The Trump administration has confirmed that millions of Americans will receive only half their usual food assistance benefits this November, as the government shutdown enters its second month. This unprecedented decision affects over 42 million people who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for essential nutrition support, marking the first time in the program’s 60-year history that benefits have been suspended due to a funding lapse.
Quick Takeaways
- 42 million Americans will receive only 50% of their normal SNAP benefits for November 2025
- The Trump administration is using $4.65 billion in contingency funds to provide partial payments
- Benefits may be delayed for weeks or even months in some states due to technical challenges
- This is the second-longest government shutdown in U.S. history at 34 days
- Federal judges ordered the administration to resume SNAP payments after lawsuits from 25 states
- Food banks nationwide are overwhelmed and cannot replace the $8 billion monthly SNAP program
- The WIC program received temporary funding to continue through November
Understanding the SNAP Benefits Crisis
What Happened to SNAP Payments?
The Trump administration told a federal judge it will use contingency funds to provide partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits this month, following a court order requiring the Department of Agriculture to restore funding amid the ongoing government shutdown. This decision came after two federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts issued rulings requiring the administration to keep the nation’s largest food aid program running.
The crisis began on October 1, 2025, when the federal government shut down after Congress failed to pass appropriations legislation for the 2026 fiscal year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, had planned to freeze payments starting November 1, marking an unprecedented suspension of America’s largest anti-hunger program.
How Much Will Recipients Receive?
Some $4.65 billion from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s contingency fund will be obligated to cover 50% of eligible households’ current allotments for November. For families who typically receive $350 per month in benefits, this means they’ll only get approximately $175 this month.
Officials said they need at least $4 billion more in additional federal funds to make full payments. The administration has declined to use Section 32 Child Nutrition funds to bridge the gap, arguing this would jeopardize other programs that feed children nationwide.
Government Shutdown Impact on Food Assistance
Historic Government Shutdown Timeline
The government shutdown is now in its 34th day and is on the cusp of setting a record for the longest in the nation’s history. The current shutdown will surpass the previous record of 35 days set during Trump’s first administration from December 2018 to January 2019 if it extends beyond Tuesday, November 4, 2025.
The shutdown resulted in the furlough of roughly 900,000 federal employees and left another 2 million working without pay. While essential services like Medicare and Medicaid continue operating, many crucial agencies face partial or full suspensions.
Why SNAP Funding Ran Out
Unlike mandatory entitlement programs, SNAP requires annual appropriations from Congress. When the fiscal year began on October 1 without a budget agreement, the program’s regular funding stream stopped. The filing acknowledged that using contingency reserves will leave nothing for new applicants, disaster relief, or emergencies if SNAP funding stops completely.
The political standoff centers on disagreements over federal spending levels, foreign aid rescissions, and health insurance subsidies. Senate Democrats have blocked 13 separate continuing resolutions passed by the Republican-controlled House, demanding inclusion of Affordable Care Act subsidy extensions that Republicans oppose.
Court Orders Force Partial SNAP Restoration
Federal Judge Rulings
Federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts both ruled that halting benefits likely violates federal law and ordered the administration to resume payments immediately. These rulings came after 25 states, along with the District of Columbia, filed lawsuits challenging the administration’s decision to pause SNAP.
Rhode Island Judge John J. McConnell, Jr., ordered the Trump administration to pay SNAP benefits in full by Monday and to report to the court by noon regarding the status of the distribution. The judge gave the administration two options: either make full payments using additional funds or make partial payments using the entire contingency fund.
Administration’s Response to Court Orders
The Trump administration told Judge Jack McConnell that it had declined the option he suggested to make full November payments for SNAP benefits by using at least $4 billion from the Child Nutrition Program, as well as from other unspecified funds.
Agriculture Under Secretary Patrick Penn explained in court filings that the administration rejected using Section 32 Child Nutrition funds, arguing that doing so would jeopardize other programs that feed children nationwide. The administration maintains that protecting school meal programs takes priority over providing full SNAP benefits for one month.
Payment Delays and Technical Challenges
When Will Benefits Arrive?
Using emergency funds to pay for reduced SNAP benefits could take “a few weeks to up to several months,” a top USDA official told a federal judge in a sworn court filing Monday. The significant delays stem from complex technical challenges involved in reconfiguring state benefit systems.
States stopped the process of issuing benefits for November after the USDA sent them a letter on October 10 ordering them to do so. Now, state agencies must reprogram their eligibility systems to calculate and distribute partial payments instead of the full amounts their systems were designed to provide.
State-by-State Variations
Rhode Island officials said Monday that under their program, SNAP beneficiaries who also receive benefits from another federal program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, received payments Saturday equal to one-fourth of what they typically get from SNAP. Officials in Delaware are telling recipients that benefits there won’t be available until at least November 7.
The timing variations reflect differences in state computer systems and administrative processes. Given the variation among State systems, some of which are decades old, it is unclear how many States will complete the changes in an automated manner with minimal disruption versus manual overrides or computations that could lead to payment errors and significant delays.
Who Relies on SNAP Benefits?
SNAP Demographics and Statistics
Nearly 42 million Americans receive food stamps, providing households just over $350 a month, on average, as of May. The program serves as a critical lifeline for low-income families, with specific demographics showing higher participation rates.
Households with children, an elderly individual or a non-elderly person with a disability received 83% of SNAP benefits in fiscal year 2023. About 39% of food stamp recipients were children, while 20% were elderly and 10% were non-elderly individuals with a disability.
SNAP Eligibility Requirements 2025
To qualify for SNAP in 2025, a family of four’s net income after certain expenses can’t exceed the federal poverty line, which is about $32,000 per year. The program uses a complex calculation that considers household size, gross income, and allowable deductions for expenses like housing, childcare, and medical costs.
Recent changes under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have expanded work requirements. The GOP domestic agenda package expanded work requirements in the food stamp program to enrollees through age 64 and to parents of children ages 14 and older. SNAP enrollees can now receive benefits for only three months out of every 36 months unless they meet work requirements of at least 80 hours monthly.
Food Insecurity and Public Health Impact
Rising Food Insecurity Across America
Without SNAP, we’d face “a potential public health crisis of food insecurity and hunger”, according to public health experts. The program plays a crucial role in preventing malnutrition and its cascading health effects, particularly for vulnerable populations.
For children in particular, food insecurity can be harmful for growth and development and adequate nutrition. It’s associated with higher rates of asthma and other health issues, but also with worse academic performance and behavioral issues and mental health outcomes.
The timing couldn’t be worse for struggling families. November is always the busiest month in the food bank and food pantry world, and if SNAP benefits do not go out on time in November, the capacity of food banks and food pantries will be pushed to their very limits, according to food bank administrators.
Healthcare Cost Implications
Food insecurity extends beyond immediate hunger, creating long-term health consequences that burden the entire healthcare system. Food insecurity can also lead to nutrient deficiencies, resulting in malnutrition, which in turn can weaken the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections.
Food insecurity costs all of us, with approximately $237 billion a year in avoidable health care costs and economic burdens to the country. These costs reflect increased hospitalizations, chronic disease management, and emergency room visits that could be prevented with adequate nutrition.
State Responses to SNAP Crisis
States Providing Emergency Funding
Several states have stepped up to provide temporary relief for their residents facing food insecurity. These efforts vary widely in scope and duration, reflecting different state budget capacities and political priorities.
Gov. Phil Scott, a Republican, announced that he coordinated with state legislative leaders to approve “a temporary, state-funded contingency benefit to ensure Vermonters maintain access to food.” Scott said his administration would provide a “one-time benefit” covering the first 15 days of the month for eligible recipients.
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on Wednesday that New Mexico will provide $30 million in emergency funds for the first 10 days of November. Delaware’s Gov. John Carney Meyer announced a state of emergency and said the state would cover food stamp benefits weekly through November.
Limitations of State Solutions
Despite these efforts, state funding cannot fully replace the federal SNAP program. New Yorkers received more than $647 million in food stamp benefits in May, while Minnesota residents were issued more than $71 million in SNAP. Most state emergency allocations represent only a fraction of typical monthly SNAP distributions.
Food bank leaders emphasize that charitable organizations cannot bridge the gap left by suspended federal benefits. “You cannot crowdsource $8 billion to prevent the harm that will come from the failure of the administration to follow the law and fund the program as intended”, according to food security experts.
WIC Program Status and Other Affected Programs
WIC Receives Temporary Funding Extension
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) received better news than SNAP. USDA sent $300 million in Section 32 funds (funding from past year customs receipts provided under the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935) to states in mid-October. These funds are expected to keep WIC open in most states through at least the end of October.
The Trump administration said Tuesday it will use tariff funds to keep afloat a federal food assistance program for nearly 7 million pregnant women, new moms and young children during the government shutdown. The administration committed to using Section 32 tariff revenue to support WIC for the “foreseeable future,” though critical details about funding amounts and duration remain uncertain.
Head Start and LIHEAP Programs
Beyond food assistance, other crucial safety net programs face funding crises. More than 130 Head Start preschool programs will miss out on their annual federal grants November 1 if the shutdown continues. In total, more than 65,000 Head Start seats nationwide could be at risk.
The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), which helps struggling households heat their homes during winter months, also faces funding shortfalls as temperatures drop. These combined threats to food, education, and heating assistance create compound hardships for America’s most vulnerable families.
Political Blame and Congressional Stalemate
Republican Position
President Donald Trump said in a Sunday interview that he “won’t be extorted” by Democrats pushing to negotiate an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies set to expire at year’s end for millions of Americans. The administration maintains that Democrats are holding the government hostage by refusing to pass clean funding bills.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has blamed Democrats for the shutdown’s impact on vulnerable programs. Republicans argue they’ve passed 13 continuing resolutions to fund the government, only to see them blocked in the Senate by Democratic opposition.
Democratic Response
Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota, the top Democrat on the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry, pushed the administration to transfer money from other programs to fully fund November benefits, saying the courts “have made it clear” that the government has the authority to do so.
Democrats contend that Republicans refuse to negotiate on extending enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies, which help millions of Americans afford health insurance. They argue the administration is weaponizing hunger by declining to use available funds to provide full SNAP payments despite court orders.
Food Banks Under Unprecedented Strain
Surge in Demand
Food banks nationwide report overwhelming demand as SNAP recipients lose access to benefits. Food banks across the country have seen surging demand as families struggle through the shutdown. Many food banks were already operating at capacity before the shutdown, serving families struggling with high grocery prices and economic uncertainty.
Organizations that typically supplement SNAP benefits now face the impossible task of replacing them entirely. With food banks already stretched thin, it’s not clear if they’ll be able to serve millions more Americans. Even with increased state support and community donations, charitable food networks lack the resources to meet demand from 42 million additional people.
Food Waste Paradox
Ironically, the hunger crisis unfolds against a backdrop of massive food waste. The U.S. risks wasting close to $400 billion in food each year, according to ReFED, a U.S.-based nonprofit focused on food waste solutions. This disconnect highlights systemic challenges in food distribution rather than food availability.
Economic Consequences of the Shutdown
GDP Impact
The shutdown could temporarily cut the nation’s economic output by billions of dollars as unpaid federal workers curtail their spending and SNAP benefits are paused, leading to a 1-percentage-point GDP drop. The Congressional Budget Office projects sustained GDP losses that increase with each week of the shutdown.
While much of the economic decline will reverse when the government reopens, permanent losses accumulate over time. The GDP will face a sustained drop of $7 billion after a four-week shutdown, $11 billion after six weeks and $14 billion after eight weeks.
Impact on Federal Workers
Beyond benefit recipients, federal employees face severe financial hardship. Hundreds of thousands of federal workers went without their first full paycheck last week due to the shutdown. Many government employees, ironically, qualify for the same food assistance programs now facing funding cuts.
What Americans Need to Know Right Now
Checking Your SNAP Status
Recipients should monitor their EBT cards and contact their state human services office for updates on when partial payments will arrive. Most states provide online portals or mobile apps where beneficiaries can check their account status and benefit history.
Each state follows different timelines for SNAP distribution, so the timing of partial payments will vary significantly across the country. Some states distribute all benefits on the first of the month, while others use a rolling schedule based on case numbers or recipient names.
Finding Alternative Food Resources
Americans facing food insecurity should explore several options while waiting for SNAP restoration:
Food Banks and Pantries: Contact your local food bank through Feeding America’s network by calling 211 or visiting FeedingAmerica.org to find nearby locations.
School Meal Programs: Ensure eligible children are enrolled in free or reduced-price school lunch programs, which continue operating during the shutdown.
WIC Services: Pregnant women and families with children under 5 should apply for WIC benefits, which received temporary funding to continue through November.
Community Organizations: Churches, nonprofit organizations, and community centers often provide emergency food assistance or can connect families with resources.
Expert Perspectives and Analysis
Public Health Viewpoint
SNAP is also a major stimulator of the U.S. economy. It’s a very efficient program. There aren’t a lot of administrative costs, there’s not a lot of waste, fraud, or abuse. The overwhelming majority of the money is actually getting to Americans to buy food.
Public health researchers emphasize that SNAP represents preventive healthcare. Every dollar spent on food assistance generates downstream savings in healthcare costs, particularly for children and seniors whose health is most vulnerable to nutritional deficiencies.
Legal and Constitutional Questions
Legal advocacy groups continue challenging the administration’s handling of SNAP funding. Democracy Forward, a legal advocacy group that is representing a group of municipalities and nonprofit organizations that sued the Trump administration, said in a statement it is “considering all legal options to secure payment of full funds”.
The fundamental legal question centers on whether the executive branch must spend funds that Congress has appropriated, or whether it has discretion to withhold spending during a shutdown. This dispute echoes historical conflicts over presidential impoundment authority that led to the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
Looking Ahead: Path to Resolution
Possible Scenarios
The shutdown could end through several potential mechanisms:
Bipartisan Compromise: Senate negotiations might produce a deal that addresses both Republican priorities and Democratic demands for ACA subsidy extensions.
Clean Continuing Resolution: One party might yield, passing a short-term funding bill without policy riders to allow more time for negotiations.
Long-term Appropriations: Congress could agree on full-year funding legislation, though this appears unlikely given current divisions.
Long-term SNAP Implications
Beyond the immediate crisis, the shutdown raises concerns about the future of SNAP and other safety net programs. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act included $186 billion in cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The Congressional Budget Office projects that this 20% cut in funding will cause about 4 million people — mostly children, seniors, and people with disabilities — to lose their SNAP benefits entirely or receive greatly reduced benefits.
These programmatic changes will affect food security for years beyond the current shutdown, fundamentally reshaping America’s approach to fighting hunger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Will I receive any SNAP benefits for November 2025?
A: Yes, but only 50% of your normal benefit amount. The Trump administration is using $4.65 billion in contingency funds to provide partial payments, though significant delays are expected due to technical challenges in state systems.
Q: When will the partial SNAP payments arrive?
A: Timing varies significantly by state. Some recipients may wait a few weeks, while others could face delays of several months. Contact your state’s human services department for specific information about your payment schedule.
Q: Can new applicants still apply for SNAP during the shutdown?
A: While you can still apply, no funds remain for new SNAP applicants certified in November after the contingency fund is depleted for existing recipients. New applications may not be processed until the shutdown ends and regular funding resumes.
Q: Are other food assistance programs affected by the shutdown?
A: The WIC program received temporary funding through tariff revenue and is expected to continue operating into November. However, Head Start preschool programs lost funding on November 1, and LIHEAP heating assistance also faces disruptions.
Q: What happens to my SNAP benefits when the government reopens?
A: When the shutdown ends, full SNAP funding should resume. You should receive your regular benefit amount for subsequent months. It’s unclear whether the government will provide back payments to make up for the reduced November benefits.
Taking Action: How You Can Help
Supporting Your Community
Even if you don’t rely on SNAP benefits yourself, the crisis affects entire communities. Here’s how Americans can help:
Donate to Food Banks: Local food banks face unprecedented demand and need both food donations and monetary contributions to purchase nutritious items in bulk.
Volunteer: Food banks need volunteers to sort donations, pack boxes, and distribute food to families in need.
Contact Your Representatives: Call or email your senators and representatives urging them to end the shutdown and restore full SNAP funding.
Support Working Families: Remember that many SNAP recipients work full-time jobs but still struggle to afford groceries due to low wages and high living costs.
Advocacy and Awareness
Share accurate information about SNAP and food insecurity with your social networks. Combat misinformation about who receives food assistance and why these programs matter for public health and economic stability.
Consider supporting organizations that advocate for anti-hunger policies, including Feeding America, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and the Food Research & Action Center.
Conclusion: A Crisis of Our Making
The partial suspension of SNAP benefits represents an unprecedented failure of the social safety net that has protected America’s most vulnerable citizens for six decades. While federal judges have forced the Trump administration to provide reduced payments using contingency funds, millions of families face impossible choices between food, rent, medicine, and other essential needs.
“It shouldn’t take a court order to force our president to provide essential nutrition that Congress has made clear needs to be provided. But since that is what it takes, we will continue to use the courts to protect the rights of people”, as advocacy leaders emphasize.
As the government shutdown continues toward becoming the longest in American history, the human cost mounts daily. Food banks report overwhelming demand they cannot meet, families skip meals to feed their children, and the health consequences of food insecurity ripple through communities nationwide.
The path forward requires political leaders to prioritize human welfare over partisan positioning. Whether through compromise, negotiation, or one side yielding, ending this shutdown and restoring full SNAP funding must be treated as the urgent crisis it represents.
Have you been affected by the SNAP benefits crisis? We want to hear your story. Share your experiences in the comments below and let your representatives know how the government shutdown is impacting your family. Together, we can amplify voices demanding action to end this crisis.
References
- Fingerlakes1.com. “Trump administration to fund partial SNAP payments during shutdown.” November 3, 2025. https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2025/11/03/trump-administration-to-fund-partial-snap-payments-during-shutdown/
- CNN Politics. “SNAP benefits: Trump administration will provide only half of usual food stamp assistance in November.” November 3, 2025. https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/03/politics/november-snap-benefits-government-trump
- U.S. News & World Report. “Trump Administration Says SNAP Will Be Partially Funded in November.” November 3, 2025. https://www.usnews.com/news/best-states/florida/articles/2025-11-03/trump-administration-faces-a-deadline-to-tell-judges-whether-it-will-use-contingency-funds-for-snap
- CBS News. “The 2025 U.S government shutdown, by the numbers.” November 3, 2025. https://www.cbsnews.com/news/2025-government-shutdown-by-numbers/
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “What Is SNAP? And Why Does It Matter?” October 2025. https://publichealth.jhu.edu/2025/what-is-snap-and-why-does-it-matter
This article was last updated on November 4, 2025. The situation continues to develop as the government shutdown persists. Check back for updates or subscribe to our newsletter for the latest information on SNAP benefits and food assistance programs.
