As the federal government shutdown stretches through October 2025, millions of low-income Americans face a troubling reality. This is because the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may not arrive in November. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, has confirmed that without congressional action to approve funding for fiscal year 2026, it lacks sufficient resources to issue November payments.
“Without immediate budget resolution, SNAP payments cannot be guaranteed for November,” said USDA Secretary Thomas Vilsack in a public statement. “This would impact millions of families nationwide who depend on food assistance.”
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Goodbye to SNAP Benefits in November 2025 – Overview
| Administered by | U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) |
| Beneficiaries | About 42 million Americans |
| Benefit Type | Food assistance via EBT cards |
| Issue in Focus | Suspension or delay of November 2025 benefits due to federal shutdown |
| Official Website | fns.usda.gov/snap |
The USDA has already instructed states to pause transmission of November issuance files to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) vendors. This effectively means most states cannot distribute funds unless Congress ends the budget impasse.
How the Government Shutdown Impacts SNAP?
The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has frozen most discretionary federal funding including allocations to SNAP.
- Suspension or delay of SNAP payments in multiple states.
- Funding shortfalls that leave about 42 million Americans at risk of food insecurity.
- State-level uncertainty, as officials await USDA authorization to proceed with benefits.
- Disruption of local economies, since SNAP benefits inject billions of dollars into grocery and retail systems each month.
“Every dollar of SNAP benefits generates nearly twice that in local economic activity,” said Dr. Alicia Morgan, food policy expert at the Urban Institute. “Cutting off these benefits even temporarily would have devastating ripple effects.”
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Which States SNAP Benefits are on Hold?
Several states have issued formal warnings or suspension notices for November 2025 benefits.
| State | Status / Response | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Texas | Suspension likely after Oct. 27 | Urges recipients to use existing EBT funds and seek food banks |
| Pennsylvania | Confirmed suspension of November benefits | No payments until funding resumes |
| New Jersey | Warning issued | Advises residents to prepare for possible delays |
| New York | Warning issued | No new SNAP disbursements confirmed |
| Oklahoma | Payments halted | SNAP officially suspended from Nov. 1 |
| Arizona | Payments paused | Awaiting further USDA guidance |
| Michigan | Temporary hold | Follows USDA instruction to pause transmission |
| Others (25+ states) | Anticipated disruptions | Advisories encouraging recipients to seek local aid |
“We are exploring all options to continue food aid, but without federal authorization, our hands are tied,” said Maria Torres, Pennsylvania’s Director of Human Services.
What Recipients Should Do Now?
State agencies and food security advocates are urging beneficiaries to prepare immediately for potential delays.
| Recommendation | Action |
|---|---|
| Use existing EBT funds early | Spend or plan existing balances wisely before November. |
| Seek local food support | Visit community food banks, pantries, and non-profit programs. |
| Stay updated | Check state agency websites and USDA updates daily. |
| Plan for possible gaps | Stretch food supplies and avoid large purchases until funding clarity. |
“Families should plan for at least a short-term gap in assistance,” warned Dr. Leslie Nguyen, Senior Researcher at the Center for Food Security Policy. “Use available community resources and prepare conservatively.”
What is the Temporary Solution?
The USDA maintains a $5 billion contingency fund intended to help sustain benefits during temporary funding disruptions. However, the government has not yet confirmed whether these funds will be released for November SNAP payments.
| Funding Option | Estimated Coverage | Status (as of Oct. 2025) |
|---|---|---|
| USDA Contingency Fund | Covers about 60% of one month’s SNAP benefits | Not yet activated |
| Congressional Budget Approval | Full restoration of benefits | Pending legislative agreement |
“The contingency fund was designed for emergencies like this,” said Matt Tuerk, Mayor of Allentown, PA, representing the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “Every day of delay deepens the crisis for families and local economies.”
The U.S. Conference of Mayors has formally petitioned the administration to release contingency funds immediately, calling SNAP “a key local economic stabilizer.”
“Cities bear the brunt of food insecurity,” said Tom Cochran, Executive Director of the U.S. Conference of Mayors. “When federal programs fail, local budgets are forced to absorb the shock.”
What Will Happen Next?
As negotiations in Congress continue, there is no guaranteed timeline for resolving the shutdown.
If no agreement is reached by late October, SNAP payments will likely be delayed nationwide. Even if the government reopens in early November, administrative lag could push benefits several weeks behind.
The USDA and advocacy groups continue to call for an immediate release of contingency funds and emergency congressional action to restore SNAP operations.
FAQs
Will I get My November SNAP Benefits?
If the shutdown continues, many states will lack funds to issue November benefits.
Why are SNAP Benefits Stopping?
SNAP is federally funded. With no approved federal budget, states have no money to process new payments.
Is the government doing anything to fix this?
The USDA has a $5 billion contingency fund, but it has not yet been used. Congress must authorize additional funding.
How long will this last?
Until Congress passes a budget or temporary funding bill. The shutdown began October 1, 2025, and could continue for weeks.
What should I do now?
Use any remaining SNAP balance, seek local food banks, and monitor your state’s updates daily.