The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a vital resource that helps millions of low-income households across the United States meet their nutritional needs. It provides financial assistance through an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used to purchase food at authorized stores.
While federally funded, the administration and distribution of benefits are handled by each state, resulting in significant variations in payment schedules. Factors such as case numbers, last names, and birth dates often determine when benefits are issued.
According to Marca, understanding these nuances is essential for recipients to plan accordingly for September 2025. Here’s what you need to know.
Payment Schedule for All 50 States
One of the most important aspects of SNAP is the distribution of benefits, which is done on a state-by-state basis. This decentralization means that no two states share the same payment schedule. The payment dates often depend on your case number or the first letter of your last name. Here’s a quick snapshot of how it works:
- Alabama: Payments are distributed from September 4 to 23.
- California: Benefit distribution takes place between September 1 and 10.
- Florida: Recipients will see their funds between September 1 and 28.
- Texas: Expect payments from September 1 to 28.
A more detailed schedule can be accessed for each state, as the distribution process can sometimes span up to 28 days in larger states like Texas and Florida. Beneficiaries need to be aware of these dates to plan their purchases effectively and avoid any issues with funds running out.
Food Stamp Payment Schedule in the 50 States
Here is the full payment schedule for September 2025 across all 50 states:
- Alabama: September 4 to 23
- Alaska: September 1
- Arizona: September 1-13
- Arkansas: September 4-13
- California: September 1-10
- Colorado: September 1 to 10
- Connecticut: September 1-3
- Delaware: September 2 to 23
- District of Columbia: September 1-10
- Florida: September 1 to 28
- Georgia: September 5 to 23
- Guam: September 1-10
- Hawaii: September 3-5
- Idaho: September 1-10
- Illinois: September 1-20
- Indiana: September 5-23
- Iowa: September 1-10
- Kansas: September 1 to 10
- Kentucky: September 1 to 19
- Louisiana: September 1-23
- Maine: September 10-14
- Maryland: September 4-23
- Massachusetts: September 1-14
- Michigan: September 3-21
- Minnesota: September 4-13
- Mississippi: September 4-21
- Missouri: September 1-22
- Montana: September 2-6
- Nebraska: September 1-5
- Nevada: September 1 to 10
- New Hampshire: September 5
- New Jersey: September 1-5
- New Mexico: September 1-20
- New York: September 1-9
- North Carolina: September 3-21
- North Dakota: September 1
- Ohio: September 2-20
- Oklahoma: September 1 to 10
- Oregon: September 1-9
- Pennsylvania: September 3-14
- Puerto Rico: September 4 to 22
- Rhode Island: September 1
- South Carolina: September 1 to 19
- South Dakota: September 10
- Tennessee: September 1-20
- Texas: September 1-28
- Utah: September 5, 11, and 15
- Virgin Islands: September 1
- Vermont: September 1
- Virginia: September 1 to 7
- Washington: September 1 to 20
- West Virginia: September 1-9
- Wisconsin: September 1-15
- Wyoming: September 1-4
What Can You Buy with SNAP Benefits?
While the schedule varies, the items eligible for purchase with SNAP benefits are consistent across the country. Understanding which food items can be bought is essential for recipients to maximize their benefits. Generally, SNAP allows purchases of:
- Fruits and vegetables: These essential items can help families maintain a balanced diet.
- Meat, poultry, and fish: Protein-rich foods are also covered.
- Dairy products: Milk, cheese, and eggs are included.
- Bread and cereals: Staple grains are approved for purchase.
- Snack foods: Including chips, cookies, and other packaged goods.
However, some new restrictions on unhealthy foods have been proposed in certain states starting from 2026. States like Arkansas, Florida, and Texas have already begun considering policies to limit the purchase of sugary snacks and beverages with SNAP funds. These measures aim to encourage healthier eating habits among recipients, although they won’t fully take effect until the following year.
