The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) provides assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families to purchase nutritious food, and fresh fruits and vegetables. In Florida, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) administers the SNAP program. Benefit amounts are determined based on factors such as household size, income, and expenses.
In the state of Florida, the distribution of SNAP benefits, also known as food stamps, is based on the last digit of the recipient’s case number. The case number is assigned to each SNAP participant, and the last digits of this number determines the specific day of the month when benefits are distributed.
Florida SNAP Benefits: December 2023 Payment Dates
Here is the breakdown of the distribution schedule for SNAP benefits in Florida for the month of December 2023:
| Last Digits of Your Case number | SNAP Deposit Dates |
| 00-03 | December 1st |
| 04-06 | December 2nd |
| 07-10 | December 3rd |
| 11-13 | December 4th |
| 14-17 | December 5th |
| 18-20 | December 6th |
| 21-24 | December 7th |
| 25-27 | December 8th |
| 28-31 | December 9th |
| 32-34 | December 10th |
| 35-38 | December 11th |
| 39-41 | December 12th |
| 42-45 | December 13th |
| 46-48 | December 14th |
| 49-53 | December 15th |
| 54-57 | December 16th |
| 58-60 | December 17th |
| 61-64 | December 18th |
| 65-67 | December 19th |
| 68-71 | December 20th |
| 72-74 | December 21st |
| 75-78 | December 22nd |
| 79-81 | December 23rd |
| 82-85 | December 24th |
| 86-88 | December 25th |
| 89-92 | December 26th |
| 93-95 | December 27th |
| 96-99 | December 28th |
The specific benefits a qualifying household obtains are determined by various factors, such as the size of the household and income constraints. For a household consisting of one person, the highest payment is $291, while for a household of four, it is $973.
In the case of a household with eight members, the maximum payment reaches $1,751. Beyond this, an additional $219 is allocated to a household’s food stamps for each member beyond the eighth person.
How Do I Receive My SNAP Benefits in Florida?
The Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card for the food stamps in Florida operates as a convenient and secure way for eligible individuals and families to access their food assistance benefits. The EBT card functions like a debit card, allowing users to make purchases at authorized retailers, including grocery stores and supermarkets. When approved for SNAP benefits, the recipient’s monthly allocation is automatically loaded onto the EBT card. This provides a discreet and dignified method for individuals and families to buy groceries without using physical vouchers or paper coupons.
In Florida, as in other states, the EBT card is issued to eligible applicants, and the amount loaded onto the card is determined based on factors such as household size, income, and expenses. The card is accepted at a wide range of food retailers, including major grocery chains and independent stores that participate in the SNAP program.
Recipients can use the EBT card to buy eligible food items, including fruits, vegetables, dairy products, meats, and more. However, certain items like hot foods, non-food items, and prepared meals that are meant to be eaten in-store are generally not covered by SNAP benefits. The EBT card is equipped with security features to protect the user’s information and funds. It is crucial for cardholders to keep their PIN (Personal Identification Number) confidential to prevent unauthorized access.
In Florida, the Department of Children and Families (DCF) manages the distribution and administration of SNAP benefits, including the issuance and management of EBT cards. Applicants can apply for SNAP benefits online, and if approved, they will receive the EBT card in the mail.