The holiday season brings some relief for many families in Alabama, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, and Maryland, as these states continue to distribute Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
These benefits, funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), are distributed on state-specific schedules, with payments slated to reach recipients by December 23, 2024. Here’s a comprehensive guide to when you can expect your SNAP payments in these states.
Alabama SNAP Benefits Schedule
In Alabama, the payment schedule is based on the last two digits of the recipient’s case number. The state’s SNAP payments for December 2024 are as follows:
- December 18: Case numbers ending in 70-74
- December 19: Case numbers ending in 75-79
- December 20: Case numbers ending in 80-84
- December 21: Case numbers ending in 85-89
- December 22: Case numbers ending in 90-94
- December 23: Case numbers ending in 95-99
Payments are directly deposited onto recipients’ Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) cards.
Louisiana and Maryland SNAP Payment Schedules
Louisiana
Louisiana’s schedule is determined by the last digit of the recipient’s Social Security Number:
- December 13: Numbers ending in 4
- December 15: Numbers ending in 5
- December 17: Numbers ending in 6
- December 19: Numbers ending in 7
- December 21: Numbers ending in 8
- December 23: Numbers ending in 9
Maryland
In Maryland, payment dates depend on the first three letters of the recipient’s last name:
- December 12: HAY and JAB
- December 13: JAC and KIM
- December 14: KIN and LOX
- December 15: LOY and MCO
- December 16: MCP and NEF
- December 17: NEG and PGZ
- December 18: PHA and RIC
- December 19: RID and SDZ
- December 20: SEA and STC
- December 21: STD and TRA
- December 22: TRB and WES
- December 23: WET and ZZZ
Delaware, Georgia, and Indiana SNAP Payment Schedules
Delaware
Payment distribution in Delaware depends on the first letter of the last name:
- December 12: Last names starting with K
- December 18: Last names starting with Q or R
- December 21: Last names starting with U or V
- December 23: Last names starting with X, Y, or Z
Georgia
In Georgia, payments are based on the last two digits of the SNAP ID number:
- December 13: IDs ending in 40-49
- December 15: IDs ending in 50-59
- December 17: IDs ending in 60-69
- December 19: IDs ending in 70-79
- December 21: IDs ending in 80-89
- December 23: IDs ending in 90-99
Indiana
Indiana’s payment schedule uses the first letter of the recipient’s last name:
- December 11: H or I
- December 13: J, K, or L
- December 15: M or N
- December 17: O, P, Q, or R
- December 19: S
- December 21: T, U, or V
- December 23: W, X, Y, or Z
Maximizing SNAP Benefits This Holiday Season
Making your SNAP benefits stretch during the holidays can be challenging, but some strategies can help you stay within budget while preparing delicious meals:
- Plan Meals and Shop Smart: Focus on affordable ingredients like rice, pasta, beans, and seasonal produce. Stick to a shopping list to avoid impulse buys.
- Look for Deals: Many stores offer discounts on baking essentials, canned goods, and frozen items during the holidays.
- Cook from Scratch: Homemade dishes such as soups, stews, and casseroles can be more affordable and last longer than pre-made foods.
- Buy in Bulk: Bulk items like rice and dried beans are cost-effective for larger families.
- Take Advantage of Food Assistance Programs: Programs like Double Up Food Bucks can help you access fresh produce for less.
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Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.