SNAP (food stamp) recipients will soon experience a change in the timing of their monthly benefit.

Starting in September, the state will move to a 19-day distribution cycle instead of the 10-day cycle used in the past. Rather than clients receiving their benefits between the fifth and the 14th of each month, they will receive them between the fifth and the 23rd of each month.

Food stamp benefit amounts will not change as a result of this new process. During the month of August, recipients will receive half of their benefits on their old issuance date and half of their benefits on their new date. Benefits will continue to be distributed based on the last two digits of the client ID for the head of household.

The client ID is a unique number assigned to each division of the Department of Family & Children Services (DFCS) client when applying for food stamps. The client ID is printed on all new EBT cards and can be found on all notices received from DFCS. The chart below can be used to determine the new benefit availability date. If assistance is needed with obtaining a client ID, please contact a DFCS call center at 1-877-423-4746.

Customers are encouraged to sign up at “My Alerts” and receive a text message on their cell phone, a voice mail or an e-mail each time SNAP benefits are deposited. To sign up, visit ebtaccount.jpmorgan.com and click on “My Alerts” or call 1-888-421-3281.