The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has begun distributing SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payments on May 1, 2025. However, not all states released their full payments on that day.
While some states began immediately, others will continue distributing benefits throughout the month of May. Here’s a breakdown of the payment schedule and maximum benefit amounts.
Payment Distribution Across States
SNAP Payments on May 1, 2025
The USDA started distributing SNAP benefits on May 1st. However, certain states like Alaska, Rhode Island, Vermont, North Dakota, and the U.S. Virgin Islands may have staggered release dates, so recipients in these states should check their EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) card balances to know when they can make purchases at authorized retailers or farmer’s markets.
The good news is that SNAP benefits are typically valid for the entire month, so recipients can save their benefits for the next month if they don’t need to spend everything immediately.
This is especially helpful in rural areas, where individuals may have access to home-grown produce, allowing them to stretch their grocery dollars further by using their own vegetables and fruits, like potatoes, tomatoes, and lettuce.
SNAP Payments from May 3 to May 10
Most states will continue distributing SNAP benefits after May 1, with some states waiting until May 10 to start. Here’s a list of states with distribution dates spanning from May 3 to May 10, 2025:
| State | Payment Date Range |
|---|---|
| South Dakota | May 10 |
| California | May 1 to May 10 |
| Colorado | May 1 to May 10 |
| Illinois | May 1 to May 10 |
| Idaho | May 1 to May 10 |
| Kansas | May 1 to May 10 |
| Iowa | May 1 to May 10 |
| Nevada | May 1 to May 10 |
| South Carolina | May 1 to May 10 |
| District of Columbia | May 1 to May 10 |
| Guam | May 1 to May 10 |
Other Key Dates for SNAP Payments
Here’s a broader overview of when states are set to deliver their SNAP benefits throughout May 2025:
| State | Payment Date Range |
|---|---|
| Alabama | May 4 to May 23 |
| Florida | May 1 to May 28 |
| Georgia | May 5 to May 23 |
| Maine | May 10 to May 14 |
| New York | May 1 to May 9 |
| Texas | May 1 to May 28 |
| Virginia | May 1 to May 7 |
| Washington | May 1 to May 20 |
| Puerto Rico | May 4 to May 22 |
Maximum SNAP Benefit Amounts for May 2025
SNAP payment amounts are determined based on the number of people in a household and their income levels.
The maximum benefit is provided to low-income households that meet all eligibility criteria. Here’s an overview of the maximum benefit amounts for May 2025:
48 Contiguous States & Washington, D.C.
| Number of People in Household | Maximum SNAP Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $760 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,169 |
| 6 | $1,345 |
| 7 | $1,514 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
Each additional person will receive $388.
Hawaii Maximum SNAP Amounts
SNAP benefits in Hawaii are slightly higher than in the 48 contiguous states. Here are the maximum amounts:
| Number of People in Household | Maximum SNAP Amount (Hawaii) |
|---|---|
| 1 | $517 |
| 2 | $948 |
| 3 | $1,357 |
| 4 | $1,723 |
| 5 | $2,046 |
| 6 | $2,456 |
| 7 | $2,714 |
| 8 | $3,102 |
Each additional person will receive $388.
Guam
For Guam, the SNAP benefit for 1 person is $431.
In May 2025, SNAP payments are being distributed across the United States, with some states releasing funds on May 1, while others will continue through the month, even as late as May 10.
The USDA’s system is designed to provide flexibility, allowing individuals to manage their benefits by saving for the next month if they don’t need to spend all at once.
Understanding the specific distribution dates and maximum benefits for your state can help you plan your purchases effectively.