For many low-income families in Florida, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is a vital lifeline to help cover food costs as prices soar and wages lag. The program is run by the Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) under rules set by the USDA.
SNAP distributes benefits via EBT (Electronic Benefits Transfer) cards, on a schedule tied to case numbers, ensuring the process is orderly and manageable across the state.
Who’s Eligible for SNAP in Florida
Eligibility depends on several key factors. To qualify, an applicant must:
- Be a Florida resident and provide proof of legal status.
- Meet income standards (both gross income and net income) based on household size.
- Pass resource/asset tests (though many households with members who are elderly or disabled have higher limits or exemptions).
Florida also considers deductions such as dependent care, medical expenses (for disabled or elderly), and allowable shelter or utility costs when calculating net income. Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) have additional work or training requirements after certain months when benefits would otherwise stop, unless exemptions apply.
How SNAP Benefit Payments Are Scheduled
In Florida, the payment schedule for SNAP benefits runs from the 1st through the 28th of each month. The exact date your benefits arrive depends on the 8th and 9th digits of your case number (read backwards, ignoring the 10th digit).
Here’s a sample of how that works:
| Case Number Digits (9th & 8th, reversed) | Date Benefits Arrive |
|---|---|
| 00-03 | 1st of the month |
| 04-06 | 2nd |
| 07-10 | 3rd |
| 11-13 | 4th |
| 14-17 | 5th |
| 18-20 | 6th |
| 21-24 | 7th |
| 25-27 | 8th |
| 28-31 | 9th |
| 32-34 | 10th |
| 35-38 | 11th |
| 39-41 | 12th |
| 42-45 | 13th |
| 46-48 | 14th |
| 49-53 | 15th |
| 54-57 | 16th |
| 58-60 | 17th |
| 61-64 | 18th |
| 65-67 | 19th |
| 68-71 | 20th |
| 72-74 | 21st |
| 75-78 | 22nd |
| 79-81 | 23rd |
| 82-85 | 24th |
| 86-88 | 25th |
| 89-92 | 26th |
| 93-95 | 27th |
| 96-99 | 28th |
This system ensures everyone knows when their EBT funds will be deposited, helping to plan groceries and monthly budgets.
Maximum SNAP Household Benefit Amounts (as of September 30, 2025)
Here are the maximum monthly SNAP allotments in Florida for households with zero net income (i.e. with no income after deductions and eligibility met):
| Household Size | Maximum SNAP Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 person | $292 |
| 2 people | $536 |
| 3 people | $768 |
| 4 people | $975 |
| 5 people | $1,158 |
| 6 people | $1,390 |
| 7 people | $1,536 |
| 8 people | $1,756 |
| Each additional member | + $220 |
These amounts are intended to cover food for households when there is minimal or no income, though the actual benefit people receive depends on their net income, deductions, and expenses.
What’s Changing Soon?
- SNAP benefits are adjusted each autumn via a Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) to reflect economic conditions. For Florida and nationally, COLA is anticipated to increase SNAP benefit levels for many households starting October 1, 2025.
- Estimates suggest increases in the range of 2.5% to 2.9%, which could raise the maximum benefit for a 4-person household slightly above $975.
Keywords to Know
- Florida SNAP schedule
- SNAP EBT payment dates Florida
- Maximum SNAP benefits Florida 2025
- SNAP eligibility Florida
- Case number payment date Florida SNAP
Florida SNAP recipients should be aware of their payment dates — benefits arrive on a set day each month based on reversed case number digits. The schedule ensures funds are delivered evenly between the 1st and 28th.
With inflation pressures, these benefits are more important than ever. The maximum allotments for households with no net income offer a safety net, and the upcoming COLA increase starting October 2025 promises some relief.
If you’re eligible, it’s wise to track your case number, know your deposit date, and plan ahead accordingly to make the most of SNAP benefits.
FAQs
How do I know when my SNAP benefit will arrive in Florida?
Check the 8th and 9th digits of your case number (read them reversed, ignore the 10th digit). That determines a specific date between 1-28 of each month when your benefits are loaded to your EBT card.
What is the maximum SNAP benefit a family of four can receive in Florida?
For zero net income households, the max allotment for a 4-person household is $975/month (as of late September 2025).
Will SNAP benefit amounts increase soon?
Yes. A COLA adjustment is expected October 1, 2025, likely boosting benefit amounts by about 2.5% to 2.9%, which will slightly raise maximum allotments.