SNAP Payments Resume as Normal in December - Here’s When You’ll Get Yours

November's chaos around the intersection of the government shutdown and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) left many confused about how the program works. And while the longest federal government shutdown in history came to an end earlier this month, those worried about tackling the rising costs of groceries may be wondering about December payments.

Payments were paused on Nov. 1, but were set to resume within 24 hours of the government reopening for most states. Here's how SNAP is expected to proceed now that benefits have been restored.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal aid distributed through the states to supplement grocery budgets for those with food insecurity, such as low-income families or those with disabilities.

The program originated as food stamps during the 1930s as a direct response to farmers having a food surplus they could not sell because people couldn't afford to buy it. This allowed the government to simultaneously help the poor while also boosting the economy by lifting up rural farmers.

Despite November's delay in SNAP benefits, now that the government has reopened, December payments are expected to go out as normal. The schedule is expected to be as follows:

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

The current federal administration passed one large bill that includes changes to SNAP eligibility, altering the work requirements and legal resident eligibility.

The current requirements allow households to have $3,000 in cash assets, or $4,500 if one member is over 60 or disabled. SSI, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and most retirement and pension plans do not count towards that limit.

Some states allow a higher limit than the federal guidelines, and most households must meet both the gross and net income limits to qualify. For example, a household of one must have a net monthly income of less than $1,305 per month to be eligible for assistance, while a household of four is limited to $2,680.

The amount received is based on variables such as the number of people in the household, income, and state cost-of-living adjustments. A household of one can receive a maximum of $298 per month in SNAP benefits, while a family of four has a maximum of $994 each month, for example.

SNAP is paid onto Electronic Benefits Transfer cards, which work like a debit card but can receive funds from various assistance programs in addition to SNAP.

SNAP benefits can only be used for food, plants, or seeds to grow food. Non-food item necessities such as toiletries or pet food cannot be purchased under the SNAP program, and households must use their own income for those purchases. Alcohol, tobacco, medicines, vitamins, and hot foods are also excluded from the program.

At least 12 states have received federal waivers that allow them to further restrict which items are eligible for purchase under the SNAP program. This means states can create their own list of approved foods and ban anything they decide is unhealthy or non-essential.

This is largely focused on items like soft drinks, candy, and snacks, but is being met with criticism for the implication that the working poor don't deserve to treat themselves to certain foods in between healthy meals.

SNAP benefits do not expire and roll over to the next month if not used. This means that you can feel free to use any leftover benefits on eligible items in the following month.

Each state has a different application process, and you must apply for benefits in the state where you live. According to the USDA, you can contact your state agency directly to apply.

If you're eligible for SNAP benefits, an application can be submitted online through your state agency's website in some cases, or a paper application can be requested from the SNAP office either by person, phone, or email.

The emergency food program to keep people from starving was funded through all other government shutdowns, and the disruption in November caused a lot of stress and anxiety among people already struggling to stretch a paycheck further and further each month as costs rise.

So while Nov. 1 marked the first time in the history of the program that SNAP went dark, things will proceed as usual for December.