The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known earlier as food stamps, helps low-income families in the U.S. buy groceries. In May 2025, millions of households will receive their monthly SNAP benefits, including families of four who can get up to $975 in most states.
The payment amount varies depending on where you live. States with higher living costs like Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam offer more—up to $1,437. The payments are adjusted to match inflation and ensure that families can still buy the same amount of food.
What Are SNAP Benefits?
SNAP is a federal food assistance program managed by the USDA. It helps people buy food using an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card, which works like a debit card. Each month, money is added to this card based on the household size and income.
Each state has its own name for the program. For example, in California, it’s called CalFresh. Some states send out payments over a few days, while others spread them across the month.
Which States Are Paying SNAP Benefits This Week (May 12–18, 2025)?
Only 22 states and territories are distributing SNAP benefits this week. Each state follows its own schedule. Some pay early, and others spread payments over many days.
Here is the payment schedule for the states paying SNAP between May 12 and May 18:
- Alabama: May 4–23
- Delaware: May 2–23
- Florida: May 1–28
- Georgia: May 5–23
- Indiana: May 5–23
- Kentucky: May 1–19
- Louisiana: May 1–23
- Maine: May 10–14
- Maryland: May 4–23
- Massachusetts: May 1–14
- Michigan: May 3–21
- Mississippi: May 4–21
- Missouri: May 1–22
- New Mexico: May 1–20
- North Carolina: May 3–21
- Ohio: May 2–20
- Puerto Rico: May 4–22
- Tennessee: May 1–20
- Texas: May 1–28
- Utah: May 5, 11, and 15
- Washington: May 1–20
- Wisconsin: May 1–15
Special Notes for Alaska, Hawaii, and Territories
Alaska and Hawaii already paid their May SNAP benefits on May 1. So, their next payments will come in June—on June 1 for Alaska, and June 3 or 5 for Hawaii.
Guam is paying between May 1 and May 10, while Puerto Rico is distributing benefits between May 4 and May 22.
Maximum SNAP Benefit Amounts in 2025
SNAP benefits depend on household size. Here’s the maximum monthly amount for each family size in the lower 48 states:
- Household of 1: $292
- Household of 2: $536
- Household of 3: $768
- Household of 4: $975
- Household of 5: $1,158
- Household of 6: $1,390
- Household of 7: $1,536
- Household of 8: $1,756
- Each additional person: +$220
In places like Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the maximum is higher because of the higher cost of living.
Where Can You Get Help or Apply?
You can apply for SNAP or get help by visiting your state’s SNAP office. The easiest way to find one near you is by using the USDA’s SNAP Office Locator online. Just type in your ZIP code, and it will show you nearby offices with contact details and working hours.
Visiting the office can help if you want to apply, update your information, or ask questions about your case.