April arrives and it arrives with force. Millions of American families are eagerly awaiting the payment of the SNAP Food Stamps, the monthly check that helps cover the basic food needs of these families. What makes it different from other payments?
That its schedule depends on the state you are in, since each one sets its own payment dates. But, since you need to know those dates to get organized, we’ll tell you what they are.
What is the SNAP payment?
SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, and it provides monthly funds to millions of American families so they can fill their shopping carts.
These funds are distributed via EBT cards, which are reloaded monthly and can be used at establishments that participate in the SNAP program. That means you can’t use the EBT card at just any store or supermarket.
Why are EBT cards used for this payment?
This type of card is safe, fast, and efficient, allowing states to pay recipients quickly without issues along the way such as fraud, theft, or stigmatization. And this last point is especially important, because beyond practicality, these cards also have a social function. They allow people to shop independently, without drawing attention with visible bills or coupons.
This eliminates the stigma associated with receiving public assistance and protects the privacy and dignity of recipients, allowing them to make their own food choices.
When does the check arrive?
As we said, each state chooses when to send its checks, but we can estimate that states like Alaska, Rhode Island, Vermont, and North Dakota issue their payments on the first day of the month, and states like Connecticut and Nebraska send them between the 1st and 5th. Here’s the list below. Keep in mind it’s an estimate, and if your payment is delayed, you can check your balance through your EBT card system (you can also check your balance the same way).
- April 1: Alaska, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Florida, Guam, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virgin Islands, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, Wyoming.
- April 2: Delaware, Montana, Ohio.
- April 3: Hawaii, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina.
- April 4: Alabama, Arkansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Mississippi, Puerto Rico.
- April 5: Georgia, Indiana, Utah, New Hampshire.
- April 10: Maine, South Dakota.
- April 11: Utah.
- April 15: Utah.
What can and can’t you buy with SNAP?
Well, this is a benefit to help families eat properly, so everything related to fruits and vegetables, fresh meats, chicken and fish, breads, cereals and legumes, eggs, dairy, and everything tied to healthy eating is included in SNAP benefits. However, fast food or ready-made meals are not included, nor are personal hygiene products, alcohol, cigarettes, or cosmetics.
Remember that this payment is intended solely to cover essential food needs, and anything that is not necessary for a healthy, balanced diet is excluded from this benefit.
April’s SNAP payment is already available in many states. Run to your nearest grocery store to do your shopping!
