A torn SNAP benefits EBT card on an American flag background with a dark storm cloud looming overhead.
SNAP Benefits Update: Federal Government Shutdown Causes Major Disruptions
As of November 10, 2025, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is experiencing significant disruptions due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has directed states to reverse full SNAP payments made under recent court orders, following a U.S. Supreme Court stay on those rulings. This decision affects the benefits relied upon by 42 million Americans and has drawn backlash from states and lawmakers.
Partial Benefit Payments Implemented
In response to the funding shortfall, the USDA has instructed states to issue partial benefits, covering up to 65% of the typical monthly allotment. For example, the Georgia Department of Human Services announced that SNAP recipients will receive partial benefits for November, with those whose distribution dates have already passed receiving their allotment by Tuesday, November 11.
Several states have already begun implementing partial payment systems:
- Michigan started issuing roughly half benefits on November 8
- Georgia is processing partial payments for November distribution
- Other states are following USDA guidance to issue reduced benefits
- November 9: USDA tells states to undo efforts to issue full food aid benefits
- November 10: Federal appeals court rules Trump administration cannot withhold full funding for food aid
- Supreme Court: Issued stay on lower court rulings requiring full benefit payments
- Families with children
- Elderly recipients
- Individuals with disabilities
- Working households with limited income
- Stay informed through official state communications
- Monitor Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card balances regularly
- Contact local social services offices for specific guidance
- Plan for reduced benefit amounts in November
Legal Challenges and Court Rulings
The situation remains legally complex and fluid:
The conflicting court decisions have created uncertainty about the final resolution of SNAP funding during the government shutdown.
Impact on Recipients
The reduction to partial benefits affects millions of low-income Americans who rely on SNAP for food assistance. States have warned of "catastrophic impact" on vulnerable populations, including:
Recommendations for SNAP Recipients
Given the rapidly evolving circumstances, SNAP recipients are advised to:
Looking Ahead
The resolution of SNAP funding depends on the ongoing government shutdown and continued legal proceedings. States continue to advocate for full benefit restoration while implementing the USDA's partial payment guidance in the interim.
The prompt for this was: snap benefits update today
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