December is going to be a big month in the US for people who depend on SNAP and Social Security, two programs that help millions of households. Families can live better when their benefits go up, especially when the cost of living goes up too.
The cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for Social Security will not show up fully until January, but payments now are higher than they were in 2023.
On the other hand, the SNAP COLA has been in place since October, which means that people who get it are already getting more money to cover their food needs.
Along with higher Social Security payments, this change is meant to help people budget during the holidays and get ready for the challenges that will come in the new year.
Along with the price hikes, December is a very important month for both Social Security and SNAP payments. If you know when these deposits are made, you can better plan your spending and make sure you get your benefits without any problems.
SNAP and Social Security Increases
One of the main reasons why programs like Social Security and SNAP are getting bigger is the COLA, which is meant to keep benefits in line with inflation.
People who get Social Security are already getting bigger checks than they did in 2023, but as of January 2025, the new 2.5% COLA will start to take effect.
As a result, payments for December do not yet reflect this increase. However, they do reflect the changes that were made earlier in 2024.
On the other hand, SNAP has been using the new COLA since October 2024. This raise makes it easier for families to get the food they need, which helps the economy in the last few months of the year.
It is important to remember that the amount each family gets depends on things like the number of people in the family and their total income.
Even though these increases are good news, a lot of families are still having trouble with money. To get the most out of these benefits, you need to plan ahead and understand how adjustments are calculated and used.
Upcoming Social Security and SNAP Payments in December
December arrives with key dates for Social Security and SNAP recipients. Here’s the calendar to keep an eye on your deposits:
- December 3: Social Security payments for pre-May 1997 retirees.
- December 11: Social Security beneficiaries with post-May 1997 benefits with birthdays between the 1st and 10th get paid on this day.
- December 18: Retirees with birthdays between the 1st and 10th of the month. In addition, it is also necessary to have the benefit since after May 1997.
- December 24: Retirees with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of the month. In addition, it is also necessary to have the benefit since after May 1997. The payment should be made on December 25, but it is a holiday.
Every state sets its own calendar for SNAP payment dates, so they are not all the same. To make sure you get your benefits on time, you need to make sure you check the schedule for where you live.
Even though the extra money can give you some financial breathing room, you need to plan ahead to make the most of it.
In the United States, both programs are meant to meet the needs of families. However, it is the recipient’s responsibility to know about any changes that may affect their payments.
Along with all of that, people who get SSI will get an extra payment on December 29. Because of a mistake in the calendar, the Social Security Administration sends this check earlier than usual. This payment is for January 2025, not December 2024.
Social Security and SNAP are both very important ways for millions of people to get help. The price hikes show that the government is committed to helping beneficiaries, but knowing how and when these changes will take effect can affect how you plan your finances.