Idaho to Stagger Release of Food Stamps Beginning in July

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Starting in July, Idaho will start staggering the release of food stamps. Instead of everyone who receives help from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program getting their benefits on the first of the month, there will be a 10-day distribution system.

KTVB-TV reports about 82,000 Idaho families receive SNAP benefits each month. State officials say recipients receive about $115 per month on average. Starting in July, food stamp recipients will have access to their benefits to a day corresponding with the last digit of their birth year. For example, people born in 1966 will receive SNAP benefits on the sixth day of the month.

The Idaho Legislature passed legislation back in 2014 requiring the department to move to a staggered food stamp distribution system. Several retailers and grocery store chains pushed for the change because they are often swamped on the first of the month.