The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as the popular term “food stamps” (that’s how it used to be called, in the past century), is one of the most important pillars of the social welfare net in the United States. It is designed to help low-income individuals and families access basic food supplies, and it’s proved to reduce hunger and improve the nutritional quality of those who rely on it.
Administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) through the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), SNAP operates in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and territories such as Puerto Rico, Guam, and also the Virgin Islands. Although the general rules are established at the federal level, each state has some flexibility to adapt the program to local needs, allowing for more efficient distribution of resources.
Who qualifies for SNAP in 2025? The list of requirements explained
Eligibility depends on several factors, and they apply all over the country (and the aforementioned overseas regions), including:
- Household income(generally, they must be below 130% of the federal poverty level).
- Family size(the more members, the greater the benefits).
- Deductible expenses(such as rent, utilities, medical expenses for older adults or people with disabilities).
The application process varies by state, but generally includes an interview and the submission of documents such as identification, proof of income, and receipts for fixed expenses.
Increased SNAP benefits in 2025 for millions of Americans
Each year, SNAP benefits are adjusted based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) to reflect rising costs of living. For fiscal year 2025, which began October 1, 2024, a 2.5% increase was implemented, providing a small but significant relief for families affected by inflation.
New Maximum Monthly Amounts (48 contiguous states and D.C.):
- 1 person: $292
- 2 people: $536
- 3 people: $768
- 4 people: $975
- 5 people: $1,158
- 6 people: $1,390
- 7 people: $1,536
- 8 people: $1,756
- For households with more than eight members, approximately $220 is added per additional person.
- In territories such as Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum amounts are higher due to the higher cost of living in those areas.
While these increases may seem modest, they make a real difference for those who depend on every dollar to feed their families. According to studies, more than 90% of recipients exhaust their benefits before the end of the month, demonstrating the enormous importance of this initiative.
States distributing SNAP benefits next week
Regarding the distribution of benefits between May 17 and 25, 2025, several states have scheduled SNAP deliveries during that period:
- Alabama: May 17-23
- Georgia: May 17-23
- Indiana: May 17-23
- Maryland: May 17-23
- Mississippi: May 17-21
- Missouri: May 17-22
- Texas: May 17-28
- Florida: May 17-28
- Michigan: May 17-21
- Ohio: May 17-20
- North Carolina: May 17-21
- South Carolina: May 17-19
- Tennessee: May 17-20
Changes that were implemented in 2025 that you should keep in mind when applying for SNAP
In addition to the aforementioned aspects, it’s important to consider that SNAP has undergone significant changes in 2025. For example, the age limits for working adults without dependents have been extended to 54, with new exemptions for veterans, the homeless, and pregnant women.
For specific information about benefit distribution in your state or to check your EBT card balance, use your state’s SNAP benefits portal or contact the organization that administers food stamps in your county or parish.