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: Yes, you should receive a full benefit amount for November but it may be delayed.
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: On Thursday, Nov. 6, a federal court ordered the government to restore full November SNAP benefits.
Late Friday night, Nov. 7, the United States Supreme Court paused that ruling, leaving the timeline for benefits unclear, but you should prepare for delays (if you received your full or partial November deposit before then, it should not be affected).
Check the Propel app or your state SNAP website for updates as more information becomes available.
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: Yes, you should eventually receive your full November SNAP payment, even if you initially received a partial payment for November.
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. It's not clear when 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: Yes. You can keep using your EBT card to buy food, even if your deposit is late. If you have any remaining funds on your card, you can still spend those.
Q: Why is this happening?#q-why-is-this-happening
A: SNAP is federally funded. When the government shuts down, regular federal funds for SNAP aren't available. Federal judges have now ruled that the USDA must use emergency funds to pay November benefits, but there are delays as the government works out how to process these payments.
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, and most states do not have enough funding to pay for everyone's benefits.
A few states have announced they will distribute emergency funds to help during the November delay. Check if your state has announced emergency assistance.
- Arizona
- Delaware
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Louisiana
- New Mexico
- Ohio
- Rhode Island
- Virginia
- Vermont
- U.S. Virgin Islands
- Washington, D.C.
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.
