October brings two important pieces of news for the more than 36 million Americans who receive SNAP. The first is that maximum benefits have increased starting October 1 with the annual cost-of-living adjustment for fiscal year 2027. The second is that, as always, payment dates vary by state. This guide tells you exactly when your money will arrive and how much you will receive this month.
The October adjustment reflects food inflation of 2.9%. For a family of four, the monthly maximum rises from $994 to $1,023 — an extra $29 every month. The increase is automatic: you do not need to do anything to receive it. If you are an active SNAP recipient, the new amount will be loaded directly onto your EBT card starting with this month’s payment.
New maximum benefit amounts starting October 1, 2026
1 person: $306 (up from $298 — increase of $8). 2 people: $562 (up from $546 — increase of $16). 3 people: $808 (up from $785 — increase of $23). 4 people: $1,023 (up from $994 — increase of $29). 5 people: $1,217 (up from $1,183 — increase of $34). 6 people: $1,463 (up from $1,421 — increase of $42). 7 people: $1,616 (up from $1,571 — increase of $45). 8 people: $1,841 (up from $1,789 — increase of $52). The minimum benefit for one- and two-person households rises from $24 to $25.
In Alaska, amounts are significantly higher — a family of four can receive up to $2,027 per month starting in October.
SNAP payment calendar for October 2026 — all states
Alabama: October 4–23. Alaska: October 1. Arizona: October 1–13. Arkansas: October 4–13. California: October 1–10. Colorado: October 1–10. Connecticut: October 1–8. Delaware: October 2–23. Washington D.C.: October 1–10. Florida: October 1–28. Georgia: October 5–23. Guam: October 1–10. Hawaii: October 3–5. Idaho: October 1–10. Illinois: October 1–20. Indiana: October 5–23. Iowa: October 1–10. Kansas: October 1–10. Kentucky: October 1–19. Louisiana: October 1–23. Maine: October 10–14. Maryland: October 4–23. Massachusetts: October 1–14. Michigan: October 3–21. Minnesota: October 4–13. Mississippi: October 4–21. Missouri: October 1–22. Montana: October 2–6. Nebraska: October 1–5. Nevada: October 1–10. New Hampshire: October 5. New Jersey: October 1–5. New Mexico: October 1–20. New York: October 1–9. North Carolina: October 3–21. North Dakota: October 1. Ohio: October 2–20. Oklahoma: October 1–10. Oregon: October 1–9. Pennsylvania: October 3–14. Puerto Rico: October 4–22. Rhode Island: October 1. South Carolina: October 1–19. South Dakota: October 10. Tennessee: October 1–20. Texas: October 1–28. Utah: October 5, 11, and 15. U.S. Virgin Islands: October 1. Vermont: October 1. Virginia: October 1–7. Washington State: October 1–20. West Virginia: October 1–9. Wisconsin: October 1–15. Wyoming: October 1–4.
New rules also taking effect in October
October does not only bring a benefit increase — it also brings significant rule changes. Starting October 1, 2026, states must now cover 75% of SNAP administrative costs, up from the previous 50%. This is already generating changes in how some states process applications — with more documentation requirements and longer processing times in some cases.
States including Ohio and Virginia are also activating new product restrictions today — sugary drinks and sodas will now be blocked at EBT terminals in those states starting this date.
What to do if your payment does not arrive on the expected date
If your date has passed and the money is not on your card, first check that your recertification is current and that there are no pending changes to your case. If everything looks fine, call the number on the back of your EBT card or open the ebtEDGE or ConnectEBT app to check your balance in real time. With the new administrative changes taking effect in October, some states may experience minor processing delays — if that is the case, wait 24 hours before calling your agency.
If you notice your benefit amount this month is different from September — either higher due to the annual adjustment or different due to changes in your case — remember that the new fiscal year 2027 amounts are in effect from October 1 and will remain in place through September 30, 2027.