SNAP Recipients Alert: Potential Decrease in Food Stamp Payments Post-2025 COLA Adjustment
As the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) continues to assist millions, it’s important to note that not all states and territories will see an increase in benefits. A significant exception has been confirmed by the USDA: Hawaii will experience a decrease in the maximum Food Stamp amounts.
While Alaska, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands typically have higher maximum benefits compared to the 48 contiguous states and the District of Columbia, they will still receive a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) rise, similar to 2023. However, Hawaii’s SNAP beneficiaries will face another reduction this year, following a decline last year.
Changes in Hawaii’s SNAP Benefits
Starting October 1, 2024, Hawaii will implement lower maximum benefit amounts. Here are the new figures for SNAP beneficiaries in Hawaii:
- 8 members: Up to $3,102
- 7 members: Up to $2,714
- 6 members: Up to $2,456
- 5 members: Up to $2,046
- 4 members: Up to $1,723
- 3 members: Up to $1,357
- 2 members: Up to $948
- 1 person: Up to $517
- Each additional person: $388
States Benefiting from SNAP Increases and October Payment Dates
In contrast, 49 states will see a COLA increase in October 2024. Below are the upcoming SNAP payment dates for October when the 2025 COLA will take effect:
- Alabama: October 4 to 23
- Alaska: October 1
- Arizona: October 1 to 13
- Arkansas: October 4 to 13
- California: October 1 to 10
- Colorado: October 1 to 10
- Connecticut: October 1 to 3
- Delaware: October 2 to 23
- Florida: October 1 to 28
- Georgia: October 5 to 23
- Idaho: October 1 to 10
- Illinois: October 1 to 10
- Indiana: October 5 to 23
- Iowa: October 1 to 10
- Kansas: October 1 to 10
- Kentucky: October 1 to 19
- Louisiana: October 1 to 23
- Maine: October 10 to 14
- Maryland: October 4 to 23
- Massachusetts: October 1 to 14
- Michigan: October 3 to 21
- Minnesota: October 4 to 13
- Mississippi: October 4 to 21
- Missouri: October 1 to 22
- Montana: October 2 to 6
- Nebraska: October 1 to 5
- Nevada: October 1 to 10
- New Hampshire: October 5
- New Jersey: October 1 to 5
- New Mexico: October 1 to 20
- New York: October 1 to 9
- North Carolina: October 3 to 21
- North Dakota: October 1
- Ohio: October 2 to 20
- Oklahoma: October 1 to 10
- Oregon: October 1 to 9
- Pennsylvania: Over the first 10 business days
- Rhode Island: October 1
- South Carolina: October 1 to 10
- South Dakota: October 10
- Tennessee: October 1 to 20
- Texas: October 1 to 28
- Utah: October 5, 11, and 15
- Vermont: October 1
- Virginia: October 1 to 7
- Washington: October 1 to 20
- West Virginia: October 1 to 9
- Wisconsin: October 1 to 15
- Wyoming: October 1 to 4
- Guam: October 1 to 10
- Puerto Rico: October 4 to 22
- The District of Columbia: October 1 to 10
- The U.S. Virgin Islands: October 1