Government shutdown FAQs: Answers to your questions about SNAP during the shutdown
The ongoing 2025 government shutdown has raised a lot of questions and concerns for the many Americans who rely on SNAP to help feed their families.
An October 2025 Propel survey of more than 2,500 users found that 72% of respondents are “extremely stressed” about their ability to afford food if November deposits are delayed or canceled because of the shutdown, and 44% said they would skip meals if they don’t receive their November SNAP benefits.
To help cut through some of the confusion and worry, let’s break down answers to some of SNAP recipients’ most common questions about how the government shutdown will affect food stamps.
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Q: Will I get my November SNAP benefits?#q-will-i-get-my-november-snap-benefits
A: It's not clear yet. The government shutdown means November SNAP benefits are at risk and may not be issued. Whether you'll receive them at all, receive them late, or if your state will find another solution depends on when the government reopens and what your state decides to do.
Q: When will the government reopen?#q-when-will-the-government-reopen
A: It’s not clear yet—the shutdown can only end when the government passes new funding, and there’s no set timeline for that.
Q: When will I know if I'm getting my November SNAP benefits?#q-when-will-i-know-if-im-getting-my-november-snap-benefits
A: It depends on your deposit date and your state. If you have an early-November deposit date, you may find out sooner. If your deposit is later in the month, there's more time for the situation to change. Either way, it's smart to plan ahead as if you will not receive them.
Q: Will I ever get my November SNAP benefits, or are they gone forever?#q-will-i-ever-get-my-november-snap-benefits-or-are-they-gone-forever
A: It’s not clear. Some states have said benefits won't be issued if the shutdown continues. It’s not yet clear if that means they'll be issued late once the government reopens, if they'll never be issued, or if states will find alternative solutions.
Q: What should I do without my November SNAP deposit?#q-what-should-i-do-without-my-november-snap-deposit
A: Plan ahead if you can. We don't know when or if November benefits will be issued, so if you're able to stretch your October benefits or find other resources, like local food banks or ideas for saving money on groceries, that may help
Q: Can I still use my EBT card even if November SNAP deposits are canceled?#q-can-i-still-use-my-ebt-card-even-if-november-snap-deposits-are-canceled
A: In the past, SNAP users have been able to keep spending any remaining funds on their EBT cards even during a shutdown. If you have any remaining October funds on your EBT card in November, you'll likely still be able to use your card even if November payments don't arrive.
Q: Why is this happening?#q-why-is-this-happening
A: SNAP is federally funded. When the government shuts down, federal funds for SNAP aren't available to be distributed to people's accounts. That's why November benefits may be at risk in every state.
Q: Can my state still send SNAP deposits even if the federal government is shut down?#q-can-my-state-still-send-snap-deposits-even-if-the-federal-government-is-shut-down
A: SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded. States could step up and temporarily replace SNAP funds, but most states don't have the budget to replace that funding. Some states have said this explicitly in their announcements.
Q: Is the shutdown affecting other benefits too, like SSI?#q-is-the-shutdown-affecting-other-benefits-too-like-ssi
A: It's possible that some other benefits programs will be affected, but SSI isn't one of them. Benefits like TANF (cash assistance) may or may not be affected depending on your state. Social Security payments (including SSI) continue to be unaffected. Check with your state agency for information about specific benefits.
Q: Can I still apply for SNAP during the shutdown?#q-can-i-still-apply-for-snap-during-the-shutdown
A: Yes, you should definitely still apply for SNAP even if November benefits are delayed or canceled. Some states have suspended application processing during the shutdown.
But your SNAP case will be considered from the date when you first apply, so applying sooner is better for you, even if it takes time for your application to be approved—typically, applicants get prorated benefits dating back to their application date, which is why it's better to apply as soon as possible.
Check your state website or contact your local office to begin your application.
