The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed the payment dates for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for the month of December 2024 (actually, from the begining of the year) meaning it has already been previously determined when your money will arrive. This announcement seeks to provide clarity to beneficiaries, who depend on this resource to plan their food purchases, especially in a season where expenses tend to increase.
Now, as you know, the SNAP payments deposits are delivered month after month using the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card. This system works like a debit card, allowing beneficiaries to purchase eligible foods at supermarkets and other authorized establishments. But, the distribution schedule varies from state to state, with dates assigned based on criteria such as the case number or the last digits of the beneficiary’s Social Security number (SSN), depending on each state.
December 2024 SNAP benefits: Full schedule ready to be consulted
The SNAP program, popularly known as food stamps, represents essential support for more than 42 millions of Americans, primarily in low-income households. This program, administered by the USDA, plays a key role in reducing food insecurity and ensuring families can access nutritious foods.
By December 2024, states have adjusted their schedules with the goal of ensuring that all qualified people receive their benefits on time (and that they actually need them). Although each jurisdiction follows its own schedule, payments are designed to cover households’ food needs for the entire month. Even though every state or territory (including the Indian autonomous reservations) have their own calendar, every one of them work hard for the beneficiaries to get their payments right on time.
Here is the full list of benefits schedules for the month of December 2024, according to the USDA’s calendar:
- 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
- District of Columbia: December 1 to 10
- 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
- Kentucky: December 1 to 19
- Louisiana: December 1 to 23
- Maine: December 10 to 14
- 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
- Nevada: December 1 to 10
- New Jersey: December 1 to 5
- New York: December 1 to 9
- North Carolina: December 3 to 21
- Ohio: December 2 to 20
- Pennsylvania: December 3 to 14
- South Carolina: December 1 to 10
- Tennessee: December 1 to 20
- Texas: December 1 to 28
- 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
How can beneficiaries check their EBT card balance online?
- Visit your state’s EBT or SNAP website: Each state has its own website where you can access your EBT account information online.
- Register for an online account: If you haven’t already, create an account. You’ll need to provide details like your name, EBT card number, and possibly your Social Security number.
- Log in to your account: Use your username and password to log in. If you’ve forgotten your login information, look for options to retrieve or reset it. Always log out after using public computers for security.
- Check your balance and transaction history: Once logged in, you’ll see your current available benefits and a record of your recent transactions.
- Use the ConnectEBT mobile app: If available in your state, download the ConnectEBT app to check your balance and transactions conveniently from your smartphone.
- Call your state’s EBT customer service: If you can’t access your balance online, call the customer service number listed on the back of your EBT card. Follow the automated prompts to hear your balance.
- Visit a grocery store or ATM: As a last resort, ask a cashier to swipe your card and print a receipt showing your balance. Some ATMs also display balance information, provided your state supports cash withdrawals.