As we head into November, millions of low-income Americans have one question on their minds: Will their SNAP payments come through on schedule, or will they never get it? SNAP, or food stamps, is a program that helps buyers purchase groceries for 42 million people across the country. But with the federal government shutdown early in October, the USDA says that payments in November could be delayed or stopped altogether.
The shutdown happened because there was no agreement between Congress on the budget to fund the federal government. Republicans and Democrats are accusing each other of the confusion, pointing to the spending priorities and program expansions such as Obamacare subsidies. Since the federal money had been put aside to pay them, October payments were made as usual.
But November payment is now in jeopardy. On October 10, the USDA warned state agencies against sending benefit files to the companies loading EBT cards, unless otherwise permitted. Those files are used by the government to put new money into EBT cards to help people have food to eat after November 1.
This is not a paper crisis; it may be an actual emergency. New York, Pennsylvania, Colorado and New Jersey have notified their citizens that SNAP payments for November will be on hold and to seek help from local pantries or food banks.
With Thanksgiving just around the corner, groups like the Food Research & Action Center are saying that the average monthly grant of $188 per person in SNAP benefits is super important. They think that if there’s a long gap without help, it would make the whole food situation worse, especially for families, kids, older folks, and veterans.
The new rules will also bring more hassle. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) means able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) must work, train or volunteer at least 80 hours a month to keep their benefits. Parents, disabled people, and individuals in high unemployment areas are exempt. Some people see these rules as a potential to take away benefits from those who need them most when the economy is weak.
On X (the former Twitter), people are complaining, sharing stories of rising grocery costs and fears of empty pantries, with hashtags like #TrumpShutdownBadForUS gaining traction. They tell us of grocery price increases and the fear of running out of food.
One comment noted the irony: “USDA tells states to hold November SNAP benefits: playbook from Project 2025 run by shutdown.” Political finger-pointing intensifies, with Democrats accusing the Trump administration of weaponizing the shutdown, while Republicans claim it’s a necessary stand against excessive spending.
For now, recipients are advised to check state SNAP websites or apps like PEAK in Colorado for updates, stretch existing benefits, and contact local resources. The USDA’s contingency fund sits at about $6 billion, short of the $8 billion needed for November, but a resolution in Congress could restore funding swiftly.
As one advocate put it, “This isn’t about politics, it’s about people eating.” With no end to the shutdown in sight, the fate of November SNAP benefits hangs in the balance, underscoring the fragility of America’s safety.
