Good news for millions of Americans who depend on food stamps: the government is now sending out full SNAP benefits for November 2025 after a chaotic period caused by the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history.
The USDA officially directed all states to issue 100% of November SNAP payments starting November 12-13, 2025, according to the Tennessee Department of Human Services. The federal shutdown that started November 1st has ended, and SNAP funding is now secured through September 2026.
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What Happened During the Shutdown
The past two weeks brought confusion and worry for 42 million SNAP recipients across America. Between November 1-8, the USDA told states to only pay out 65% of maximum food stamp benefits because of the shutdown. Some states like Alaska, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin had already sent full payments early in the month.
On November 8th, the USDA made a shocking move by ordering states to “immediately undo” full payments and reverse the money transfers. Federal courts in Massachusetts and Rhode Island then ruled the government must pay full benefits, but the Supreme Court paused these orders, creating more uncertainty.
Everything changed on November 12th when President Trump signed a spending bill to end the shutdown, as reported by CNN. Within 24 hours, the USDA issued new guidance telling states to resume full benefit payments immediately.
When Will You Get Your Full Benefits?
If you already received a partial payment, don’t worry. The remaining balance will be added to your EBT card automatically in the coming days. You won’t need to apply again or call anyone.
Here’s the current timeline according to state agencies:
- Tennessee: Started issuing full benefits Monday, November 17th
- Ohio: Distributing 100% of payments by mid-next week
- Colorado: Expected payments by Thursday, November 14th
- Montana: Full benefits loaded by Saturday, November 15th
- Georgia: Complete allotment by Tuesday, November 18th
- Massachusetts and North Carolina: Processing this week or next week
How to Check Your SNAP Balance
You can verify your food stamp balance right now through several easy methods:
- Download the Connect EBT app or ebtEDGE app on your phone
- Visit the Cardholder Portal at ebtedge.com
- Call your state’s EBT customer service helpline
- Check your state’s SNAP website or self-service portal
Most states also send text message updates when benefits are added to your card.
December Benefits Back on Regular Schedule
The December 2025 SNAP payments will go out on your normal scheduled dates, confirm state officials in Ohio and Montana. Each state has its own payment calendar based on case numbers, Social Security numbers, or last names. Regular distribution schedules are returning to normal starting next month.
Important Changes to SNAP Rules
The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) brought major policy changes that took effect with the shutdown, according to Economic Times:
- Work requirements increased to 80 hours per month (up from 55 hours)
- Age limit for work requirements raised to 65 years old
- Veterans and homeless individuals no longer automatically exempt
- Dependent care exemption reduced to children under 14 only
The new law authorizes $186 billion in SNAP cuts through 2034 and requires states to cover up to 15% of benefit costs.
Processing times vary by state because computer systems need reprogramming. While most recipients will see payments within days, the USDA warns some families may wait weeks or even months for full system updates, particularly where partial payments need reconciliation.
For official updates, visit your state’s human services website or check the USDA Food and Nutrition Service website at fns.usda.gov.
Government Sources Cited:
- Tennessee Department of Human Services (tn.gov)
- Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (jfs.ohio.gov)
- Georgia Department of Human Services (dhs.georgia.gov)
- Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services (dphhs.mt.gov)
- Colorado Governor’s Office (colorado.gov)
- USDA Food and Nutrition Service (fns.usda.gov)
- CNN Politics, NPR News
