Here's When You'll Receive Your June SNAP Benefits in Each State

The last few months have seen a lot of upheavals for a number of SNAP recipients. In March, extra pandemic benefits came to an end throughout the country. Some states had already stopped these extra payments. In those that hadn't, people lost $95 or more a month -- representing a significant hit to many households' bank account balances.

More recently, food benefits have been pulled into the debt ceiling debate. As I write this, politicians haven't agreed to raise the debt ceiling. It is almost certain that they will find a resolution, but if they don't, it could delay a host of federal payments, including SNAP.

When you'll receive your June SNAP benefits

Most states pay SNAP benefits in batches, depending on your name, Social Security number, or case number. Your benefits will be paid to your electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card, which you can then use like a debit card in the store. If you have any queries about your food benefits, contact your local SNAP office.

June SNAP benefit dates by state

How to stretch your SNAP benefits further

Last year, the average monthly SNAP benefit per person was around $230, up about $100 from the amount given throughout the 2010s. In 2021, the USDA made significant updates to its estimates on what it costs for a family to eat healthfully. This led to a 21% increase in maximum benefits, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).

SNAP benefits also get updated annually in line with inflation. The maximum benefit for a family of four in the 2023 fiscal year is $939, which is reduced depending on your income and other factors. The CBPP puts the average payment at $684. That works out to about $5.70 per person per day, which doesn't go far if you're trying to feed your family.

Here are some ways to get the most bang for your SNAP bucks:

• Shop with a list: A list can help you map out your spending before you get to the store, particularly if you have a meal plan. It's a great way to guard against impulse purchases and make the most of coupons or other discounts.
• Look for double up food programs: Schemes like the Double Up Food Bucks essentially give you two-for-one on fruit and vegetables at participating stores and farmers markets. To put it another way, if you had $10 to spend, you'd get $20 worth of healthy food.
• Use a cash back or coupon app: Several cash back apps will work with your EBT card. It can take a bit of planning and you'll probably have to scan the receipt after you've shopped. But it is also a good way to earn cash back on your food spending.

If you don't have enough cash to keep food on the table until your next SNAP payment, reach out to local food pantries and soup kitchens for help. You may need to be patient as there's a lot of demand for food bank services right now. Nonetheless, it could help tide you over until you receive your June benefits.