December SNAP Benefits Post-Shutdown — Full State-by-State Payment Schedule

November 25, 2025 kenra

The federal government shutdown in October created major disruptions nationwide, particularly for families who depend on the SNAP Benefits Program. Lasting an unprecedented 43 days, the shutdown halted essential operations and led to widespread uncertainty for millions of Americans who rely on food assistance to meet basic needs.

One of the hardest-hit programs was the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) which supports more than 42 million people across the country. With funding frozen and state agencies unable to operate normally, the food assistance system experienced significant turmoil.

How the Shutdown Affected SNAP Benefits

The shutdown’s impact became especially severe in November, when the USDA was forced to withdraw funding for that month’s benefits. This left many states scrambling to figure out how to manage the crisis.

Key Issues That Emerged

Several states were forced to pause SNAP payments.
A few states had to reclaim benefits already issued, following a Supreme Court order.
Millions of low-income families faced uncertainty, especially with the holiday season approaching.
Food insecurity surged as households worried about how to purchase groceries.

The combination of legal hurdles and operational limits created a deeply stressful situation for those relying on SNAP benefits for survival.

SNAP Benefits Restart: Payments Resume Nationwide

After weeks of disruption, relief finally arrived. On November 12, 2025, Congress passed an emergency funding bill that allowed states to restart November SNAP disbursements.

Current Status of Benefits

Most states have now completed delayed payments.
Some areas still face minor delays due to legal backlogs and administrative resets.
The USDA has confirmed that December 2025 SNAP benefits will run on a normal schedule, with no further interruptions expected.

This return to routine operations brings relief to millions of households preparing for winter and the holidays.

December 2025 SNAP Benefits: Full State-By-State Schedule

Each state distributes SNAP deposits according to its own rules—usually based on case numbers, birth dates, or last names. Below is the general payment window for every state and U.S. territory for December 2025.

State-Wise SNAP Payment Dates

State/Territory	Payment Dates
Alabama	4–23
Alaska	1
Arizona	1–13
Arkansas	4–13
California	1–10
Colorado	1–10
Connecticut	1–3
Delaware	2–23
D.C.	1–10
Florida	1–28
Georgia	5–23
Guam	1–10
Hawaii	3–5
Idaho	1–10
Illinois	1–20
Indiana	5–23
Iowa	1–10
Kansas	1–10
Kentucky	1–19
Louisiana	1–23
Maine	10–14
Maryland	4–23
Massachusetts	1–14
Michigan	3–21
Minnesota	4–13
Mississippi	4–21
Missouri	1–22
Montana	2–6
Nebraska	1–5
Nevada	1–10
New Hampshire	5
New Jersey	1–5
New Mexico	1–20
New York	1–9
North Carolina	3–21
North Dakota	1
Ohio	2–20
Oklahoma	1–10
Oregon	1–9
Pennsylvania	3–14
Puerto Rico	4–22
Rhode Island	1
South Carolina	1–19
South Dakota	10
Tennessee	1–20
Texas	1–28
Utah	5, 11, 15
Virgin Islands	1
Vermont	1
Virginia	1–7
Washington	1–20
West Virginia	1–9
Wisconsin	1–15
Wyoming	1–4

Important Notes About SNAP Payments

These dates are general distribution windows.
The exact day your benefit arrives depends on state-specific rules such as:
- Case number
- Last name
- Birthdate
Always verify your personalized schedule through your state’s SNAP website or the USDA portal.

SNAP Maximum Monthly Amounts for 2026

For the 2026 fiscal year (October 2025–September 2026), SNAP benefits were adjusted for cost-of-living increases (COLA).

These amounts apply to households with zero or very low incomes. All other recipients receive a reduced amount based on income and allowed deductions.

Maximum Monthly SNAP Benefits (48 States + D.C.)

1 person: $298
2 people: $546
3 people: $785
4 people: $994
5 people: $1,183
6 people: $1,421
7 people: $1,571
8 people: $1,789
9 people: $2,007
10 people: $2,225
For each additional member: + $218

Higher Benefit States

Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have higher maximums.
- Example: A 4-person household in Hawaii can receive $1,465.

To calculate your exact SNAP benefits, use your state’s SNAP calculator or the USDA’s online tool.

Retirees and beneficiaries are preparing for a financial boost as the 2026 Social Security COLA Increase Confirmed: Higher Payments for Retirees, Spouses, Survivors, and Disability Recipients brings larger monthly checks to millions of Americans. This update explains how the confirmed cost-of-living adjustment will raise benefits to keep pace with rising inflation, ensuring stronger financial stability for seniors, spouses, survivors, and disability recipients. The title highlights exactly who will benefit and why this COLA increase matters for households relying on Social Security in 2026.

Conclusion

The extended government shutdown created significant challenges for millions of Americans dependent on SNAP benefits. After weeks of uncertainty, the restoration of funding on November 12, 2025, finally allowed states to resume delayed payments. With the USDA confirming that the SNAP schedule for December 2025 will run smoothly, families can now plan their groceries and holiday budgets with confidence. The updated SNAP payment dates and 2026 COLA benefit amounts ensure that households have the support they need through the winter season and beyond.