Upcoming Increases in SNAP and Social Security Benefits for December 2024

In December, people in the United States who get help from SNAP (a program that helps with food) and Social Security (a program that gives money to retirees and others) will see more money coming their way. 

This is happening because living costs have gone up, and these extra funds can really help families during this time.

For Social Security, there's a yearly increase planned to help keep up with inflation, called COLA (Cost of Living Adjustment). Though the full increase will start in January, payments have already gotten a bit bigger in 2023. Starting in January 2025, there will be a new 2.5% increase.

SNAP benefits saw an increase in October 2024, meaning families have been getting more money for groceries since then. 

How much more you get depends on things like how many people are in your family and how much money you make.

Knowing when you'll get these benefits is important, especially in December. Here's when to expect payments:
 

• Social Security payments for people who retired before May 1997 will be sent out on December 3rd.
• If you retired after May 1997 and your birthday is from the 1st to the 10th of the month, your payment will be on December 11th.
• If your birthday is from the 11th to the 20th, expect your payment by December 24th. It’s a bit early because the 25th is a holiday.
• SNAP payment dates depend on where you live since local governments decide when to send them out.

Check out: December 2024 SNAP Payment Schedule: What You Need to Know 

There’s also an extra payment for some Social Security beneficiaries (SSI) on December 29th because of how the dates fall this year. That payment is for January 2025.

Overall, SNAP and Social Security are getting boosts to help people cope with higher costs. Keeping up with when and how these increases happen is key to making the most of them.