SNAP Outage Help:  Find Food, Cash Support, and Updates

Payments Still Delayed

As of November 5, no state has reported that partial November SNAP payments have been distributed. The USDA’s guidance to issue reduced benefits remains in effect, but states are still processing the changes needed to implement the 50% payment amounts.

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Because of this, households have not yet received benefits for November, and delays are expected to continue through the week. The USDA has not released an updated timeline for when payments will begin.

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We are continuing to monitor progress at the federal and state levels. Once states begin issuing payments, we’ll share updates so households know when to expect funds on their EBT cards. In the meantime, if you need immediate food support, please check local pantries or community food programs for assistance.

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Partial Funding Approved

The USDA has continued tothat it will release a portion of November SNAP benefits using the federal contingency fund. This will cover about half of the usual benefit amount for most households. However, the USDA has not yet provided a timeline for when these partial payments will reach recipients.

States are now updating their systems to reflect the reduced funding levels and adjust payment schedules. Some states have begun notifying residents that benefits will be delayed while they make these updates. The remaining portion of November benefits has not been funded at this time.

We’ll continue monitoring official USDA and state announcements. Households should be prepared for partial payments and possible delays as systems are updated nationwide.

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Partial Payments Inbound

The USDA has confirmed that it will move forward with releasing a portion of November SNAP benefits using the federal contingency fund. This funding will cover about half of the usual benefit amount for most households. We do not know when this will arrive for recipients, if this will come all at once or week by week. The remaining portion of November benefits has not been funded at this time.‍

State agencies are now reviewing the federal guidance and working to update their systems. This includes recalculating benefit amounts and adjusting payment schedules. Because of this, many states are warning that benefits may not be available right away and delays should be expected.

We will continue to monitor state level updates. The timing and amount of benefits will vary by state, and households may receive partial payments first while states work through the remaining distribution.

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Federal Response Still Pending

The White House has acknowledged the recent federal court orders directing the administration to continue funding SNAP benefits during the shutdown.

However, no formal directive has yet been issued to the USDA to release November payments. Several states have stated that they are reviewing the court rulings and awaiting federal guidance. SNAP benefits remain on hold until further notice or a new order from the courts.

Even if the federal government moves forward, it remains unclear how long it will take for benefits to be distributed.

Courts Order Federal Action

Two federal judges ruled in favor of 20+ states, nonprofits, and local officials suing the Trump administration for withholding November SNAP benefits during the shutdown.

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Judges ordered the USDA to use contingency funds to avoid delays and present a plan for restoring benefits by Monday, November 3.

SNAP Benefits Suspended Nationwide

The USDA informed states that it would not tap contingency reserves to fund November SNAP benefits.

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This decision halted benefits for millions of families and prompted more than 20 states to sue the administration for reversing prior contingency plans.

Tracking State-Level Impact

States began releasing updates about how they planned to respond to the potential funding gap.

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Local governments and community organizations started mapping available food and cash resources to support impacted residents.

USDA Warns States of November Shortfall

As the shutdown entered its third week, USDA told states it would not guarantee funding for November SNAP benefits.

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Advocates and state agencies began calling for immediate use of reserve funds to prevent disruption for families.

Federal Government Shuts Down

Congress failed to pass a bill to fund government operations, triggering a nationwide shutdown.

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SNAP benefits for October continued as usual, but application processing and customer service were slowed by reduced staffing.