If you’re following closely, you may be aware that federal judges have ordered that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) be fully funded, and that the government has filed for an emergency pause of that order. While those in power go back and forth, families are left wondering what to expect on an individual level.
Unfortunately, the answer remains inconsistent at this point. Some SNAP recipients have already received partial benefits for November, and others still wonder what they can expect.
Here is the best information available to date.
Some States Will Fully Fund Benefits (And They May Be On Time)
SNAP is federally funded but managed at the state level. That means states have some leeway on exactly how they handle distribution.
While states await federal funding, some may draw on their own emergency funds to ensure families are fed immediately. In Oregon, for example, although benefits are typically distributed over the first 9 days of the month, at this point every recipient should already have their full November benefits, even those who would normally receive them on the 8th or 9th, according to OBP.
“As of this morning, Oregon families are beginning to access their full November SNAP benefits restored on their Oregon Trail Cards,” [Governor Tina] Kotek said in a statement Friday morning. “This means all Oregonians receiving SNAP will have their full monthly benefit available now, regardless of their usual payment schedule.”
Because systems can be imperfect, recipients are still advised to check their card balance before heading to a store.
Other states are working on meeting the same standard. In Maryland, The Banner reports that full benefits for the month should be available by the 11th.
Other States Will Provide Partial Benefits
The FDA has directed states to plan to distribute only half the usual benefit amount for November. While some states are filling in the shortfall with their own emergency funds, others will follow this standard.
North Carolina, my own home state, has promised that SNAP families would receive partial benefits. On November 4th, this was promised “by next week,” and as of the 7th, I’m seeing some families report receiving half of their benefits. Others say they have not yet received their benefits. Others may not receive exactly half of the typical allotment, the state’s Department of Health & Human Services warns.
“The USDA has directed NCDHHS and other states to issue November 2025 benefits at a 50% reduction of maximum allotments. For example, in 2025, the maximum allotment for a household of four is $994 per month. Under the 50% reduction requirement, the new maximum allotment is $497. This does not mean households will get exactly half of what they usually receive as the actual amount also depends on each household’s income.”
Michigan, too, will provide approximately half benefits, starting on Saturday, November 8th, and continuing on the regular schedule.
“SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the month will receive their partial SNAP allotment Saturday, Nov. 8. All other SNAP recipients will receive partial benefits on their normally scheduled date.”
Some States Are Issuing Nothing Until The Federal Government Comes Through
Georgia’s Department of Human Services has issued a notice that no SNAP benefits will be provided until the Federal government provides the funds, unless the state is ordered to do so.
Pennsylvania has released a similar statement.
In states where SNAP is not being issued at all, families are urged to continue submitting any required documentation or applications and otherwise keep up with their cases, since things could change at any moment.
What Should Families Everywhere Be Doing?
If you are a SNAP recipient and haven’t received benefits yet, keep checking your balance. If your state has started issuing benefits but you haven’t received yours on time, contact your caseworker. System glitches happen even in regular times and may be more common under these unusual circumstances.
If you’re not sure what your state is doing, you can get updated information on the website of the department that distributes SNAP benefits. In most states, it’s the Department of Health & Human Services or the Department of Human Services. In some, it falls under the Department of Social Services or the Department of Children & Families.
In many states, the app or website you use to track your benefits may also have a posted notice explaining the current status.
If you are receiving only partial benefits, delayed benefits, or no benefits at all, don’t feel ashamed to utilize other safety nets. Check out your local food banks and blessing boxes. Pay attention to local restaurants and churches that may be offering extra help.
Earlier this week, for instance, in the town where I grew up, one restaurant prepared pans of baked ziti and handed them out to anyone who requested one, no questions asked. I see similar stories popping up all over the nation, so keep an eye out for options like this near you.
If your state is not issuing benefits, consider contacting your representatives and letting them know your feelings about the decision.
As always, if you’re in a position to help, contact your local food bank or another organization and ask what they need!