Tens of thousands of families in the state of Florida are still waiting for their SNAP benefits to arrive in May. Every month, the program distributes funds through EBT cards that are used just like credit or debit cards to purchase food and approved products at participating retailers. This is one of the most important social assistance programs in the United States because the benefits are intended to prevent families from falling into hunger or food deficiency.
Florida is one of the states with the highest number of beneficiaries, with nearly 3.2 million recipients who receive resources on their EBT cards between the 1st and 28th of each month based on the last digits of their SNAP benefits case number.
This number appears in the benefits approval letter, the official document sent by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DFC) confirming their eligibility. The number consists of 10 digits, and the payment date is determined based on the eighth and ninth digits, excluding the tenth.
Which Days Are Food Stamps Deposited in Florida This Week?
According to the Florida DFC calendar, here are the payment dates for the days between April 12th and April 21st, which is the second-to-last week of the payment calendar this month:
- 39-41: April 12th
- 42-45: April 13th
- 46-48: April 14th
- 49-53: April 15th
- 54-57: April 16th
- 58-60: April 17th
- 61-64: April 18th
- 65-67: April 19th
- 68-71: April 20th
- 72-74: April 21st
The Maximum SNAP Benefits You’ll Receive Per Month in 2024
Since the last Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) at the end of 2023, SNAP benefits have new amounts nationwide, including in the territories of Guam, U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico. The maximum amount granted to a beneficiary depends on the size of their household. Generally, the USDA publishes an annual list of maximum amounts granted to each household based on the number of members, from 1 to 8. Beyond that number, each additional person receives a $219 monthly SNAP allowance.
Learn More: Are You Receiving SNAP Benefits? You Now Qualify for Additional Social Security Assistance.
For the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C., valid until September 2024, here are the maximum SNAP allotments based on household size:
- Household size 1: $291
- Household size 2: $535
- Household size 3: $766
- Household size 4: $973
- Household size 5: $1,155
- Household size 6: $1,386
- Household size 7: $1,532
- Household size 8: $1,751
- Each additional person: $219
Residents of Hawaii, Alaska, Guam, or the U.S. Virgin Islands typically receive higher amounts. It is recommended that beneficiaries in these territories visit their nearest SNAP office to determine their eligibility and benefits. For example, in Alaska, a family of four can receive up to $1,937, much more than the $973 received by a similar-sized household in the 48 contiguous states and Washington D.C.
Dos and Don’ts with SNAP Benefits
Remember that the SNAP benefits can only be used in the affiliated stores, and they can buy food products such as fruits and vegetables, meat like pork, poultry, and fish. And you can also buy dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, breads, and cereal. Snack and desserts, and even seeds to plant food at home, are also included. The same applies for baby formulas and baby food, as well as non-alcoholic beverages such as coffee, tea, and juices.
The products that are prohibited by SNAP benefits include alcohol, tobacco, pet food, vitamins and supplements, hot meals for immediate consumption in restaurants or retailers, and non-food items such as cleaning and bathroom products.
