One of the most significant foundations of the social welfare net in the United States is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also referred to as “food stamps” (as it was in the previous century).
It has been shown to lessen hunger and enhance the nutritional status of those who depend on it, and it is intended to assist low-income individuals and families in obtaining basic food supplies.
All 50 states, the District of Columbia, and territories including Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands are covered by SNAP, which is run by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
Each state has some latitude to modify the program to meet local requirements, enabling a more effective allocation of money even if the general guidelines are set at the federal level.
In 2025, who is eligible for SNAP? The prerequisites list described
A number of criteria, which are applicable nationwide (as well as in the previously stated foreign countries), determine eligibility, including:
- Household income, which often needs to be less than 130% of the federal poverty threshold.
- Family size (the benefits increase with the number of members).
- Expenses that can be written off include rent, utilities, and medical bills for elderly or disabled individuals.
- Each state has its own application procedure, but in general, it entails an interview and the production of identification, proof of income, and fixed spending receipts.
More SNAP payments for millions of Americans in 2025
In order to account for growing living expenses, SNAP benefits are modified annually based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI). A 2.5% rise was applied for fiscal year 2025, which started on October 1, 2024, offering a minor but noteworthy reprieve for inflation-affected families.
The 48 contiguous states and Washington, D.C., have new maximum monthly amounts:
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
| 1 person | $292 |
| 2 people | $536 |
| 3 people | $768 |
| 4 people | $975 |
| 5 people | $1,158 |
| 6 people | $1,390 |
| 7 people | $1,536 |
| 8 people | $1,756 |
- About $220 is charged for each extra person in homes with more than eight people.
- Because of their greater cost of living, the maximum amounts are higher in territories like Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Even though these raises might not seem like much, they have a significant impact on people who rely on every dollar to provide for their families.
Studies show that over 90% of beneficiaries use up their benefits before the end of the month, highlighting how crucial this program is.
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Next Monday, states will begin disbursing SNAP funds
A number of states have planned SNAP delivery for May 17–25, 2025, in order to distribute benefits during that time:
| State | SNAP Distribution Dates (May) |
| Alabama | May 17–23 |
| Georgia | May 17–23 |
| Indiana | May 17–23 |
| Maryland | May 17–23 |
| Mississippi | May 17–21 |
| Missouri | May 17–22 |
| Texas | May 17–28 |
| Florida | May 17–28 |
| Michigan | May 17–21 |
| Ohio | May 17–20 |
| North Carolina | May 17–21 |
| South Carolina | May 17–19 |
| Tennessee | May 17–20 |
2025 modifications that you should be aware of when submitting a SNAP application
Along with the previously mentioned factors, it’s crucial to keep in mind that SNAP has changed significantly in 2025.
For instance, there are now new exemptions for pregnant women, veterans, and the homeless, and the age restriction for working individuals without dependents has been raised to 54.
Use your state’s SNAP benefits portal or get in touch with the agency that handles food stamp administration in your county or parish for more information regarding benefit distribution in your state or to view the balance on your EBT card.
