Families of four in the U.S. can access up to $975 through the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Once known as food stamps, you might hear different names depending on where you live. For instance, Californians call it CalFresh. Certain states and U.S. territories have higher benefit amounts to help families cope with living costs.
In high-cost areas like Alaska and Hawaii, families can receive more assistance. This helps them maintain their purchasing power compared to those in the 48 contiguous states. The benefits vary based on household size, but here we’ll focus on families of four.
Looking ahead to May 2025, families in Guam can receive as much as $1,437 if they qualify for full benefits. This amount is $462 higher than what families in the lower 48 states can receive. However, for Alaska and Hawaii, payments will be distributed later in June.
In Alaska, a family of four can receive amounts ranging from $586 in rural areas to $377 in urban locations. Hawaii offers benefits up to $1,357.
Speaking of upcoming payments, Virginia will be the last state to distribute SNAP benefits for May, with a final payday on May 7. In Virginia, the payment schedule is based on the last digit of the recipient’s case number, specifically for numbers ending in 6-9.
The payment timeline for other states in May is as follows:
- Alabama: May 4 to 23
- Florida: May 1 to 28
- Ohio: May 2 to 20
- Texas: May 1 to 28
According to recent data, about 41 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, making it a vital support system for families facing food insecurity. In a 2022 report, the USDA noted that SNAP lifted 4.2 million people out of poverty. This highlights its importance in helping families meet their basic needs.
It’s important to note that SNAP benefits can coexist with Social Security retirement or Disability Insurance. If you know someone struggling with food insecurity, consider guiding them through the process of applying for SNAP. It’s a crucial step that can lead to essential support.
For more in-depth information, you can visit the USDA’s official SNAP page here.