November SNAP Benefits – Families Could Receive Up to $1,756, with December Payments Reaching $3,516

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food Stamps, remains a vital lifeline for millions of families across the United States. As 2024 winds down, the USDA has announced key updates about remaining SNAP payments in November and the disbursement schedule for December. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of these updates and the eligibility criteria for families aiming to maximize their benefits.

November SNAP Payments

In November, only 17 states and Puerto Rico are still distributing SNAP benefits. Most of these states will conclude their payments by November 28, 2024. Below is the list of states still issuing benefits:

State	Payment Dates
Alabama	November 4-23
Delaware	November 2-23
Florida	November 1-28
Georgia	November 5-23
Indiana	November 5-23
Kentucky	November 1-19
Louisiana	November 1-23
Maryland	November 4-23
Michigan	November 3-21
Mississippi	November 4-21
Missouri	November 1-22
New Mexico	November 1-20
North Carolina	November 3-21
Ohio	November 2-20
Tennessee	November 1-20
Texas	November 1-28
Washington	November 1-20
Puerto Rico	November 4-22

December SNAP Payments

The USDA has released the December payment schedule, which varies by state. Most payments will begin on December 1, 2024, and incorporate the 2025 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). Here are the key dates for December:

State	Payment Dates
Alabama	December 4-23
Alaska	December 1
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
North Dakota	December 1
Ohio	December 2-20
Oklahoma	December 1-10
Oregon	December 1-9
Pennsylvania	First 10 business days
Rhode Island	December 1
South Carolina	December 1-10
South Dakota	December 10
Tennessee	December 1-20
Texas	December 1-28
Utah	December 5, 11, 15
Vermont	December 1
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
U.S. Virgin Islands	December 1

SNAP Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for SNAP benefits, families must meet income, resource, and work requirements:

Income Limits

• Gross Monthly Income: At or below 130% of the Federal Poverty Line (FPL). For a family of 4, this is $3,380/month.
• Net Monthly Income: At or below 100% of the FPL. For a family of 4, this is $2,600/month.

Households with an elderly or disabled member only need to meet the net income test.

Resource Limits

• Households may have up to $3,000 in countable resources (e.g., bank accounts).
• This limit increases to $4,500 for households with an elderly or disabled member.

Most households are categorically eligible and exempt from resource limits.

Work Requirements

• Able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs), aged 18-52, must work or participate in a work program for 20 hours per week to receive SNAP for more than 3 months in a 36-month period.
• Exemptions: Seniors, children, pregnant women, and disabled individuals.

Maximizing Benefits for Families

Families eligible for SNAP can receive substantial support, especially in higher-cost states like Alaska or Hawaii, where maximum benefits for a family of 8 can reach $3,516. Addressing the eligibility requirements and payment schedule is crucial for households seeking to make the most of their benefits.

SNAP continues to play a vital role in addressing food insecurity, and these updates reflect efforts to align benefits with inflation and state-specific needs.

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