When Do SNAP Benefits Reload? 2024 Guide

SNAP provides assistance to low-income families for purchasing food. Benefits are deposited monthly onto an electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card, and the reload date is determined by your state and other factors. Because of this, recipients need to check with their local SNAP program office to know the exact date they can expect their benefits to be reloaded.

After applying for SNAP, benefits are transferred through a prepaid electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card. States individually schedule SNAP payments as part of their social service responsibilities. Once your EBT card is loaded, you’re free to use it at any participating store and many online retailers as well. An EBT card works just like a prepaid debit card and are widely accepted.

As mentioned, when your SNAP benefits reload onto your EBT card, depends on your state and other factors, but are usually between the first and 10th of the month. For example, some states, such as Alaska and Vermont, release benefits on the first of every month. However, other states use a different system. Alabama, for instance, sends out benefits anywhere from the fourth to 23rd of each month based on the last two digits of your case number. And Colorado disburses benefits from the first to 10th of the month based on the last digit of your Social Security Number (SSN).

To find out how your SNAP benefits reload in your state, visit the USDA Food and Nutrition Service’s SNAP State Directory of Resources and click on your state to learn more. Local offices may also be found in the state or local government pages of telephone books. Offices may be listed under “Food Stamps,” “Social Services,” “Human Services,” “Public Assistance,” or similar.

In general, benefits for new cases are deposited between the 1st and 10th of the month, although the timeline will vary by state. You’ll need to check with your local SNAP benefits office to find out your specific reload date. For example, the date may depend on your case number or Social Security number.

To get SNAP benefits, you must apply in the state in which you currently live and you must meet certain requirements, which include resource and income limits. Once you’ve applied, you should receive notice of your eligibility within 30 days, pending an interview and verification of your personal and financial information. If you’re found eligible, you’ll receive benefits from the date of your application.

The maximum allotment for a family of four varies by location. In the contiguous states, it’s $973 through September 2024. Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have different amounts. It’s important to note that the government adjusts SNAP maximum allotments, deductions, and income eligibility standards at the beginning of each federal fiscal year based on the cost of living.