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?
When you get your SNAP benefits depends on what state you live in. In some states, like Texas and Florida, benefits are given out on the same payday.
In others, like California, they may take up to 28 days. Here is a full list of all the states that will be giving out 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
Maine and South Dakota are the only states that will not start giving out SNAP benefits in the first week of December. Maine will begin on December 10 and run through December 14, and South Dakota will begin on December 10.
How Much Will You Receive in December?
The highest amount of SNAP benefits that can be given in December 2024 will not change until September 30, 2025. Someone living alone in one of the 48 contiguous states can expect up to $292.
Families with more members will get bigger payments. For example, a family of eight can get up to $1,756 in benefits.
Because of higher costs of living, some states have higher benefit amounts. As an 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.
