The federal Supplementary Nutritional Program (SNAP) is the largest nutrition assistance program in the country, and the payments for May will be paid in the upcoming days. However, beneficiaries across the U.S. will not receive their funds simultaneously. Each state distributes its SNAP benefits in accordance with individual schedules; therefore, your payment date may differ.
SNAP allows eligible low-income individuals and families to receive monthly benefits for purchasing groceries. Those benefits are deposited onto an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card that works as a debit card at participating grocery stores and even some selected online retailers.
Read now: What is the highest income to qualify for SNAP Payment and which is the cut-off to get Food Stamps?
What you can buy with SNAP
SNAP benefits can be used to purchase a variety of essential food items, including:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Breads and cereals
- Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
However, the program does not allow purchases of alcohol, tobacco, or hot prepared meals.
How to qualify for SNAP
To qualify, applicants must meet strict income and resource guidelines. Households must:
- Have a gross income at or below 130% of the federal poverty level
- Have net income at or below the poverty line
- Have assets below $2,750 (or $4,250 if a member is disabled or age 60+)
Additionally, applicants must reside in the state in which they’re applying.
Tracking your SNAP payments
Tracking your SNAP payments will depend on the state you live in since SNAP is run by individual states. Most of the states have an online web portal or mobile app, where beneficiaries are able to check their benefit status, see their transaction history, and/or check the funds that will be loaded.
Read now: Food stamps for non-US citizens: How can immigrants apply for SNAP Payments?
There are no centralized federal systems for tracking SNAP benefits; hence, it is critical that you make use of your state tools.
SNAP Payment Schedule by State
Payment dates range widely. Here are some examples:
- Alaska issues all benefits on May 1.
- California spreads distribution from May 1 to May 10, depending on case number.
- Florida and Texas issue benefits through most of the month, May 1 to May 28.
- South Dakota pays out benefits on a single day, May 10.
Other states, like Connecticut and Delaware, base payment dates on the recipient’s last name or case number.
For a full state-by-state breakdown, recipients should visit their local SNAP website or consult with their caseworker.
Changes may be ahead for SNAP
SNAP itself may be affected, with budget cuts expected to be on the table. So far, the House’s proposal has passed by directing the Agriculture Committee to cut $230 billion from programs such as SNAP by 2034.
Although reducing SNAP benefits is not mentioned, analysts believe that massive cuts are likely. Another proposal that has already gained traction in some Republican states involves limiting the purchases SNAP benefits cover, aiming to ban certain products like soda and candy.
Bottom line
Millions of Americans benefit from SNAP each month to help keep food in their bellies. As May benefits begin coming into people’s accounts, recipients should ensure they understand their state’s distribution schedule and tracking tools. Knowing this ensures that you won’t miss a payment-and that you can confidently get what you need at the grocery store.
