In early November, Alaska and Hawaii will deliver the largest Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments in the United States, with some families receiving over $3,000 in benefits due to the cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2025.
This article provides details on SNAP payment dates, amounts, and the largest payouts by household size for these states.
Overview of November SNAP Payment Dates
Several states will issue SNAP benefits on November 1, 2024, while others will have staggered payment dates across multiple days. In Alaska, all eligible recipients will receive their SNAP payments on November 1. Hawaii, meanwhile, will distribute payments on two dates: November 3 and November 5, depending on the recipient’s last name.
Largest SNAP Payments in Alaska
Alaska issues the largest SNAP benefits in the nation due to its higher cost of living. Payment amounts vary by household size and location within the state, categorized as Urban, Rural 1, and Rural 2.
Rural areas, especially Rural 2, receive higher SNAP payments than urban regions due to increased living costs.
| Household Size | Alaska (Urban) | Alaska (Rural 1) | Alaska (Rural 2) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $377 | $481 | $586 |
| 2 people | $692 | $882 | $1,074 |
| 3 people | $991 | $1,263 | $1,538 |
| 4 people | $1,258 | $1,604 | $1,953 |
| 5 people | $1,494 | $1,905 | $2,319 |
| 6 people | $1,793 | $2,287 | $2,783 |
| 7 people | $1,982 | $2,527 | $3,076 |
| 8 people | $2,265 | $2,888 | $3,516 |
| Each additional | +$283 | +$361 | +$440 |
For example, a household of 8 in Alaska’s Rural 2 area qualifies for the highest payment of up to $3,516. Individual recipients in Urban Alaska can receive a maximum of $377, while those in Rural 2 can get as much as $586.
SNAP Payments in Hawaii
Hawaii also issues some of the largest SNAP payments due to its high living costs. The state distributes benefits based on the first letter of recipients’ last names:
- November 3: Last names starting with A – I
- November 5: Last names starting with J – Z
Hawaii’s SNAP payment amounts for different household sizes are as follows:
- Single person: Up to $517
- Family of 4: Up to $1,723
- Family of 8: Up to $3,102
A household of 8 people in Hawaii qualifies for the highest benefit, reaching $3,102.
SNAP Payment Calculation with 2025 COLA
With the 2025 COLA adjustment, SNAP payments increase to match inflationary costs. For instance:
- Individual payment example: If the pre-COLA payment is $500, the COLA increase makes it $512.50.
- Larger payments: A benefit of $1,000 would increase to $1,025 after the 2.5% adjustment.
For detailed information on SNAP payments and adjustments, visit the USDA’s official site: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/fy-2025-cola.
