SNAP Food Assistance in Jeopardy as Government Shutdown Continues

If the U.S. federal government shutdown continues into November 2025, millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits may see their food assistance interrupted. The USDA has already signaled trouble ahead, advising states to delay certain processes until further notice.

The Shutdown and Risk to SNAP Benefits

• The federal government shutdown began on October 1, 2025 as Congress failed to pass appropriations for fiscal year 2026.
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) operates via annual congressional funding. Because October’s benefits were processed with funding carried over from FY2025, they are safe. But beyond October, there is no guarantee.
• On October 10, USDA (via acting SNAP head Ronald Ward) warned that insufficient funds exist to fully cover November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals nationwide.
• States have been instructed to hold back November issuance files and delay transmission to EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) vendors until funding clarity emerges.

Who Might Be Affected

• Approximately 42 million people, or about 1 in 8 Americans, depend on SNAP monthly.
• Some states, like Minnesota, North Carolina, Wisconsin, have already warned residents of possible suspension or delays.
• For example, Iowa reports around 259,000 SNAP recipients (about 8 % of state population) who would be impacted if benefits stop.
• In Illinois, nearly 1.9 million individuals across 1 million households rely on SNAP each month; they would be cut off without renewed funding.

Current SNAP Benefit Levels (FY 2026)

Here’s a snapshot of maximum monthly SNAP allotments under the Cost‑of‑Living Adjustments (COLA) effective October 1, 2025:

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Other relevant figures:

• Minimum benefit rises to $24 for one‑ or two‑person households.
• The standard deductions for household sizes 1–3 are $209 per month, increasing slightly for households of 4 or more.
• Excess shelter cap deduction: up to $744 for shelter costs.
• Asset limits remain unchanged: $3,000 (general households), $4,500 (with elderly/disabled).

Thus, many SNAP recipients depend entirely on these allotments to cover monthly groceries — a disruption would be severe.

Why November Is at Risk

1. Lack of new appropriations
   Without Congress approving funding or continuing resolution, USDA lacks authority to disperse new SNAP allocations.
2. State-level delays
   States have been told to withhold the data files needed to load benefits onto EBT cards. Even if funding is restored later, delayed operations may make resumption slow.
3. Reserve funding uncertainty
   Historically, SNAP had a reserve fund (e.g. $6 billion under prior administrations) to cover short disruptions. It is unclear how much of that remains or whether it can be tapped now.
4. Operational constraints
   Automated systems and processing deadlines make it difficult to catch up once deadlines are missed.

What Recipients Should Do Now

• Watch state & local notices: Agencies may issue alerts or guidance on whether benefits will be delayed.
• Stock up prudently: If you receive October benefits already, plan purchases with some buffer.
• Explore alternative food assistance: Local food banks, community kitchens, and charitable programs may help bridge gaps.
• Stay informed on budget talks: If Congress passes funding before November, benefits can resume.

Your SNAP benefits could not arrive in November 2025 if the government shutdown continues unresolved. While October benefits are secure, USDA has formally warned states to halt processing for November.

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With 42 million Americans depending on SNAP, and benefit allotments already modest, any delay or pause could fuel food insecurity just before winter holidays. Recipients should stay vigilant, explore backup resources, and urge their elected officials to act swiftly.

FAQs

Will October SNAP payments still go through?

Yes. October benefits were funded under prior allocations and remain safe despite the shutdown.

How many people could be impacted by halted SNAP benefits?

Roughly 42 million individuals across the U.S. may face interruptions.

Could Congress restore SNAP benefits later?

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Yes — if a spending deal or continuing resolution is passed in time, benefits can resume. But delays may persist due to operational constraints.