Shutdown could halt SNAP benefits for millions, states say

"The letter directed states not to start the process of distributing benefits to SNAP recipients' electronic benefit transfer, or EBT, cards for November "until further notice," Axios' Andrew Solender reported. On Saturday, West Virginia's Department of Human Services said in a statement it was 'very likely' the shutdown would delay November benefits if Congress did not find a way to reopen the government 'in the coming days.'"

"On Saturday, West Virginia's Department of Human Services said in a statement it was 'very likely' the shutdown would delay November benefits if Congress did not find a way to reopen the government 'in the coming days.' 'We're going to run out of money in two weeks,' Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told reporters last week. 'So you're talking about millions and millions of vulnerable families, of hungry families that are not going to have access to these programs because of this shutdown.'"

Pennsylvania's Department of Human Services warned that November 2025 SNAP benefits cannot be paid because Congress failed to pass a federal budget and a federal government shutdown occurred. The state said SNAP benefits approved on or after Oct. 16 will not be distributed until the shutdown ends and federal funds are released. Residents in need of immediate food assistance were urged to call 211 or seek community resources. A federal letter told states there would be insufficient funds to pay full November benefits for about 42 million people and directed states to hold EBT distributions until further notice. Several other states signaled likely or potential delays if the shutdown continues.

Read at Axios