7 CFR § 274.2(d)(1)


Initial month benefits are available after SNAP approval.  Ongoing SNAP benefits are issued once a month from the first to the 3rd calendar day, based on the first letter of the head of household’s last name.

First letter of the last name is: 

  • A-F = Benefits are available on the first calendar day.
  • G-N = Benefits are available on the 2nd calendar day.
  • O-Z = Benefits are available on the 3rd calendar day.


Corrective payments are issued as needed.  See Underpayments for more information.