Ben Molin • October 22nd 2025
SNAP Benefit Deposits (Potential) Delay Due to Government Shutdown
Background
The Federal Government was shut down on October 1st due to stalled negotiations on the funding bill. If a bill does not get passed soon, it's possible there could be a delay in receiving benefits for November SNAP payments, meaning funds would not be added to EBT cards on the scheduled date.
Even if the shutdown ends today (October 20th at the time of writing) it's still possible there could be a delay in getting benefits distributed.
At this time, it is unclear what will happen. Here's what is known:
- The Federal government has asked states to wait to send November payments until further notice.
- A few states have officially announced a pause of benefits, some starting in October
Pennsylvania: "Starting October 16, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to PA. We will notify SNAP recipients when payments can resume, and we will let you know when to expect SNAP payments."
Texas: "SNAP benefits for November will not be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. HHSC will issue SNAP benefits as soon as it receives new federal guidance"
West Virginia: "Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, the United States Department of Agriculture Food & Nutrition Service (USDA FNS) has directed the West Virginia Department of Human Services (DoHS) and other state SNAP agencies to delay the issuance of October 2025 SNAP benefits approved on or after October 16, 2025. ... Additionally, we have been notified that it is very likely the federal government shutdown will delay November 2025 SNAP benefits for all recipients if Congress does not take action to reopen the government in the coming days." [Oct 18th]
Washington: "October 2025 food and cash benefits that DSHS issues are still going to recipients. If federal funding is not restored, DSHS will not be able to issue food benefits after Oct. 31. Cash benefits for November 2025 will still be distributed as usual." [https://www.dshs.wa.gov/alert/partial-federal-government-shutdown]
Missouri: "Due to the ongoing federal shutdown, Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has informed all state agencies to temporarily suspend the issuance of SNAP benefits for November 2025 as they are 100% federally funded. As a result, DSS will not be able to distribute November SNAP benefits until further notice from FNS. This temporary suspension does not include any other changes. DSS will continue to accept and process SNAP applications, reported changes, and mid-certifications received on or after November 1, 2025 as normal. Once the shutdown is complete and DSS receives further guidance from FNS, DSS will work quickly to restore SNAP benefits. FNS will be in communication with Missouri and all states as updated information becomes available." [https://mydss.mo.gov/federal-shutdown-impacts]
Here's what is not yet known:
- If states can or will use their own funds to cover the missing November deposits, however, it seems unlikely. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said "in a letter, the Trump administration has ordered the federal government not pay out SNAP benefits for November and states to not pay money to the vendors to pay out SNAP benefits for November." [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTSUrCaRa8A at 8:57]
The U.S. Virgin islands is sending 50% of November amounts by check [https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-directs-local-snap-relief-for-november-amid-federal-shutdown/], but I have not seen this in any states.
- If benefits will be reimbursed / paid later, if they are not paid on time
- When the government shutdown will end. In my opinion it is unlikely that the shutdown goes past November. The previous longest shutdown in history was 35 days in 2018-2019.
More information:
- Your state's SNAP website will likely have the most up-to-date information. You can find your state's website here
- If you need immediate food assistance, you can use the Feeding America "Find Your Local Food Bank" tool
