After weeks of stress caused by the federal shutdown and the late delivery of food assistance, families relying on SNAP can finally catch a break. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known in every search as “SNAP benefits,” “EBT deposits,” or simply “food stamps,” has confirmed that December 2025 payments will follow the regular schedule across all states.
The USDA said the system is now fully stabilized after delays affected roughly 30% of recipients last month. Still, beneficiaries should pay close attention to the calendar, because unlike Social Security or SSI SNAP benefits don’t come on the same day nationwide. Every state uses its own rules, and some households receive deposits weeks apart.
SNAP: How December Benefits Will Be Distributed
Each state controls its own payment cycle, and the criteria vary widely. Some states sort payments by the first letter of the last name. Others use the last digits of the case number or Social Security number. A few states, usually smaller ones, send all benefits on a single day.
For December 2025, the USDA confirmed that every state will run its standard schedule. There are no changes due to holidays, and there are no expected delays related to the recent shutdown. In other words, whatever your state usually does early month, mid-cycle, or staggered across two weeks will remain the same.
Beneficiaries who saw late deposits in November should see normal timing return in December. Most states processed payments early in the month during previous shutdowns, but this time the system is functioning at full capacity again.
Maximum SNAP Amounts for 2025
SNAP benefit amounts were updated after the latest Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA). These maximum monthly amounts remain in place for fiscal year 2025:
- Single-person household: Up to $298
- Family of four: Up to $994
- Household of eight: Up to $1,789
These limits help stabilize grocery budgets nationwide, especially with food inflation still higher than pre-pandemic levels.
New SNAP Work Rules for Adults
Several states adjusted their SNAP policies after administrative problems during the shutdown. The biggest change affects adults ages 18 to 64 who do not live with a child under 14.
These individuals must complete at least 80 hours each month in qualifying activities, which may include:
- Paid or unpaid work
- Volunteering
- Community service
- SNAP Employment & Training programs
These rules are designed to maintain eligibility and help states keep their caseloads updated and verified. SNAP Deposit Dates for December 2025 by State
Here is the full delivery schedule for every state and territory in December 2025:
- Alabama / Dec. 4–23
- Alaska / Dec. 1
- Arizona / Dec. 1–13
- Arkansas / Dec. 4–13
- California / Dec. 1–10
- Colorado / Dec. 1–10
- Connecticut / Dec. 1–3
- Delaware / Dec. 2–23
- District of Columbia / Dec. 1–10
- Florida / Dec. 1–28
- Georgia / Dec. 5–23
- Guam / Dec. 1–10
- Hawaii / Dec. 3–5
- Idaho / Dec. 1–10
- Illinois / Dec. 1–20
- Indiana / Dec. 5–23
- Iowa / Dec. 1–10
- Kansas / Dec. 1–10
- Kentucky / Dec. 1–19
- Louisiana / Dec. 1–23
- Maine / Dec. 10–14
- Maryland / Dec. 4–23
- Massachusetts / Dec. 1–14
- Michigan / Dec. 3–21
- Minnesota / Dec. 4–13
- Mississippi / Dec. 4–21
- Missouri / Dec. 1–22
- Montana / Dec. 2–6
- Nebraska / Dec. 1–5
- Nevada / Dec. 1–10
- New Hampshire / Dec. 5
- New Jersey / Dec. 1–5
- New Mexico / Dec. 1–20
- New York / Dec. 1–9
- North Carolina / Dec. 3–21
- North Dakota / Dec. 1
- Ohio / Dec. 2–20
- Oklahoma / Dec. 1–10
- Oregon / Dec. 1–9
- Pennsylvania / Dec. 3–14
- Puerto Rico / Dec. 4–22
- Rhode Island / Dec. 1
- South Carolina / Dec. 1–19
- South Dakota / Dec. 10
- Tennessee / Dec. 1–20
- Texas / Dec. 1–28
- Utah / Dec. 5, 11, 15
- U.S. Virgin Islands / Dec. 1
- Vermont / Dec. 1
- Virginia / Dec. 1–7
- Washington / Dec. 1–20
- West Virginia / Dec. 1–9
- Wisconsin / Dec. 1–15
- Wyoming / Dec. 1–4
What SNAP Households Should Expect This Month
Most families should see deposits land without delay. The USDA says states are operating normally, and December does not include federal holidays that interfere with transfers. Still, beneficiaries should check their EBT account a day or two before the window opens in their state, as some banks post deposits early.
SNAP loads are automatic, and no action is needed unless a household recently changed address or updated case information. In those cases, it’s worth confirming that the local office has the correct data on file.