Each year, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) adjusts its benefits to help low-income families buy food and cover essential expenses in their daily economy. However, in 2025 there will be major changes that could affect both current and new recipients. Specifically, some groups of people could lose their benefits if they do not meet certain requirements set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the state agencies that administer the program.
Here’s what you should know about the increased amounts, new income limits and payment schedules in several states, as well as work requirements in places like Louisiana or Texas, and the impact this could have on your household.
Increased SNAP amounts and general requirements
According to Texas Health and Human Services, these are the maximum amounts eligible households can receive (the exact value depends on your income and family composition):
- 1 person: $291 per month
- 2 persons: $535 per month
- 3 persons: $766 per month
- 4 persons: $973 per month
- 5 persons: $1,155 per month
- 6 persons: $1,386 per month
- 7 people: $1,532 per month
- 8 persons: $1,751 per month
- For each additional member, $219 is added.
Who can apply for SNAP?
- Households with limited monthly income (see your state’s income limit chart).
- Most adults ages 18 to 52 without children in the household can receive SNAP for only three months in a three-year period if they do not meet certain work requirements (this varies by state).
- People over age 60, disabled, or with special circumstances may qualify under more flexible rules.
Use of SNAP card
- Benefits are deposited on a card (Lone Star Card in Texas or other EBT cards in different states), and function like a debit card to purchase food.
- They cannot be used to purchase alcohol, tobacco or non-food items.
Louisiana changes: New rules for adults without dependents
In Louisiana, the Department of Children and Families (DCFS) announced that, effective October 1, 2024, the requirements for certain individuals classified as Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) will be tightened. This is due to the expiration of high unemployment exemptions in several districts and an increase in the maximum age for the ABAWD rule.
Major changes in Louisiana
- Expansion of the age limit: previously, adults aged 18 to 52 with no dependents were subject to the work requirements; now, this range is extended to age 54.
- End of exemptions in 33 parishes: There will no longer be exemptions for high unemployment rates for most parishes.
- 80-hour requirement: ABAWDs must work, volunteer or participate in a job training program at least 80 hours per month, or risk losing benefits after three months.
- Special exemptions: Pregnant women, people with disabilities, caregivers of children or other dependents, veterans, or people with certain specific conditions may be exempt.
This measure will affect nearly 20,449 people in Louisiana, 2.4% of the 848,389 SNAP recipients statewide (baseline figures from last August-July). For more details, it is recommended to visit the official DCFS web page
Benefit delivery schedule: Key dates in 2025
Each state has a specific schedule for the monthly issuance of SNAP benefits, as established by USDA. Here are some examples of the payment schedule in different states (based on official information from the “Monthly Issuance Schedule for All States and Territories” document):
- Texas
- Households certified before June 1, 2020 receive benefits between the 1st and 15th of the month, based on the last digit of the case number (EDG).
- Households certified after June 1, 2020 receive benefits between the 16th and 28th of the month, also based on the last two digits of their case number.
- Florida
- Deposits are issued from the 1st to the 28th of each month, based on the 9th and 8th digits of their case number, read backwards.
- California
- Issues benefits from the 1st through the 10th of each month, based on the last digit of your case number.
- New York City
- Outside New York City, they are issued from 1 to 9 based on the last digit of your case number.
- In New York City, the calendar is spread over 13 different dates during the first two weeks, and changes monthly.
For complete details for all states and territories, visit the official USDA website or download the document “Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) – Monthly Issuance Schedule for All States and Territories”.
Why can you lose your benefits?
- Failure to meet work requirements (ABAWD):
- Individuals categorized as adults without dependents and who are within the prescribed age (18-54, depending on the state) must work or participate in job training.
- Otherwise, their benefits are limited to only three months every three years.
- Changes in your family or income situation:
- An increase in your income, a change in household size, or failure to correctly report income may cause you to lose eligibility or decrease your benefit amount.
- Failure to renew or update information annually:
- Many states require periodic reviews. Failure to complete paperwork on time may result in suspension of benefits.
Good news: increases and extensions
- Annual inflation adjustment:Although the increase may seem small (between $1 and $4 depending on the number of people in the household), this increase helps offset, at least in part, the rising prices of basic food and other essentials.
- Expansion in some states:States such as Texas have maintained or increased their limits and made it easier to buy groceries online with EBT cards, allowing many families more convenient access to grocery shopping.
- Defined payment dates: The fact that many states have already published their issuance schedules for the first few months of 2025 provides households with greater certainty and predictability.
What do you need to do to keep your benefits?
- Check to see if you have to meet the ABAWD requirements:
- If you are in the age range and have no dependents, make sure you are working, studying, or participating in vocational training at least 80 hours per month in states that apply that standard (e.g., Louisiana).
- If you believe you qualify for an exemption (pregnancy, disability, child care, etc.), contact your local SNAP office to update your information.
- Keep your information up to date:
- Report any changes in your household size, income or address in a timely manner.
- Make renewals when required by your state.
- Check the payment schedule and plan your budget:
- Each state issues benefits on different dates; avoid setbacks by checking the official calendar.
In 2025, SNAP remains a mainstay for thousands of low-income families and individuals in the United States, but new restrictions and adjustments – especiallyon adults without dependents – could leave out those who don’t comply with work rules or don’t update on time. On the other hand, assistance remains the same or even increases slightly for most recipients, while more states define clear delivery schedules each month, making household financial planning easier. Remember:
- Check your state’s specific requirements.
- Keep your information up to date.
- Check the official website of the USDA or your state agency (such as DCFS in Louisiana or Health and Human Services in Texas) for questions, forms and exact benefit issuance dates.
Nondiscrimination Statement (USDA)
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), religious creed, disability, age, political beliefs, or reprisal for prior civil rights activity.
To file a complaint of discrimination, you may complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, AD-3027, or write to the USDA providing your name, address, telephone number, and a sufficiently detailed written description of the alleged discriminatory action. Sources consulted:
- Texas Health and Human Services – SNAP
- Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services – SNAP
- USDA – Food and Nutrition Service
- Official Document: Monthly Issuance Schedule for All States and Territories (USDA)
This article is provided for informational purposes only. To confirm your eligibility and the specific steps to follow in your area, please contact the appropriate state agency directly or visit the official links.
