SNAP Recertification December 2025: What is the Deadline to Renew Your Food Stamps?

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, helps millions of families in the United States afford healthy food.

To keep receiving these benefits, people must regularly renew, or "recertify," their eligibility.
 

What is SNAP Recertification?

SNAP recertification is a process where you prove that you still qualify for food stamps.

The government checks your household’s income, expenses, and family size to make sure you still meet the rules for getting SNAP benefits.

If you do not renew your benefits on time, your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card could stop getting money. If that happens, you would have to apply for SNAP benefits again from the beginning.

This is why it’s important to complete your recertification before the deadline.
 

SNAP Recertification Deadline in December 2025

Each state has its own rules about when and how to recertify, but by law, you must get a notice at least 30 days before your benefits expire.

If you need to recertify in December 2025, you will likely need to submit your paperwork by December 31, 2025, to avoid any problems.

Many states, like California, Texas, and Florida, let you recertify online, by phone, or in person. If your income or your family size has changed, you may need to provide new documents.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) says states can sometimes make changes to the process during emergencies or if there are delays.
 

How to Know If You Need to Renew Your Benefits

If it’s time for you to renew your SNAP benefits in December 2025, you will receive a notice from your local SNAP office.

This could come by mail, text, or email, and it will tell you the exact steps and deadline for recertification.

You can also log in to your state’s Department of Social Services website or check your EBT Edge account to see your current SNAP status.

If you do not complete the recertification by the deadline, your food stamps will stop at the start of the next month.
 

Tips to Make Sure You Keep Your SNAP Benefits

 

• Check your mail, texts, and emails regularly for notices from SNAP.
• Update your information if you have moved or if your income has changed.
• Submit your paperwork as early as possible—ideally at least two weeks before the deadline.
• Keep copies or confirmation receipts when you submit documents.

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Subscribe to secure your food stamps and learn more about this government benefit.