As November comes to a close, SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients—whether they call it Food Stamps, CalFresh in California, or just SNAP—are preparing for the end of their benefits for the month. With payments wrapping up in November, it’s time to budget for December and plan grocery shopping accordingly. Recipients can expect their December payments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, but the timing and amount vary by state.
When Will Your SNAP Payment Arrive in December?
The timing of SNAP benefit disbursements depends on your state. Some states distribute benefits in a single payday, while others, like Texas and Florida, may take up to 28 days. Below is a complete list of states issuing SNAP benefits in early December 2024:
- Alabama: December 4 to 23
- Alaska: December 1
- Arizona: December 1 to 13
- Arkansas: December 4 to 13
- California: December 1 to 10
- Colorado: December 1 to 10
- Connecticut: December 1 to 3
- Delaware: December 2 to 23
- Florida: December 1 to 28
- Georgia: December 5 to 23
- Hawaii: December 3 to 5
- Idaho: December 1 to 10
- Illinois: December 1 to 10
- Indiana: December 5 to 23
- Iowa: December 1 to 10
- Kansas: December 1 to 10
- Kentucky: December 1 to 19
- Louisiana: December 1 to 23
- Maryland: December 4 to 23
- Massachusetts: December 1 to 14
- Michigan: December 3 to 21
- Minnesota: December 4 to 13
- Mississippi: December 4 to 21
- Missouri: December 1 to 22
- Montana: December 2 to 6
- Nebraska: December 1 to 5
- Nevada: December 1 to 10
- New Hampshire: December 5
- New Jersey: December 1 to 5
- New Mexico: December 1 to 20
- New York: December 1 to 9
- North Carolina: December 3 to 21
- North Dakota: December 1
- Ohio: December 2 to 20
- Oklahoma: December 1 to 10
- Oregon: December 1 to 9
- Pennsylvania: During the first ten business days
- Rhode Island: December 1
- South Carolina: December 1 to 10
- Tennessee: December 1 to 20
- Texas: December 1 to 28
- Utah: December 5, 11, and 15
- Vermont: December 1
- Virginia: December 1 to 7
- Washington: December 1 to 20
- West Virginia: December 1 to 9
- Wisconsin: December 1 to 15
- Wyoming: December 1 to 4
- Guam: December 1 to 10
- Puerto Rico: December 4 to 22
- The District of Columbia: December 1 to 10
- The U.S. Virgin Islands: December 1
Two states, Maine and South Dakota, will not begin distributing SNAP benefits in the first week of December. Maine will start from December 10-14, while South Dakota will begin on December 10.
How Much Will You Receive in December?
The maximum SNAP benefit amounts for December 2024 will remain unchanged through September 30, 2025. A single individual living in the 48 contiguous states can expect up to $292. Families with more members will see larger payments, with an 8-person household qualifying for up to $1,756 in benefits.
Some states have higher benefit amounts due to increased costs of living. For example:
- Alaska: Alaska offers some of the highest payments, with individuals receiving up to $586 and 8-member households getting up to $3,516.
- Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands: These regions also provide higher benefit amounts, reflecting local inflation rates.
Budgeting for December
As SNAP payments wrap up in November, it’s essential to plan your grocery purchases and create a budget for December based on the specific dates and amounts for your state. With inflation and higher living costs in some areas, the support from SNAP remains crucial for millions of households, particularly during the holiday season. Be sure to check your state’s schedule for payments and make necessary adjustments for a smooth December.
