As May 2025 approaches, millions of Americans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits face a critical reminder: recertify your eligibility on time or risk losing your food assistance.

SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, plays a vital role in helping low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food. However, to continue receiving benefits without interruption, recipients must complete a recertification process before their certification period ends.

What Is SNAP Recertification?

SNAP recertification is a periodic review of a household’s income, expenses, and composition to determine continued eligibility.

It is a mandatory step to ensure only qualified recipients continue to receive benefits. Depending on your state and household type, certification periods typically last:

• 6 to 12 months for most households
• Up to 36 months for households where all members are elderly or disabled with no earned income

As the end of the certification period nears, state SNAP agencies issue a notice—usually 30 days in advance—alerting beneficiaries about the need to recertify. This notice includes the deadline and instructions for completing the process.

May 2025 Recertification Deadlines: What You Need to Know

While deadlines vary by state and individual case, some state agencies have issued specific guidance:

• California (CalFresh): Households with SNAP benefits ending in May 2025 must recertify by April 10, 2025, to ensure uninterrupted aid.
• Florida: Recertification typically occurs every 6 months.
• New York: Certification periods depend on household composition. Recipients should log into the myBenefits portal to verify their recertification deadline.

Regardless of your state, failing to complete recertification before the deadline can result in benefit suspension or termination. In some cases, households may need to reapply entirely—leading to unnecessary delays in receiving much-needed food support.

How to Recertify for SNAP

Each state allows several methods for recertifying SNAP benefits:

• Online through your state’s benefits portal
• By mail using forms sent with your recertification notice
• In person at your local social services office
• Over the phone in some jurisdictions

Documents typically required include:

• Proof of income (such as pay stubs or self-employment records)
• Utility bills
• Rent or mortgage payment details
• Information on household members
• Any recent changes in employment or family composition

Why Timely Recertification Matters

Missing your SNAP recertification deadline could mean losing access to food assistance. The National Council on Aging emphasizes the importance of early action, especially for seniors and people with disabilities who may rely heavily on this support. Without timely renewal, benefits stop at the end of the certification period, creating potential gaps in food security.

According to the National Council on Aging, “If you don’t return your paperwork on time, you’ll lose your benefits. You’ll have to reapply and wait for approval before you can start getting help again.”

Tips to Make Recertification Easier

• Set Reminders: Mark your calendar when you receive your recertification notice and submit all documents before the stated deadline.
• Keep Contact Info Updated: Ensure your local SNAP agency has your current phone number and mailing address.
• Start Early: Don’t wait until the last minute. Recertifying early helps avoid delays or issues with your case.
• Seek Assistance: If you’re unsure how to proceed, contact your local SNAP office or community organizations for help.

The Bottom Line

SNAP is a crucial support system for low-income households across the U.S., helping millions put food on the table. However, it’s not a set-it-and-forget-it benefit. Staying on top of your recertification deadlines—especially for May 2025—is essential to keep your benefits flowing without interruption.

This article has been carefully fact-checked by our editorial team to ensure accuracy and eliminate any misleading information. We are committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity in our content.