22, Montana from March 2 to 6, Nebraska from March 1 to 5, New Hampshire on March 5, North Carolina from March 3 to 21, Ohio from March 2 to 20, and Puerto Rico from March 4 to March 22. These states will distribute SNAP benefits to eligible recipients on varying dates, ensuring support for individuals and families facing economic challenges.
How Much Will I Get in Food Stamps This Year?
For the fiscal year 2024, commencing on October 1, 2023, there has been an increase in the maximum SNAP benefits across all household sizes. The next table explain the maximum monthly SNAP benefits for the fiscal year 2024 based on the size of the household:
- 1 person: $291
- 2 people: $535
- 3 people: $766
- 4 people: $973
- 5 people: $1,155
- 6 people: $1,386
- 7 people: $1,532
- 8 people: $1,751
For each additional household member, there is a potential increase of up to $219 per month, with the minimum allotment set at $23 for an individual. This adjustment aims to provide enhanced financial support to eligible households participating in the SNAP program.
Federal Government Starts New Summer SNAP Program for Kids
The federal government has introduced a new permanent summer food initiative designed for low-income families, replacing a pandemic-era program that faced funding shortages.Under the program, each school-aged child from eligible families will receive $120 for the summer months when schools are closed. Named Summer EBT, which stands for electronic benefits transfer, the initiative involves providing families with a card they can use during the summer to purchase groceries.
This program has been adopted by 35 states, now including D.C., Maryland, and Virginia, benefiting over 20 million school-aged children. However, 15 states have chosen not to participate, leaving around 10 million children without the federal food benefit over the summer.
The reasons for opting out vary among states. Some cite technical challenges and the need to enhance their systems, while others mention political considerations, expressing a reluctance to accept additional federal aid. It’s noted that these states may reconsider and choose to participate at a later time.
In the DMV (District of Columbia, Maryland, and Virginia) region, 1.4 million local children will receive federal food assistance, with states covering the administrative costs. Eligibility for the program is income-based, and any child eligible for SNAP and free or reduced-priced lunches at school qualifies for the Summer EBT program. It’s important to highlight that this program is in addition to existing food stamp and WIC program benefits.