SNAP $120 Food Stamp Benefit - Eligibility Criteria and Payment Date

Millions of families rely on SNAP benefits to make ends meet, and in 2025, the USDA is stepping up with an extra boost—$120 per eligible child.

If you’re part of the SNAP program, or your kids get free or reduced school meals, this one-time payment can really help stretch your grocery budget.

Here’s a simple breakdown of who qualifies, when payments go out, and how to make every dollar count.

Benefit

This $120 food stamp benefit isn’t just random—it’s a targeted initiative to help families cover food costs during school breaks when kids miss out on daily meals.

With grocery prices still climbing, this extra cash can bring much-needed relief to households already managing tight budgets.

The USDA’s goal? Make sure no child goes hungry, even when school cafeterias close.

Eligibility

Wondering if you qualify? Here’s the scoop.

You’re eligible if your household is part of any of these:

SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
FDPIR (Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations)
School Meal Programs (NSLP or SBP)

Even if you’re not in SNAP, but your child gets free/reduced school lunches, you might still get the benefit—but you’ll likely need to apply.

Income limits apply. Most families under 130% of the federal poverty level will qualify. You’ll also need basic documentation—like proof of enrollment in these programs, school records, and household size details.

Timeline

Mark your calendar: May 15, 2025. That’s when most benefits will be loaded onto EBT cards.

But this may vary a bit by state, so check with your local office or online portal to confirm.

Here’s how it breaks down:

Detail	Info
Amount	$120 per eligible child
Deposit Date	May 15, 2025 (most states)
Usage Deadline	90 days after deposit
Delivery Method	EBT card (auto or manual, depending)

Access

Already on SNAP? You don’t need to lift a finger. The money will be added to your EBT card automatically.

Not on SNAP but in school lunch programs? You’ll likely need to submit a quick application through your state’s Department of Social Services.

Want to check your balance? Here’s how:

Online: Log into your state’s EBT portal
Phone: Call the number on the back of your EBT card
In person: Visit your local SNAP or social services office

Usage

So how can you spend that $120? Think essentials.

Here’s what’s allowed:

Fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and veggies
Meat, poultry, and fish
Dairy like milk and cheese
Grains and cereals
Seeds/plants to grow your own food

What’s not allowed:

Alcohol
Tobacco
Vitamins or medicines
Hot/prepared food (unless from a SNAP-approved hot food retailer)

And don’t forget—you have 90 days to use it. After that, the balance vanishes. So, plan your shopping wisely.

Tips

Want to stretch the benefit even further? Try this:

Buy in bulk: Grains, pasta, and canned goods last longer.
Compare prices: Don’t shop in a rush—look for deals.
Use coupons and loyalty programs: Combine with your EBT to save more.
Grow your own: Seeds and starter plants are EBT-eligible!

This $120 benefit is more than a handout—it’s a helping hand. Use it smartly, and you can make a real difference in your household food supply. Whether it’s extra fruits for snacks or stretching dinners with affordable protein, every dollar helps keep your kids healthy and happy.