The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is at risk of not issuing benefits for November 2025 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, after Congress failed to pass a budget for fiscal year 2026.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which administers SNAP, has warned that without a resolution, there will be insufficient funds to provide full benefits to approximately 42 million recipients nationwide. USDA directed states to hold back the transmission of November SNAP issuance files to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) vendors, effectively pausing payments.
Goodbye to SNAP Benefits
Due to the ongoing US government shutdown, SNAP benefits will likely be suspended or delayed in November 2025 in many states. Without Congressional approval of a new budget, the USDA lacks funds to issue November payments, affecting about 42 million Americans who rely on this critical food assistance.
Several states, including Texas, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Arizona, have already warned or announced that they will not distribute SNAP benefits starting November 1 unless the shutdown ends. Recipients are advised to use any remaining benefits and seek food banks as alternative support. This situation arises because October funds were pre-allocated, but no funding remains for November benefits until the government reopens.
SNAP Benefits 2025 Overview
| Department | U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| Program Name | Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) |
| Post Title | Goodbye to SNAP Benefits in November 2025 |
| Country | USA |
| Benefit Type | Food assistance for low-income families |
| Affected Groups | Low-income households and individuals |
| Payment Mode | EBT card |
| Category | Government Aid |
| Official Website | https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap |
How does the Government Shutdown Affect SNAP Recipients
The government shutdown directly impacts SNAP recipients by disrupting the federal funding that supports their monthly benefits. As a result:
- SNAP benefits for November 2025 are at risk of being suspended or delayed in many states because the USDA lacks authorized funds to issue payments.
- Approximately 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP for food assistance could lose critical support or face delays, leading to increased food insecurity.
- States are halting or postponing SNAP disbursements until the federal budget impasse is resolved, leaving recipients without guaranteed aid.
- Recipients are urged to use any existing funds on their EBT cards and seek alternative food sources such as food banks.
- The shutdown creates uncertainty and stress for vulnerable populations, increasing the risk of hunger and hardship until political agreements restore funding.
State-Level Responses
State-level responses to the potential suspension of SNAP benefits in November 2025 due to the federal government shutdown vary but generally involve halting or delaying payments and advising recipients on alternatives.
| State | Response | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Will stop issuing SNAP benefits if shutdown continues beyond October 27 | Urges use of existing EBT funds and food banks |
| Pennsylvania | Suspension of November SNAP payments | No payments until federal funding resumes |
| New Jersey | Warning issued about possible non-payment | Advises recipients to prepare |
| New York | Warning issued about possible non-payment | Advises recipients to prepare |
| Oklahoma | Confirmed suspension starting November 1 | SNAP benefits officially halted |
| Arizona | Announced suspension of SNAP payments | Payments suspended amid shutdown |
| Michigan | Temporarily paused November SNAP issuance | Following USDA instructions |
| Other States | At least 25 states expected to halt/delay | Advisories issued, encouraging alternative aid |
“We are exploring all options to ensure that SNAP recipients continue to receive their benefits. While the government shutdown presents a challenge, we remain committed to minimizing disruptions for millions of Americans who rely on this vital food assistance.”- USDA Secretary
Recipient Advice from States
Recipients in most affected states are encouraged to use remaining EBT funds and seek food aid from banks and community programs due to the funding lapse caused by the shutdown.
| Advice from States | Details |
|---|---|
| Use remaining EBT funds early | Recipients are advised to spend their existing benefits as soon as possible. |
| Seek food aid from community organizations | Food banks and charitable groups are recommended as alternative sources of food aid. |
| Stay informed about updates | Recipients should monitor official state and USDA notices for changes and guidance. |
| Prepare for gaps in assistance | It’s advised to plan for possible suspension or delays, including rationing supplies. |
Most states are guiding recipients to utilize their benefits quickly and seek community help due to the uncertain future of SNAP funding amidst the shutdown.
“We are deeply concerned about the potential halt to SNAP benefits. We urge federal legislators to resolve the funding crisis quickly so our most vulnerable populations are not left without food support.”- Illinois Director of Human Services
What Is Government Doing About This
The SNAP program has a contingency fund of about $5 billion that could be utilized to cover benefits payments during the government shutdown. This fund exists specifically to allow continued SNAP benefits distribution in the event of federal funding interruptions. The U.S. Conference of Mayors, representing over 1,400 city leaders, has been strongly advocating for the use of these contingency funds to ensure that food assistance continues uninterrupted for millions of Americans during the shutdown.
Matt Tuerk, the mayor of Allentown, Pennsylvania, and Tom Cochran, the executive director of the program, signed a letter stating that “SNAP is not merely a federal nutrition program – it is a key local economic stabilizer.”
“Cities absorb the shock by increasing food insecurity, increasing demand for emergency food suppliers, and putting additional burden on public health systems and municipal budgets when benefits are curtailed or delayed.”
So far, the federal government has not officially committed to using the $5 billion SNAP contingency fund to cover benefits during the shutdown. According to CBPP, this contingency fund would only cover about 60% of a single month’s SNAP benefits, leaving a significant funding gap.
According to the organization, the federal government must legally use the contingency fund.
“The Administration acknowledges that it can use these funds. To be prepared to spend these money, it could have and should have taken action weeks ago,” the organization stated in a statement.
FAQs
Will I get my November SNAP benefits?
It’s uncertain. If the government shutdown continues, many states will not have federal funds to send November benefits.
Why are benefits stopping?
SNAP is federally funded. The shutdown has stopped federal funding, so states cannot issue new benefits
Is the government doing anything to fix this?
USDA has a $5 billion contingency fund but has not committed to using it yet. Advocates urge the government to act quickly.
How long will this last?
Until the government shutdown ends and federal funding resumes, which is currently unknown.
