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SNAP Benefits: Are there changes in payment schedules?

SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, recipients will shortly get their January payment, which includes the approved cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 12.5% for the fiscal year 2023.

The COLA began on October 1, 2022, and will continue until September 30, 2023, assisting SNAP recipients with rising food expenses.

SNAP Benefits Schedule

SNAP assistance is guaranteed by COLA until September 30, 2023, and the first payments in January will include a cost-of-living adjustment for the fiscal year 2023.

The format of dates in 2023 will be identical to that of 2022, thus January payments should be submitted as usual during the first 10 days of the month.

During that time period, payments will be made into Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards, beginning in 2022.

Please note that these dates may vary based on the state in which you reside.

The USDA provides information on monthly payment schedules for all states and territories to determine when you will get your January 2023 payment. The majority of states vary payment dates throughout the month depending on SNAP case numbers, last names, or Social Security numbers. The monthly payment pattern is often consistent.

In extremely rare instances, all participants receive payments on the same date, such as in Alaska, which makes SNAP benefits available to all recipients on the first of every month. In large states such as Florida, benefits may be paid on twenty separate days. States also have varying regulations on payment days falling on weekends or holidays.

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Foods To Buy Using Food Stamps

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SNAP benefits, formerly known as food stamps, recipients will shortly get their January payment, which includes the approved cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) of 12.5% for the fiscal year 2023.
  • Fruits and vegetables
  • Meat, poultry, and fish
  • Dairy products
  • Bread and cereals
  • Snack foods and non-alcoholic beverages
  • Seeds and plants, which produce food for the household to eat

Alcoholic beverages, tobacco products, vitamins, medications, dietary supplements, live animals, pet food, cleaning supplies, paper goods, and cosmetics are prohibited from purchases using SNAP benefits. In the majority of states, you cannot buy heated meals. Exceptions are Alaska, California, Illinois, Maryland, Michigan, Rhode Island, and Virginia, which have joined the SNAP Restaurant Meals Program.

You can apply for SNAP through the local SNAP office in your state or through its website. Additionally, you can visit the SNAP Application and Local Office Locators website to find out how to apply in your state. 

To be eligible for SNAP assistance, you must apply in the state where you presently reside and meet certain restrictions, such as resource and income limits. Depending on your state, extra requirements may apply.

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