The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly referred to as Food Stamps, continues to provide crucial financial support to families across the United States. The recent 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) has brought small increases to the maximum SNAP benefit amounts, helping households, even if just a little, make ends meet.
For example, families of four can now receive up to $975 per month, a slight increase from the previous $973. While this only amounts to an extra $24 per year, every bit counts, especially for those living on tight budgets. Let’s break down what remains of SNAP payments in October and how the 2025 COLA increase affects different household sizes.
SNAP Payments
SNAP payments are distributed on different days depending on your state, and in some states, payments continue throughout the month until October 28. States like Florida and Texas issue payments over an extended period, while others, like Pennsylvania, distribute benefits in the first 10 business days. Below is a full list of states and their SNAP payment schedules for October 2024:
| State | SNAP Payment Schedule in October |
|---|---|
| Alabama | October 4-23 |
| Arizona | October 1-13 |
| Arkansas | October 4-13 |
| Delaware | October 2-23 |
| Florida | October 1-28 |
| Georgia | October 5-23 |
| Indiana | October 5-23 |
| Kentucky | October 1-19 |
| Louisiana | October 1-23 |
| Maine | October 10-14 |
| Maryland | October 4-23 |
| Massachusetts | October 1-14 |
| Michigan | October 3-21 |
| Minnesota | October 4-13 |
| Mississippi | October 4-21 |
| Missouri | October 1-22 |
| New Mexico | October 1-20 |
| North Carolina | October 3-21 |
| Ohio | October 2-20 |
| Pennsylvania | Over the first 10 business days |
| Tennessee | October 1-20 |
| Texas | October 1-28 |
| Utah | October 11 and 15 |
| Washington | October 1-20 |
| Wisconsin | October 1-15 |
| Puerto Rico | October 4-22 |
If you haven’t received your SNAP benefits yet, check your state’s schedule to find out when they will be distributed.
SNAP Maximum Amounts
The 2025 COLA increase brought slight changes to SNAP maximum benefit amounts. Although the increases are small, they are still helpful to households relying on these benefits. Here’s a breakdown of how much different household sizes can receive:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit (2025) | Previous Maximum (2024) | COLA Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Person | $292 | $291 | $1 |
| 2 People | $536 | $535 | $1 |
| 3 People | $768 | $766 | $2 |
| 4 People | $975 | $973 | $2 |
| 5 People | $1,158 | $1,155 | $3 |
| 6 People | $1,390 | $1,386 | $4 |
| 7 People | $1,536 | $1,532 | $4 |
| 8 People | $1,756 | $1,752 | $4 |
For households with more than eight members, SNAP benefits can increase by $220 for each additional person. This slight COLA increase means families receive a bit more each month, although the change might not feel substantial for larger households managing tight budgets.
Other SNAP Benefit
Although the COLA increase resulted in just a few extra dollars per month for most recipients, these benefits can still add up over time, particularly for larger families. For example, a family of five can now receive up to $1,158, compared to the previous $1,155—an annual increase of $36.
| Household Size | Annual Increase from 2025 COLA |
|---|---|
| 1 Person | $12 |
| 2 People | $12 |
| 3 People | $24 |
| 4 People | $24 |
| 5 People | $36 |
| 6 People | $48 |
| 7 People | $48 |
| 8 People | $48 |
While these increases are modest, they can still provide a bit of financial relief for families juggling essential expenses like groceries, utilities, and housing costs.
The 2025 COLA increase for SNAP benefits provides small but meaningful adjustments to maximum benefit amounts. Families of four can now receive up to $975 per month, and larger households will see incremental increases as well. If you’re unsure when your SNAP benefits will arrive in October, check your state’s payment schedule above.
Though the extra dollars may not seem like much, every bit helps for families relying on SNAP to meet their needs. As the cost of living continues to rise, these small increases may provide just enough breathing room to cover essential expenses.
FAQs
When will I receive my SNAP benefits in October?
The timing depends on your state. For example, Texas distributes SNAP benefits between October 1 and 28, while Ohio distributes benefits from October 2 to 20.
How much will a family of four receive in SNAP benefits after the 2025 COLA increase?
A family of four can receive up to $975 per month, an increase of $2 from the previous maximum of $973.
What is the new maximum SNAP benefit for a single person?
The new maximum benefit for a single person after the 2025 COLA is $292, up from $291.
How much does SNAP increase for each additional family member?
For households with more than eight members, SNAP benefits increase by $220 for each additional person.
Why did my SNAP benefits increase by only a few dollars?
The 2025 COLA increase adjusted benefits slightly to account for inflation, resulting in small increases like $1-$4 per month depending on household size.
