The +20 states send payments headline is generating a lot of buzz this week, and for good reason. If you’re relying on SNAP benefits to stretch your food budget, there’s some activity happening across the country you won’t want to miss. Timing is everything, especially when making ends meet.
Each month, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides essential support to millions of Americans. This month is slightly different, though some states are still making their SNAP May payments, while others have completed distribution. So, what does it all mean for you?
The complete breakdown of the+20 states’ payments
SNAP benefits aren’t all sent on the same day in every state. The schedules vary quite a bit, and they’re based on everything from Social Security numbers to case numbers to even first names. If you haven’t received your benefits yet, there’s still a strong chance they’re on the way.
If you’re nervously checking your account balance, there’s a good reason to be hopeful. Over 20 states are still sending out May SNAP payments, meaning you may still be entitled to a deposit, depending on where you live.
Which ones?
Here’s where it becomes state-specific. According to the USDA Food and Nutrition Service, the following states are releasing SNAP May payments as of this week:
- Alabama: May 4th to 23rd
- Delaware: May 2nd to 23rd
- Florida: May 1st to 28th
- Georgia: May 5th to 23rd
- Illinois: May 1st to 20th
- Indiana: May 5th to 23rd
- Kentucky: May 19th
- Louisiana: May 1st to 23rd
- Maine: May 10th to 14th
- Maryland: May 4th to 23rd
- Massachusetts: May 14th
- Michigan: May 3rd to 21st
- Mississippi: May 4th to 21st
- Missouri: May 1st to 22nd
- New Mexico: May 1st to 20th
- North Carolina: May 3rd to 21st
- Ohio: May 2nd to 20th
- South Carolina: May 1st to 19th
- Tennessee: May 1st to 20th
- Texas: May 1st to 28th
- Utah: May 5th to 11th
- Washington: May 1st to 20th
- Wisconsin: May 15th
- Puerto Rico: May 10th
If your state is on this list, don’t freak out, your payment may just be processing.
States that have issued SNAP May payments
By contrast, several other states completed their SNAP May payment cycles earlier in the month. That means if you’re in one of these states and haven’t received your benefits yet, it’s time to check your eligibility or contact your local SNAP office.
+20 states send payments (but not all)
California, New York, and Pennsylvania are states that issue early or staggered disbursements of SNAP benefits, most of which are issued within the first 10 days of the month. May payments are no longer issued by these states, so if you have not received yours, you may need to seek elsewhere.
Keep in mind, delayed or missed payments don’t necessarily equate to lost eligibility. More often than not, system delays or account problems are the reason. Keep current with updates and monitor your My SNAP account closely.
What to do if your payment hasn’t arrived yet
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If you’re still waiting and your state is actively making payments, the first thing is patience. These releases are done in waves, and even within states, not all individuals who receive them are paid on the same day.
You need to do this:
- Go to your state’s SNAP website for individual dates.
- Log in to your benefits portal and review your account history.
- Call your local office if you haven’t seen activity after the last date.
For Texas and Florida, benefits might not arrive until May 28th, so keep checking your account.
Stay alert, stay informed, and don’t assume your payment is late until you’ve checked the schedule. With +20 states sending payments this week, there’s still time for your SNAP deposit to hit your card.
