Figuring out when your SNAP benefits (what most of us still call food stamps, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) hit your account can be confusing, and that’s because each state runs its own show. While the program is funded federally, your local state agency handles sending out the payments on their own schedule.
This means the distribution dates for SNAP allotments are all over the place: sometimes they even depend on your case number or the first letter of your last name. The money gets loaded onto your EBT card (electronic benefits transfer) each month, which you can then use like a debit card at approved grocery stores and farmers’ markets.
The four states still sending food stamps payments in August
Now, for that specific window in late August 2025, here’s the deal based on the latest info. A handful of states will be distributing benefits between August 23rd and the 28th:
- Delaware: Payments go out from the 2nd through the 23rd.
- Florida: They send benefits from the 1st all the way to the 28th.
- Georgia: Their distribution runs from the 5th to the 23rd.
- Texas: Like Florida, they also run from the 1st through the 28th.
So, even though Delaware and Georgia finish up on the 23rd, folks in Florida and Texas will still be receiving benefits right up until the 28th. From what I could find, no other states have payments scheduled specifically for after the 23rd.
As for how much help you can get, the maximum SNAP benefit for 2025 depends on your household size. For the 48 contiguous states and D.C., the estimated caps are:
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,157
- 6 people: $1,390
- 7 people: $1,536
- 8 people: $1,756
- For each additional member: +$219
Quick important note for those residing in Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories like Guam and the Virgin Islands: they have much higher maximums because the cost of living is so much steeper.
In the great state of Alaska, the maximum monthly benefit for a four-person household is approximately $1,937. In the beautiful Hawaii, the maximum is around $1,759, while in tropical Guam, it is about $1,437, and in the exotic U.S. Virgin Islands, it reaches approximately $1,496.
Where to start your SNAP benefits application
If you’re thinking about applying, here’s where to start, it’s a state-by-state thing, so you’ll need to work with your local office.
Find your state’s SNAP office. Your first stop should be the USDA’s SNAP state directory online. They have a list of every agency’s contact info.
Check if you qualify. Eligibility boils down to your income, how many people you support, and certain expenses. Most households need to have a total monthly income before taxes under 130% of the federal poverty line, but there are exceptions for older adults and people with disabilities.
Submit your application. Pretty much every state lets you apply online through their benefits portal (like YourTexasBenefits.com in Texas or GetCalFresh.org in California). You can also usually apply in person or mail in a paper form if you prefer.
Gather your paperwork. You’ll need things like pay stubs, an ID, and proof of your bills for rent or utilities.
Do the interview. After you apply, most states require a quick interview, which is often done over the phone. They just go over your application with you.
Get your decision. They’ll mail you a notice letting you know if you’re approved and for how much. If you are, you’ll get your EBT card loaded with funds soon after.
The USDA website has a ton of info if you get stuck. And don’t forget—local food banks and community aid groups are usually super helpful and can even guide you through the application process. Go to https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/apply and start your process today.