The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP benefits), known in the past as the Food Stamps program throughout the United States, offers economic support to low-income individuals and families who are experiencing financial difficulties, so they can purchase food and beverages.
As in the rest of the USA, this program is available in Florida throughout the year, and the calendar is coming up for the last month of 2024. SNAP funding nationwide comes from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), while in Florida this program is managed by the Department of Children and Families (DCF).
What date will SNAP payments be sent in Florida during December?
SNAP payment dates for December are obtained using your case number, which will allow you to view the corresponding date in the table below. Your case number is available on any official document related to SNAP benefits and can also be verified on the MyACCESS portal.
Case number 00-03: Sunday, December 1.Case number 04-06: Monday, December 2.Case number 07-10: Tuesday, December 3.Case number 11-13: Wednesday, December 4.Case number 14-17: Thursday, December 5.Case number 18-20: Friday, December 6.Case number 21-24: Saturday, December 7.Case number 25-27: Sunday, December 8.Case number 28-31: Monday, December 9.Case number 32-34: Tuesday, December 10.Case number 35-38: Wednesday, December 11.Case number 39-41: Thursday, December 12.Case number 42-45: Friday, December 13.Case number 46-48: Saturday, December 14.Case number 49-53: Sunday, December 15.Case number 54-57: Monday, December 16.Case number 58-60: Tuesday, December 17.Case number 61-64: Wednesday, December 18.Case number 65-67: Thursday, December 19.Case number 68-71: Friday, December 20.Case number 72-74: Saturday, December 21.Case number 75-78: Sunday, December 22.Case number 79-81: Monday, December 23.- Case number 82-85: Tuesday, December 24.
- Case number 86-88: Wednesday, December 25.
- Case number 89-92: Thursday, December 26.
- Case number 93-95: Friday, December 27.
- Case number 96-99: Saturday, December 28.
If your SNAP payment did not arrive on time on your EBT card in Florida, the first thing you have to do is check the payment date according to your case number and make sure that you are checking the correct date. You can also check your EBT balance by calling the phone number indicated on the card or using the myAccess portal. If the date has passed and your balance has not changed, contact the Department of Children and Families (DCF) to report the problem and receive assistance.
In some cases, the delay may be caused by difficulties with the eligibility or processing of your application that may have caused the delay. It is useful to document any relevant details of the situation to facilitate resolution. Act quickly to make sure you get the help you need.
The do’s y don’ts of the SNAP benefits
Beneficiaries receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which operates like a debit card for purchasing food at authorized stores. Benefits are added monthly and their amount depends on each applicant’s income, expenses, and family size.
This program makes it easier for low-income families to obtain basic foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, dairy products, bread, cereals, and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as seeds and plants for growing food. Now, there are also some restrictions: SNAP should not (and cannot) purchase non-food items, alcoholic beverages, tobacco, vitamins, supplements, pet food, or hot prepared foods available in stores.
Sometimes, the “hot meals” restriction has exceptions, such as in case of natural disasters, when the food chain is broken and there’s a food shortage, but that’s just when the authorities announce it. Keep in mind, and remember that, strictly, the SNAP funds have to be used for their sole purpose, which is to provide the family with nutritional food and drinks. Any use outside the legally established may result in the termination of the allotment.
How apply for SNAP benefits in Florida?
Check your eligibility: To qualify for SNAP in Florida, your household must meet income and resource limits. The gross monthly income must be at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Apply online, by mail, fax, or in person:
- The quickest way is to apply online at https://www.myflorida.com/accessflorida/.
- You can also apply at a Department of Children and Families (DCF) customer service center or community partner location. Find locations at https://access-web.dcf.state.fl.us/CPSLookup/search.aspx.
- To apply by mail or fax, download the paper application at https://www.myflfamilies.com/service-programs/access/common-access-florida-forms.shtml. Mail it to ACCESS Central Mail Center, P.O. Box 1770, Ocala, FL, 34478-1770 or fax it to a customer service center.
Provide the required information, which may include:
- Proof of identity, citizenship, and noncitizen status.
- Proof of income (earned and unearned) for each household member, such as pay stubs (last 4 weeks), child support, or Social Security.
Complete an interview, if required: Not all applications require an interview. If one is needed, you will receive a notice to schedule it.
If approved, you’ll receive an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card in the mail. SNAP benefits are loaded onto this card each month for purchasing eligible food items. If you’ve received SNAP within the past 24 months, you may be able to use your previous EBT card.