The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has scheduled Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments for March 1, 2025. While most states will begin issuing benefits on this date, several states have later payment schedules.
Maximum SNAP Benefits for March 2025
For those wondering about the highest SNAP benefits, the largest amounts will be in:
- Alaska: $586
- Hawaii, Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands: $376
In the 48 contiguous states, the maximum SNAP payment for a one-person household will be $292 until September 30, 2025. However, the average benefit is lower—about $199 per individual in these states. Any cost-of-living adjustments (COLA) will not take effect until after September 30, 2025.
Updated SNAP Payment Schedule for March 2025
Here is the full schedule of when each state will distribute SNAP benefits:
- Alabama: March 4-23
- Alaska: March 1
- Arizona: March 1-13
- Arkansas: March 4-13
- California: March 1-10
- Colorado: March 1-10
- Connecticut: March 1-3
- Delaware: March 2-23
- Florida: March 1-28
- Georgia: March 5-23
- Hawaii: March 3-5
- Idaho: March 1-10
- Illinois: March 1-10
- Indiana: March 5-23
- Iowa: March 1-10
- Kansas: March 1-10
- Kentucky: March 1-19
- Louisiana: March 1-23
- Maine: March 10-14
- Maryland: March 4-23
- Massachusetts: March 1-14
- Michigan: March 3-21
- Minnesota: March 4-13
- Mississippi: March 4-21
- Missouri: March 1-22
- Montana: March 2-6
- Nebraska: March 1-5
- Nevada: March 1-10
- New Hampshire: March 5
- New Jersey: March 1-5
- New Mexico: March 1-20
- New York: March 1-9
- North Carolina: March 3-21
- North Dakota: March 1
- Ohio: March 2-20
- Oklahoma: March 1-10
- Oregon: March 1-9
- Pennsylvania: Over the first 10 business days in March
- Rhode Island: March 1
- South Carolina: March 1-10
- South Dakota: March 10
- Tennessee: March 1-20
- Texas: March 1-28
- Utah: March 15
- Vermont: March 1
- Virginia: March 1-7
- Washington: March 1-20
- West Virginia: March 1-9
- Wisconsin: March 1-15
- Wyoming: March 1-4
- Guam: March 1-10
- Puerto Rico: March 4-22
- District of Columbia: March 1-10
- U.S. Virgin Islands: March 1
How SNAP Benefits Are Determined
SNAP benefits depend on household income, expenses, and size. To qualify, households must pass income and asset tests:
- Gross monthly income must be at or below 130% of the poverty line ($2,798/month for a family of three in FY 2025).
- Net income (after deductions) must be at or below 100% of the poverty line.
- Assets must be below $2,750 (or $4,250 for households with an elderly/disabled member).
Deductions include:
- A standard deduction
- 20% earnings deduction
- Child care and child support expenses
- Medical expenses over $35/month
- Excess shelter costs
The final SNAP benefit amount is the maximum allotment for the household size minus 30% of net income. For example, a one-person household can receive a maximum of $292, while an eight-person household can get up to $1,756.
Who Can Receive SNAP in March?
Expedited SNAP benefits are available for those in urgent need. If you apply now in Florida or Texas, you may qualify for a March 28 payment if your application is processed quickly. However, general eligibility is based on income, assets, and work requirements.
- Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) must work at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits beyond three months in a three-year period.
- Other residency and work requirements may also apply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use my SNAP benefits to buy hot or prepared food?
No, SNAP benefits generally cannot be used for hot or prepared foods unless you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) in select states.
2. What happens if I don’t use all my SNAP benefits in March?
Unused benefits roll over to the next month, but they must be used within 365 days, or they will expire.
3. Can college students get SNAP benefits?
Yes, but they must meet special requirements, such as working at least 20 hours per week or participating in a work-study program.
4. How can I check my SNAP balance?
You can check your balance by calling the number on the back of your EBT card, logging into your state’s EBT portal, or using an EBT mobile app if available.
5. Will there be a SNAP increase in 2026?
SNAP benefits are adjusted annually for inflation. The next COLA increase will take effect on October 1, 2025.
For more details, check your state’s SNAP website or contact your local Department of Social Services.