The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has instructed all states to suspend the issuance of November 2026 Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
If the federal government shutdown continues, approximately 42 million Americans will not receive their food benefits as scheduled on November 1.
The government shutdown, which began October 1, 2026, has left the USDA without congressional funding to support the program.
Why SNAP Benefits Are Cut Off for November
SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federally funded program. States manage its distribution, but the federal government provides the money for the benefits.
Calculate Your 2026 COLA Increase →With Congress unable to pass a budget, the USDA cannot send these funds to the states.
On October 24, 2026, the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) officially directed state agencies to suspend all November 2026 benefit allotments until federal funding is provided.
This action stops states from loading new benefits onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for the upcoming month.
States Confirming No November Payments
In response to the federal directive, numerous states have begun warning recipients that SNAP benefits will be cut off.
States that have issued notices or confirmed a halt to November payments include:
- Texas
- Pennsylvania
- Arizona
- New Jersey
- Mississippi
- Illinois
- Georgia
- Missouri
- New Hampshire
- Virginia
- Michigan
- Ohio
This list is expected to grow as all states are impacted by the federal order.
Are Benefits Permanently Cut Off or Delayed?
The USDA and state agencies have clarified that this is a suspension, not a permanent cancellation of the program.
Recipients will not lose their eligibility. Once the government shutdown ends and a budget is passed, the missed November benefits are expected to be paid retroactively.
There is no timeline for when these payments will be restored.
October 2026 Benefits Are Safe
All SNAP benefits for October 2026 have already been funded and distributed. Recipients can continue to use any remaining balance on their EBT cards. These benefits do not expire and will roll over.
What Recipients Should Do Now
Individuals and families who rely on SNAP should take immediate steps.
Check Your EBT Card Balance
Use any remaining October benefits. You can check your EBT card balance on your state’s SNAP portal, through the ConnectEBT website or app, or by calling the number on the back of your card.
Continue to Apply or Recertify
State SNAP offices will remain open to process new applications and recertifications. You must continue to submit all required documents and complete interviews.
This ensures that once funding is restored, your case is active and you can receive benefits, including any retroactive payments, as quickly as possible.
Seek Local Food Assistance
Local food banks, pantries, and churches are the primary resource for immediate food assistance.
- FindHelp: Locates food banks, housing aid, and other services.
- 211: Call 211 or visit 211.org to be connected with local resources.
- USDA National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY (1-866-348-6479) or text “FOOD” to 914-342-7744.
What About the SNAP Contingency Fund?
The SNAP program maintains a contingency fund of approximately $5 billion to $6 billion. Advocacy groups have urged the Administration to use this reserve.
This fund, however, is not enough to cover the program’s full monthly cost. It would only cover about 60% of one month’s benefits.
As of October 26, 2026, the Administration has not committed to using this fund.
WIC Program Also at Risk
The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is also affected. WIC provides food and nutritional support for pregnant women, new mothers, and young children.
This program is also federally funded. Some states have warned they will run out of WIC funding in early November. WIC recipients should contact their local WIC office for updates.
