Millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) can expect their March benefits to start arriving in the coming days.
Eligible households will receive payments of up to $586, with disbursements beginning March 1 in most states. However, some states have different distribution schedules that extend later into the month.
How SNAP Works
Established in 1939, SNAP remains the largest federal food assistance program in the U.S., helping low-income individuals and families afford groceries. Each month, benefits are loaded onto an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at authorized retailers to purchase food.
March SNAP Payment Amounts
The amount a household receives is determined by factors such as income, household size, and expenses. The maximum benefit varies depending on location:
- Alaska: Up to $586 per person
- Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands: Up to $376 per person
- 48 contiguous states: Maximum of $292 per person
On average, most recipients in the lower 48 states receive around $199 per person each month. These benefit amounts are expected to remain in place through September 30, 2025, before the 2026 cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) takes effect.
Also Read – March SNAP Payments of $292 to $586 Arriving Soon – Check Eligibility
Potential Restrictions on SNAP Purchases
SNAP recipients may soon face restrictions on buying certain foods, as newly appointed USDA Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins considers changes to limit purchases of unhealthy items.
Rollins, along with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., has suggested eliminating junk food purchases using SNAP benefits. The plan would require either Congress to amend federal law or individual states to obtain waivers to impose such limits.
Historically, efforts to restrict soda, chips, and other processed foods through SNAP have failed under both Republican and Democratic administrations. The food industry’s lobbying efforts, with companies like Nestlé and Tyson Foods, have played a role in keeping these restrictions from being enacted.
Additional Changes to SNAP Benefits
Beyond potential food restrictions, discussions continue about cutting overall SNAP benefits, which could impact millions of families who depend on the program.
Meanwhile, SNAP fraud remains an issue—some recipients have reported thousands of dollars in stolen EBT benefits, with one mother losing $6,000 in grocery funds due to card theft.
As these developments unfold, SNAP recipients should stay informed about payment schedules, policy changes, and potential program adjustments in the months ahead .
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