As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week, various states are preparing for potential delays or reductions in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. Without a resolution, states like Pennsylvania and Texas have warned that benefits will not be issued for the upcoming month.
November SNAP Benefits at Risk
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services released an official statement regarding the potential halt in benefits, stating that “November 2025 SNAP benefits cannot be paid.” This warning took effect as of October 16, indicating that no benefits will be disbursed until the government shutdown concludes and federal funds are made available.
Texas Health and Human Services echoed these concerns, announcing that “SNAP benefits for November will not be issued” if the ongoing shutdown persists beyond October 27. Such alerts have also been issued by several other states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, New York, Colorado, Florida, and California.
The SNAP Program Overview
SNAP is a critical safety net program for many low-income Americans, aiding around 42 million people each month in affording groceries. This program is federally funded; however, its administration falls under state control. Current statistics indicate that about 12% of Americans were receiving SNAP benefits as of May 2025, based on data from the US Department of Agriculture.
Impact of the Shutdown on Benefits
A pre-shutdown memo from the US Department of Agriculture suggested that while October benefits would be covered, a prolonged shutdown could jeopardize the full distribution of November checks. Acting SNAP Head Ronald Ward warned that “insufficient funds” would be available to pay full benefits if the shutdown continues.
- SNAP operating cost: approximately $100 billion annually
- Monthly benefits range: $25 to $1,700, based on household size and income
- Projected loss of coverage: over 2 million Americans due to potential policy changes
In response to the shutdown, SNAP is working on a contingency plan. States have been advised to postpone their regular submissions of eligible SNAP households, allowing for flexibility in benefit distribution if needed.
Challenges Faced by Low-Income Families
The ramifications of interrupted SNAP funding could be severe for low-income households. Families rely on SNAP benefits not just for regular groceries but also for special occasions like birthdays and Thanksgiving.
Judith Murray, a SNAP recipient who receives $1,174 monthly for her family of seven, shared her concerns about the upcoming holidays. “We still have birthdays to celebrate and parties to prepare for,” she stated, emphasizing the importance of these benefits in maintaining her family’s well-being.
Future of SNAP Amid Legislative Changes
Once the government reopens, changes to SNAP are expected. Recent spending plans announced by the Trump administration include a nearly $200 billion reduction in funding for federal nutrition aid over the next ten years. Additionally, new requirements may affect nondisabled adults without dependents.
With ongoing political stalemates regarding healthcare funding, it remains uncertain when federal operations will resume. Previous shutdowns have demonstrated that SNAP could avoid significant disruptions through early payments; however, it is unclear if this strategy will be implemented in 2025.
Other assistance programs, such as Medicaid and Social Security, are funded separately from SNAP and will continue normal distributions during this shutdown.
