If you’re a family of five and qualify for SNAP benefits, you could receive up to $1,158 in monthly assistance if you meet all requirements and receive the full amount. However, most families of this size typically receive an average of $845. SNAP provides essential support for families facing financial challenges, allowing them to buy nutritious food. Here’s what you need to know about payment schedules, eligibility criteria, and maximum benefit amounts for November 2024.
SNAP Payment Schedule
SNAP payment dates vary depending on the state, district, or U.S. territory you reside in. Some states issue SNAP benefits on a single day, while others distribute payments throughout the month. Below is a breakdown of SNAP payment dates for November 2024.
| State/Territory | SNAP Payment Dates (November 2024) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | November 4 to 23 |
| Alaska | November 1 |
| Arizona | November 1 to 13 |
| Arkansas | November 4 to 13 |
| California | November 1 to 10 |
| Colorado | November 1 to 10 |
| Connecticut | November 1 to 3 |
| Delaware | November 2 to 23 |
| Florida | November 1 to 28 |
| Georgia | November 5 to 23 |
| Hawaii | November 3 to 5 |
| Idaho | November 1 to 10 |
| Illinois | November 1 to 10 |
| Indiana | November 5 to 23 |
| Iowa | November 1 to 10 |
| Kansas | November 1 to 10 |
| Kentucky | November 1 to 19 |
| Louisiana | November 1 to 23 |
| Maine | November 10 to 14 |
| Maryland | November 4 to 23 |
| Massachusetts | November 1 to 14 |
| Michigan | November 3 to 21 |
| Minnesota | November 4 to 13 |
| Mississippi | November 4 to 21 |
| Missouri | November 1 to 22 |
| Montana | November 2 to 6 |
| Nebraska | November 1 to 5 |
| Nevada | November 1 to 10 |
| New Hampshire | November 5 |
| New Jersey | November 1 to 5 |
| New Mexico | November 1 to 20 |
| New York | November 1 to 9 |
| North Carolina | November 3 to 21 |
| North Dakota | November 1 |
| Ohio | November 2 to 20 |
| Oklahoma | November 1 to 10 |
| Oregon | November 1 to 9 |
| Pennsylvania | First 10 business days |
| Rhode Island | November 1 |
| South Carolina | November 1 to 10 |
| South Dakota | November 10 |
| Tennessee | November 1 to 20 |
| Texas | November 1 to 28 |
| Utah | November 5, 11, and 15 |
| Vermont | November 1 |
| Virginia | November 1 to 7 |
| Washington | November 1 to 20 |
| West Virginia | November 1 to 9 |
| Wisconsin | November 1 to 15 |
| Wyoming | November 1 to 4 |
| Guam | November 1 to 10 |
| Puerto Rico | November 4 to 22 |
| District of Columbia | November 1 to 10 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | November 1 |
SNAP Benefit Amounts
SNAP benefits have been adjusted with the 2025 COLA increase, resulting in the following maximum benefit amounts for November 2024:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit (2024) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $535 |
| 3 | $766 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,386 |
| 7 | $1,532 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Each Additional Member | +$224 |
These maximum amounts vary slightly by state and territory. For example, Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam have higher benefit caps to account for cost-of-living differences.
SNAP Eligibility Criteria
Here are the main eligibility criteria for SNAP (CalFresh) benefits for a five-person household in California:
- Gross Monthly Income Limit: For a household of five, the limit is $6,098, which is 200% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL). This includes income from all sources before deductions.
- Net Monthly Income Limit: After allowable deductions, the income limit is $3,049, which represents 100% of the FPL. Deductions include:
- 20% from earned income
- Standard deduction based on household size
- Additional deductions for dependent care, medical expenses for elderly or disabled members, and shelter costs.
- Asset/Resource Limit: In California, there is no asset limit for SNAP. However, households with an elderly or disabled member that exceed the gross income limit may qualify under federal rules, with an asset limit of $4,500.
- Work Requirements: Generally, able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) aged 18-49 must work or participate in a program for 20 hours weekly. This work requirement is necessary to keep SNAP benefits for more than three months within a 36-month period. Children, seniors, the disabled, and pregnant women are exempt.
- Citizenship: U.S. citizens and certain lawfully present non-citizens are eligible. Non-citizens generally need to have lived in the U.S. for five years, be receiving disability benefits, or be under age 18 to qualify.
For more details on applying for CalFresh benefits in California, households should contact their local SNAP office. Filing and approval are essential steps to qualify for the benefits.
The SNAP program offers valuable assistance to families facing financial challenges, helping them secure nutritious food. For a family of five, the maximum SNAP benefit is $1,158, which can make a significant difference. Staying informed about your state’s payment schedule, eligibility criteria, and maximum benefit amounts can help you better plan for this financial support.
FAQs
What is the maximum SNAP benefit for a family of 5?
The maximum benefit is $1,158 for a family of five.
What are the SNAP payment dates for November?
Payments vary by state, from November 1 to 28.
What is the gross income limit for SNAP in California?
For a family of five, the limit is $6,098 per month.
Are there work requirements for SNAP eligibility?
Yes, ABAWDs aged 18-49 must work or join a program for 20 hours weekly.
Who is exempt from SNAP work requirements?
Children, seniors, disabled individuals, and pregnant women are exempt.
