As October SNAP payments conclude, families across the U.S. can prepare for their November benefits. SNAP, or Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, offers essential food support for eligible low-income households, helping families afford nutritious groceries each month. This guide provides insights into the November payment dates, maximum benefit amounts, and key eligibility criteria for families, especially those of five members.
Payment Dates
Each state has its own SNAP payment schedule, with some distributing benefits on a single day and others spreading payments over multiple dates. Here’s the full November schedule by state:
| State | Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | November 4 – 23 |
| Alaska | November 1 |
| Arizona | November 1 – 13 |
| Arkansas | November 4 – 13 |
| California | November 1 – 10 |
| Colorado | November 1 – 10 |
| Connecticut | November 1 – 3 |
| Delaware | November 2 – 23 |
| Florida | November 1 – 28 |
| Georgia | November 5 – 23 |
| Hawaii | November 3 – 5 |
| Idaho | November 1 – 10 |
| Illinois | November 1 – 10 |
| Indiana | November 5 – 23 |
| Iowa | November 1 – 10 |
| Kansas | November 1 – 10 |
| Kentucky | November 1 – 19 |
| Louisiana | November 1 – 23 |
| Maine | November 10 – 14 |
| Maryland | November 4 – 23 |
| Massachusetts | November 1 – 14 |
| Michigan | November 3 – 21 |
| Minnesota | November 4 – 13 |
| Mississippi | November 4 – 21 |
| Missouri | November 1 – 22 |
| Montana | November 2 – 6 |
| Nebraska | November 1 – 5 |
| Nevada | November 1 – 10 |
| New Hampshire | November 5 |
| New Jersey | November 1 – 5 |
| New Mexico | November 1 – 20 |
| New York | November 1 – 9 |
| North Carolina | November 3 – 21 |
| North Dakota | November 1 |
| Ohio | November 2 – 20 |
| Oklahoma | November 1 – 10 |
| Oregon | November 1 – 9 |
| Pennsylvania | First 10 business days |
| Rhode Island | November 1 |
| South Carolina | November 1 – 10 |
| South Dakota | November 10 |
| Tennessee | November 1 – 20 |
| Texas | November 1 – 28 |
| Utah | November 5, 11, and 15 |
| Vermont | November 1 |
| Virginia | November 1 – 7 |
| Washington | November 1 – 20 |
| West Virginia | November 1 – 9 |
| Wisconsin | November 1 – 15 |
| Wyoming | November 1 – 4 |
| Guam | November 1 – 10 |
| Puerto Rico | November 4 – 22 |
| District of Columbia | November 1 – 10 |
| U.S. Virgin Islands | November 1 |
SNAP Benefits
The maximum SNAP benefit for a household depends on family size and location, adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation. Here’s what eligible families of various sizes can expect:
- Individuals: Up to $292
- Family of 4: Up to $975
- Family of 5: Up to $1,158
- Family of 8: Up to $1,756
These figures reflect the recent COLA adjustments for 2025, which slightly increased benefit amounts across the board.
Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility for SNAP benefits, including CalFresh in California, considers factors such as income, household size, assets, and other criteria. For a family of five in California, here’s what the main requirements include:
- Gross Monthly Income Limit: The gross monthly income limit is $6,098 (200% of the federal poverty level). This includes all income sources before deductions.
- Net Monthly Income Limit: After deductions, a household’s net monthly income should not exceed $3,049 (100% of the federal poverty level).
- Deductions: SNAP allows for deductions such as 20% of earned income, a standard deduction (based on household size), dependent care costs, certain medical expenses for elderly or disabled members, and excess shelter costs.
- Asset/Resource Limit: California has no asset limit for SNAP, although households with elderly or disabled members may qualify with a $4,500 asset limit.
- Work Requirements: Able-bodied adults aged 18–49 without dependents must work or participate in a job program for 20 hours weekly to keep benefits for more than three months within 36 months. Children, seniors, the disabled, and pregnant individuals are exempt from this requirement.
- Citizenship Requirements: U.S. citizens and some lawful non-citizens are eligible, although most non-citizens must have lived in the U.S. for five years, be under 18, or receive disability benefits.
Applying for SNAP
Families meeting these criteria can apply through their local SNAP office. In California, SNAP benefits are called CalFresh, and applications can be submitted online or at local assistance offices. Once approved, families will receive benefits on an EBT card, which functions like a debit card for food purchases.
FAQs
What is the max SNAP benefit for 5 in CA?
$1,158 if fully eligible.
When does SNAP distribute in Texas?
Texas SNAP dates range from November 1 to 28.
What is the SNAP payday in Alaska?
Alaska issues SNAP on November 1.
How much can a family of 4 receive in SNAP?
A family of 4 can receive up to $975.
Do SNAP benefits have a citizenship requirement?
Yes, U.S. citizens and certain legal residents qualify.
