The ongoing federal government shutdown, which began on October 1st, 2025, has reached a critical juncture. As November 1st, 2025, approaches, millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps, are facing the immediate threat of delayed or suspended benefits.
Here is a breakdown of what the prolonged shutdown means for your November SNAP benefits and how you can prepare.
The SNAP Benefit Suspension on November 1st
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is 100% federally funded. Due to the lack of an approved budget and the continuation of the government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, has informed state agencies that there are insufficient federal funds to issue the November 2025 SNAP benefit allotments.
The Key Takeaway: New SNAP benefits for November will be delayed or suspended until a budget resolution is passed by Congress and signed into law.
- No New Benefits: The USDA has directed states to temporarily suspend the issuance of November 2025 SNAP benefits. This means the money you normally receive on your EBT card at the beginning of November will not be deposited as scheduled.
- A First-Time Interruption: This marks the first time in over six decades that SNAP benefits have been interrupted due to a government shutdown, highlighting the severity of the current fiscal impasse.
Using Existing SNAP Funds: What You Can Still Do
While new benefits for November are on hold, it is crucial to understand what is not affected by the suspension:
| What is Unaffected by the Suspension | What is Affected by the Suspension |
| Existing EBT Balance | New November Benefit Deposit |
| Any funds remaining on your EBT card from October or previous months are safe and can be used to purchase food as usual. | The regular monthly deposit of your November SNAP benefit allotment will not be made on your scheduled date. |
| SNAP Application Processing | Benefit Issuance |
| State agencies are still accepting and processing new SNAP applications and required paperwork (recertifications, change reports). | Even if approved, you will not receive any new SNAP benefits for November until federal funding is restored. |
Important Note: SNAP recipients are strongly advised to budget and conserve any remaining funds on their EBT cards.
Preparing for the Uncertainty: Resources and Next Steps
The uncertainty surrounding the shutdown and its impact on food security is creating immense stress for millions of families. Here are immediate steps you can take:
1. Look to Community Food Resources
Local food banks, pantries, and community-based organizations are the most immediate source of support during this crisis.
- Dial 2-1-1: In many states, 2-1-1 is a one-stop source for finding local health and human services, including food assistance programs.
- Contact Local Food Banks: Search for local food banks in your area by zip code. Many are working to fast-track food aid to offset the SNAP shortfall.
2. Stay Informed with State Agencies
Your local state agency (often the Department of Social Services or Health and Human Services) is the primary source for updates specific to your area.
- Do not Reapply: If you are an active recipient, do not submit a new application. This will not speed up your benefits and may cause confusion.
- Continue Requirements: You must continue to meet all program requirements, such as reporting changes and completing recertification paperwork, to ensure your eligibility when the government reopens.
3. Know Your Rights for Retroactive Payments
Should the government shutdown end later in November, missed benefits are typically issued retroactively. Once funding is restored, state agencies will work quickly to disburse the full November allotment to all eligible recipients.
A Call for Resolution
The suspension of SNAP benefits places a huge strain on the approximately 42 million Americans who rely on the program to put food on the table. As the shutdown continues past the critical November 1st deadline, pressure is mounting on Congress and the administration to resolve the budget impasse and restore this vital lifeline to families across the nation.
Stay tuned to official state and federal government websites for the latest, verified information on the SNAP benefit restoration date.
Contact Information
The best way to find the official contact information and website for your state is to use the directory provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service:
- SNAP State Directory of Resources: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
On that page, you can select your state or territory to find:
- The official state website for SNAP.
- Application information.
- Contact details for your local SNAP office.
General SNAP Contact Information:
If you are having trouble finding your state’s information, here are some general resources:
- USDA National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-348-6479 for immediate help with food resources.
- 2-1-1: Many states use this number as a general resource line to connect callers with social services, including SNAP.
- EBT Card Balance: To check the balance on your Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, you can usually call the number on the back of your card or visit the state’s EBT portal (which is often linked from the state directory above). For many states, this is done through a general EBT system like ebtEDGE.com or by calling 1-888-EBT-SNAP (1-888-622-7328).