Last Updated: November 23, 2025
No, Thanksgiving SNAP benefits did not arrive early in 2025. The government shutdown from October 1 to November 12 stopped all November SNAP payments.
There was no special early holiday delivery this year.
Quick Facts:
- Government shutdown delayed all November SNAP payments nationwide
- Benefits were reduced by 35% in November due to limited funding
- Payments resumed November 13 on normal state schedules
- December 2025 benefits will return to full amounts
- 42 million Americans were affected by the payment disruption
- No states issued special early Thanksgiving payments
Check your SNAP income limits 2025 by states to see if you qualify for benefits.
Page Contents
- 1 What Happened to November SNAP Benefits?
- 2 When Do SNAP Benefits Come in November 2025?
- 3 Will You Get Missing November Benefits?
- 4 New SNAP Rules Starting November 2025
- 5 How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
- 6 Related Government Benefits
- 7 What to Do If You Need Help Now
- 8 Frequently Asked Questions
- 9 Key Takeaways
What Happened to November SNAP Benefits?
The Government Shutdown Impact
The 43-day federal government shutdown created major problems for SNAP recipients.
Here’s what happened:
October 1: Government shutdown began. SNAP funding was frozen immediately.
October 24: USDA stopped all November SNAP payments across the country.
October 27: USDA announced federal resources were completely gone.
November 1: No SNAP payments were sent. This was the first time in program history.
November 4-7: Federal judges ordered emergency payment release in Rhode Island and Massachusetts.
November 5-7: Treasury released emergency funds for 42 million people.
November 8-12: SNAP payments restarted with 35% cuts to benefit amounts.
November 12: Government shutdown ended when Congress passed a funding bill.
November 13: Full SNAP payments resumed on regular state schedules.
How Much Were Benefits Reduced?
November 2025 SNAP benefits were cut to about 65% of normal amounts:
| Family Size | November Amount | Normal Amount | Money Lost |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $193 | $298 | -$105 |
| 2 people | $354 | $544 | -$190 |
| 3 people | $507 | $780 | -$273 |
| 4 people | $646 | $994 | -$348 |
| 6 people | $924 | $1,421 | -$497 |
Good news: December 2025 benefits will return to full normal amounts.
When Do SNAP Benefits Come in November 2025?
States That Pay Before Thanksgiving
These states send benefits between November 1-10:
| State | Payment Dates | Before Thanksgiving? |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska | November 1 | Yes |
| Connecticut | November 1-3 | Yes |
| Vermont | November 1 | Yes |
| Rhode Island | November 1 | Yes |
| North Dakota | November 1 | Yes |
| California | November 1-10 | Yes |
| Colorado | November 1-10 | Yes |
| New York | November 1-9 | Yes |
| Oregon | November 1-9 | Yes |
| New Jersey | November 1-5 | Yes |
States That Pay During or After Thanksgiving
These states send benefits between November 4-23:
| State | Payment Dates | Timing |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia | November 5-23 | After Thanksgiving |
| Pennsylvania | November 3-14 | Some before, some after |
| Indiana | November 5-23 | After Thanksgiving |
| Alabama | November 4-23 | During/After Thanksgiving |
| Maryland | November 4-23 | During/After Thanksgiving |
| Maine | November 10-14 | After Thanksgiving |
| South Dakota | November 10 | After Thanksgiving |
| Utah | November 5, 11, 15 | Mixed timing |
Important: Texas, Florida, Illinois, and Washington have rolling payment schedules from November 1-28 based on case numbers.
Visit the official USDA SNAP page to find your exact payment date by state.
Will You Get Missing November Benefits?
If You Got Partial Payment
You will receive the rest of your November benefits in one of two ways:
- A separate payment in late November
- Combined with your December payment
States are processing these makeup payments now.
If You Got No Payment
You will receive your full November benefits soon. States are sending these payments following the November 12 shutdown end.
December 2025 Payments
December benefits will arrive on your normal state schedule. You will receive full amounts with no reductions.
New SNAP Rules Starting November 2025
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” changed SNAP work requirements:
New Work Rules
Age Change: Work requirement now applies until age 65 (was age 59).
Child Care Change: Exemption only for children under 14 (was under 18).
Veteran Change: Veterans no longer automatically exempt from work rules.
Homeless Change: Homeless persons no longer automatically exempt.
Work Hours: Must work or do qualifying activities 80 hours per month.
Who Is Still Exempt?
- Pregnant women
- People with disabilities
- Adults age 65 and older
- Certain caregivers with young children
These work requirement changes affect how to qualify for SNAP in 2025 moving forward.
How to Apply for SNAP Benefits
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for SNAP, you must meet income guidelines:
Gross Income Limit: 130% of poverty level Net Income Limit: 100% of poverty level Asset Limit: $2,750 ($4,250 if elderly or disabled)
Income Limits for 2025
| Family Size | Monthly Gross Income | Yearly Gross Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,580 | $18,960 |
| 2 people | $2,137 | $25,644 |
| 3 people | $2,694 | $32,328 |
| 4 people | $3,250 | $39,000 |
| 5 people | $3,807 | $45,684 |
| 6 people | $4,364 | $52,368 |
Check SNAP income guidelines by state for your specific state limits.
How to Apply
Online: Visit your state SNAP website In Person: Go to your local SNAP office By Phone: Call your state SNAP hotline By Mail: Download and mail application forms
Find your state’s apply for SNAP online portal on the USDA website.
Related Government Benefits
Medicaid Expansion in 2025
Many SNAP recipients also qualify for Medicaid health coverage.
ACA Medicaid Income Limit: 138% of poverty level
This means adults can earn up to these amounts and qualify:
| Family Size | Monthly Income | Yearly Income |
|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $1,800 | $21,597 |
| 2 people | $2,432 | $29,187 |
| 3 people | $3,065 | $36,777 |
| 4 people | $3,697 | $44,367 |
Important: Only 42 states offer Medicaid expansion. Ten states do not offer this coverage.
States Without Medicaid Expansion
These states have very limited Medicaid for adults:
- Texas
- Florida
- Georgia (partial coverage only)
- Alabama
- Kansas
- Mississippi
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Wisconsin (partial coverage only)
- Wyoming
In non-expansion states, uninsured rates are nearly twice as high (14.1% vs 7.6%).
Review Medicaid income limits 2025 by states to see your state’s full eligibility rules.
What to Do If You Need Help Now
Emergency Food Resources
If your SNAP benefits were delayed or reduced:
Food Banks: Find locations at Feeding America WIC Program: Women, infants, and children may qualify for additional food help School Meals: Free or reduced-price meals available for children Senior Nutrition: Meals on Wheels and senior center programs
Contact Your State SNAP Office
If you have questions about your benefits:
- Check your EBT card balance daily
- Call your state SNAP hotline immediately
- Report any payment delays or errors
- Ask about emergency SNAP benefits
Find your state contact on the USDA state directory.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will there be early SNAP payments for Christmas 2025?
A: This depends on your state’s normal schedule. Most states do not issue special early holiday payments. Check your state’s SNAP website for exact dates.
Q: Why were November benefits reduced?
A: The government shutdown depleted federal SNAP funding. Emergency funds covered only 65% of normal benefits until full funding resumed November 12.
Q: When will I get my missing money?
A: States are processing makeup payments now. You’ll receive missing amounts in late November or with December benefits.
Q: Did the shutdown affect other benefits?
A: The shutdown primarily affected SNAP. Social Security, SSI, and Medicare continued with minimal disruption.
Q: Can I still apply for SNAP after the shutdown?
A: Yes. Applications are being processed normally now. Apply online or at your local office.
Key Takeaways
The November 2025 government shutdown created unprecedented disruption to SNAP benefits:
- No early Thanksgiving payments were issued this year
- Benefits resumed November 13 on regular state schedules
- November payments were reduced by 35% during the shutdown
- December benefits will return to full normal amounts
- 42 million Americans were affected nationwide
Always check official government sources for the most current SNAP payment information. Contact your state SNAP office if you have questions about your specific benefits.
For more help understanding government benefits, visit Healthcare.gov or the USDA Food and Nutrition Service.
Sources: All data verified through USDA Food and Nutrition Service, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, Kaiser Family Foundation, and official state SNAP agencies.
