As the holiday season approaches, Texas SNAP benefits are officially returning to their regular schedule following delays caused by the recent federal shutdown. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) has released the full December 2025 SNAP payment calendar, allowing families to plan their grocery budgets with clarity and confidence.
With food prices elevated and year-end expenses rising, understanding your exact deposit date is essential. In Texas, the timing of your SNAP benefit depends on when your case was certified and the final digits of your Eligibility Determination Group (EDG) number. HHSC, the state agency overseeing the program, has updated the distribution timeline and confirmed that benefits will load onto Lone Star Cards at 6:00 a.m. on the assigned date.
For official reference, HHSC’s programs and guidelines can be verified directly through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission. Additionally, federal policy details surrounding SNAP originate from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Why December Payments Matter More This Year
After the federal government shutdown in October and November disrupted regular SNAP deposits, many Texans received their benefits late, making budgeting difficult during a busy time of year. Now that operations have resumed, payments are returning to the standard schedule in December, ensuring consistency for the millions of Texans who rely on food assistance.
Officials encourage recipients to review their EDG-based payment date to avoid confusion and plan holiday meals ahead.
December 2025 SNAP Deposit Schedule
For Households Certified BEFORE June 1, 2020
These households receive payments earlier in the month, based solely on the last digit of the EDG number.
Deposit Dates:
| EDG Ending In | Benefits Load On |
|---|---|
| 0 | December 1 |
| 1 | December 3 |
| 2 | December 5 |
| 3 | December 6 |
| 4 | December 7 |
| 5 | December 9 |
| 6 | December 11 |
| 7 | December 12 |
| 8 | December 13 |
| 9 | December 15 |
For Households Certified AFTER June 1, 2020
Payments for most Texans fall between December 16–28, determined by the last two digits of the EDG number.
| EDG Ending In | Benefits Load On |
|---|---|
| 00–03 | Dec 16 |
| 04–06 | Dec 17 |
| 07–10 | Dec 18 |
| 11–13 | Dec 19 |
| 14–17 | Dec 20 |
| 18–20 | Dec 21 |
| 21–24 | Dec 22 |
| 25–27 | Dec 23 |
| 28–31 | Dec 24 |
| 32–34 | Dec 25 |
| 35–38 | Dec 26 |
| 39–41 | Dec 27 |
| 42–45 | Dec 28 |
| 46–49 | Dec 27 |
| 50–53 | Dec 28 |
| 54–57 | Dec 16 |
| 58–60 | Dec 17 |
| 61–64 | Dec 18 |
| 65–67 | Dec 19 |
| 68–71 | Dec 20 |
| 72–74 | Dec 21 |
| 75–78 | Dec 22 |
| 79–81 | Dec 23 |
| 82–85 | Dec 24 |
| 86–88 | Dec 25 |
| 89–92 | Dec 26 |
| 93–95 | Dec 27 |
| 96–99 | Dec 28 |
If Your SNAP Benefits Are Missing
If your SNAP deposit does not arrive on the expected date, the HHSC advises recipients to immediately:
- Check renewal or recertification status
- Confirm that all documents were submitted
- Review any unreported income or household changes
You can verify your case using the Your Texas Benefits mobile app, the HHSC website, or by calling 2-1-1.
An HHSC spokesperson stated that keeping information updated is the strongest way to prevent delays, particularly during December when financial needs rise.
Maximum SNAP Benefit Amounts for December 2025
The 2025 fiscal year maximum SNAP allotments—adjusted for inflation—are:
- $298 for a 1-person household
- $994 for a 4-person family
- $1,789 for an 8-person household
These benefits remain a critical support system for families navigating rising costs during the holiday season.
