Millions of SNAP recipients across the U.S. are now receiving their January 2026 benefits. But new restrictions and stricter work requirements could mean some families lose access starting this month.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program distributes payments between January 1 and January 28, 2026, depending on your state. Payment schedules are based on your case number, Social Security number, or last name.
January 2026 State-by-State SNAP Schedule
Below are the distribution windows for each state as reported for January 2026:
| State / Territory | January 2026 Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Jan 4 to 23 |
| Alaska | Jan 1 |
| Arizona | Jan 1 to 13 |
| Arkansas | Jan 4 to 13 |
| California | Jan 1 to 10 |
| Colorado | Jan 1 to 10 |
| Connecticut | Jan 1 to 3 |
| Delaware | Jan 2 to 23 |
| District of Columbia | Jan 1 to 10 |
| Florida | Jan 1 to 28 |
| Georgia | Jan 5 to 23 |
| Guam | Jan 1 to 10 |
| Hawaii | Jan 3 to 5 |
| Idaho | Jan 1 to 10 |
| Illinois | Jan 1 to 20 |
| Indiana | Jan 5 to 23 |
| Iowa | Jan 1 to 10 |
| Kansas | Jan 1 to 10 |
| Kentucky | Jan 1 to 19 |
| Louisiana | Jan 1 to 23 |
| Maine | Jan 10 to 14 |
| Maryland | Jan 4 to 23 |
| Massachusetts | Jan 1 to 14 |
| Michigan | Jan 3 to 21 |
| Minnesota | Jan 4 to 13 |
| Mississippi | Jan 4 to 21 |
| Missouri | Jan 1 to 22 |
| Montana | Jan 2 to 6 |
| Nebraska | Jan 1 to 5 |
| Nevada | Jan 1 to 10 |
| New Hampshire | Jan 5 |
| New Jersey | Jan 1 to 5 |
| New Mexico | Jan 1 to 20 |
| New York | Jan 1 to 9 (NYC: Jan 1 to 14) |
| North Carolina | Jan 3 to 21 |
| North Dakota | Jan 1 |
| Ohio | Jan 2 to 20 |
| Oklahoma | Jan 1 to 10 |
| Oregon | Jan 1 to 9 |
| Pennsylvania | Jan 3 to 14 |
| Puerto Rico | Jan 4 to 22 |
| Rhode Island | Jan 1 |
| South Carolina | Jan 1 to 19 |
| South Dakota | Jan 10 |
| Tennessee | Jan 1 to 20 |
| Texas | Jan 1 to 28 |
| Utah | Jan 5, 11, and 15 |
| Vermont | Jan 1 |
| Virgin Islands | Jan 1 |
| Virginia | Jan 1 to 7 |
| Washington | Jan 1 to 20 |
| West Virginia | Jan 1 to 9 |
| Wisconsin | Jan 1 to 15 |
| Wyoming | Jan 1 to 4 |
Alaska, Rhode Island, North Dakota, Vermont, and the Virgin Islands sent all payments on January 1. Most other states spread deposits across multiple days throughout the month.
For example, Florida and Texas take the entire month — from January 1 to 28. California, Colorado, and Idaho finish by January 10. New York City residents receive benefits between January 1 and 14, while the rest of New York gets payments from January 1 to 9.
“Families need to know their exact date so they can plan meals and shopping,” said a spokesperson from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
But January 2026 also brings major changes that could affect your eligibility or how you use your benefits.
Starting January 1, 2026, several states banned the use of SNAP for sugary drinks, candy, and soda. Indiana, Iowa, and Florida are among the states enforcing these new waivers. Recipients in these states will see restrictions at checkout when trying to purchase restricted items.
The USDA approved these waivers as part of a pilot program aimed at improving nutrition outcomes. But advocates worry it could confuse families and add stress to an already complex system.
Work requirements are also getting stricter. New federal rules now affect Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents, or ABAWDs. Under the updated policy, adults aged 18 to 54 without children must work or participate in job training for at least 80 hours per month to keep their benefits.
This change could disqualify thousands of people who were previously exempt or living in areas with high unemployment. The Social Security Administration and state agencies are expected to send notices to affected recipients by mid-January.
The maximum monthly benefit for a family of four in 2026 is now $994. That’s based on Fiscal Year 2026 allotments set by the USDA. Individual amounts vary depending on household size, income, and deductions.
To check your exact payment date, visit your state’s EBT portal or use the USDA SNAP State Directory online. You can also call your local Department of Human Services office for help.
If you haven’t received your payment by your scheduled date, contact your state agency immediately. Delays can sometimes happen due to account issues or eligibility reviews.
Families should also watch for any new mail from their state SNAP office. Some recipients may need to recertify or provide updated documents to continue receiving benefits in 2026.
