SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients across the U.S. should be aware that December benefits will not be issued on the same day nationwide. Depending on your state, SNAP payments will be distributed between December 1 and December 28, 2024. Knowing your state’s schedule is crucial for planning, as some states deliver all benefits on a single day, while others stagger payments throughout the month.
Single Payday
In a few states and territories, all SNAP recipients receive their benefits on December 1, 2024, simplifying the process:
- Alaska
- Vermont
- Rhode Island
- North Dakota
- U.S. Virgin Islands
Benefits
Due to higher inflation and cost of living, Alaska provides the largest SNAP benefits. For example, a family of eight in rural areas can receive up to $3,516. Individual payments range from $377 in cities to $586 in remote areas like Rural 2.
Maximum Benefits
In most other states, the maximum benefits are standardized:
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit |
|---|---|
| 1 | $292 |
| 2 | $536 |
| 3 | $768 |
| 4 | $975 |
| 5 | $1,158 |
| 6 | $1,390 |
| 7 | $1,536 |
| 8 | $1,756 |
| Additional Members | $220 each |
Payment Schedules
For those living outside the states with a single payday, payments are distributed over various dates in December. Below is a breakdown by state:
| State | Payment Dates |
|---|---|
| Alabama | December 4 – 23 |
| Arizona | December 1 – 13 |
| Arkansas | December 4 – 13 |
| California | December 1 – 10 |
| Colorado | December 1 – 10 |
| Connecticut | December 1 – 3 |
| Delaware | December 2 – 23 |
| Florida | December 1 – 28 |
| Georgia | December 5 – 23 |
| Hawaii | December 3 – 5 |
| Idaho | December 1 – 10 |
| Illinois | December 1 – 10 |
| Indiana | December 5 – 23 |
| Iowa | December 1 – 10 |
| Kansas | December 1 – 10 |
| Kentucky | December 1 – 19 |
| Louisiana | December 1 – 23 |
| Maine | December 10 – 14 |
| Maryland | December 4 – 23 |
| Massachusetts | December 1 – 14 |
| Michigan | December 3 – 21 |
| Minnesota | December 4 – 13 |
| Mississippi | December 4 – 21 |
| Missouri | December 1 – 22 |
| Montana | December 2 – 6 |
| Nebraska | December 1 – 5 |
| Nevada | December 1 – 10 |
| New Hampshire | December 5 |
| New Jersey | December 1 – 5 |
| New Mexico | December 1 – 20 |
| New York | December 1 – 9 |
| North Carolina | December 3 – 21 |
| Ohio | December 2 – 20 |
| Oklahoma | December 1 – 10 |
| Oregon | December 1 – 9 |
| Pennsylvania | First 10 business days |
| South Carolina | December 1 – 10 |
| South Dakota | December 10 |
| Tennessee | December 1 – 20 |
| Texas | December 1 – 28 |
| Utah | December 5, 11, 15 |
| Virginia | December 1 – 7 |
| Washington | December 1 – 20 |
| West Virginia | December 1 – 9 |
| Wisconsin | December 1 – 15 |
| Wyoming | December 1 – 4 |
| Guam | December 1 – 10 |
| Puerto Rico | December 4 – 22 |
| District of Columbia | December 1 – 10 |
Plan Ahead
For SNAP beneficiaries, knowing your state’s schedule ensures you can plan for grocery purchases and other essential needs. If your payment is delayed or falls later in the month, consider budgeting carefully or using local resources to bridge the gap until your EBT card is reloaded.
FAQs
When are SNAP payments issued in December 2024?
SNAP payments are issued between December 1 and December 28, 2024.
Which states issue SNAP payments on December 1?
Alaska, Vermont, Rhode Island, North Dakota, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
Why does Alaska offer higher SNAP benefits?
Alaska has higher inflation, increasing the maximum SNAP payments.
How much can a family of 4 receive in SNAP benefits?
A family of 4 can receive up to $975 in most states.
When will Texas issue SNAP payments?
Texas will issue payments from December 1 to December 28.
