Government shutdown ends: What you need to know about SNAP and other benefits

A government shutdown can raise many questions, especially if you rely on government benefits like SNAP, TANF, or WIC.

It's important to know that SNAP is typically funded in advance, so government shutdowns don't mean SNAP benefits stop immediately. The government shutdown that began on Oct. 1, 2025 and lasted through November 12, 2025 was the longest in U.S. history, and led to delays to SNAP payments for millions of Americans.

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What is a government shutdown, and what does it mean?#what-is-a-government-shutdown-and-what-does-it-mean

A government shutdown happens when Congress doesn’t pass new funding legislation by a certain deadline.

This results in a temporary pause in many government operations. Some programs stop completely, while other essential services—like issuing Social Security payments—continue with fewer workers.

Are November SNAP payments going out now that the shutdown is over?#are-november-snap-payments-going-out-now-that-the-shutdown-is-over

Yes, the end of the government shutdown on Nov. 12, 2025, means that SNAP payments should resume, but there may still be some delays as states work to figure out how to resolve the confusion caused by the prolonged shutdown.

• If you received a partial SNAP payment in November, you should get the remainder of the payment, either later in November or with your December deposit.
• If you didn’t receive any of your SNAP benefits before the shutdown ended in November, you should receive a November payment—either in multiple payments or as one full payment.

Some states had announced their own emergency payment programs to provide benefits to some or all SNAP recipients.

That money should be separate from your SNAP benefits and shouldn’t affect your ability to get your full November payment.

Can I use my EBT card like normal?#can-i-use-my-ebt-card-like-normal

Yes, you can keep using your EBT card to buy food as long as there’s money on it. If you have any remaining balance from previous deposits, you can spend it in November, even if you haven’t received any new payments in November yet.

Did the government shutdown affect WIC?#did-the-government-shutdown-affect-wic

A prolonged shutdown can result in disruptions to WIC benefits (WIC is funded differently from SNAP), but the Trump administration announced on Nov. 3 that full November WIC benefits would go out to states. WIC recipients should expect their November benefits as usual.

Visit your state’s WIC website for updates—your state should let you know if there will be any interruptions or changes to your WIC benefits.

How did the government shutdown affect TANF and Social Security?#how-did-the-government-shutdown-affect-tanf-and-social-security

November TANF payments (also called cash EBT) may have been impacted by the extended shutdown. Visit your state’s TANF website for updates.

But Social Security payments, including SSI, are not expected to be impacted by the shutdown—you should continue to receive your Social Security benefits like usual.

However, Social Security offices operated with reduced services and staff during the shutdown, which probably meant longer wait times if you needed in-person help.

How did the government shutdown affect Medicare and Medicaid?#how-did-the-government-shutdown-affect-medicare-and-medicaid

Medicare and Medicaid remained fully funded through the government shutdown, and the Medicare open enrollment period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7) is unaffected.

But about half of CMS staff may have been furloughed during the shutdown, which probably meant longer wait times to speak with a CMS representative.

Other government services that operated more slowly during the shutdown, like replacing a lost EBT card or verifying benefits, should return to normal with the end of the shutdown.