SNAP benefits shut off Nov. 1 amid shutdown: what it means for EBT, USDA guidance, Walmart rumors, and where to find food banks near you

With the federal shutdown still unresolved, SNAP benefits (“food stamps”) will not be issued on Friday, November 1, 2025. USDA has told states that November allotments are suspended until funding resumes. This is unprecedented in SNAP’s 60-year history and affects more than 40 million people. States and advocacy groups moved in the last 24 hours to challenge the halt, while food banks prepare for a surge heading into the weekend.

What “SNAP benefits shut down” means on Nov. 1

• No new November deposit. If you’re eligible, your November SNAP won’t load until the shutdown ends.

• EBT cards still work for any remaining balance already on the card.

• Retailers remain open. Stores—including big-box and local grocers—continue accepting EBT; payment rails are operational.

• Recertifications/applications continue. You can file paperwork, but issuance is paused until federal funds restart.

State-by-state: Virginia, Pennsylvania, and others

• Virginia: State officials declared an emergency and posted FAQs warning residents that November issuance is suspended; households may still spend any existing EBT funds.

• Pennsylvania: State notices say benefits stopped in mid-October pending federal funding and will not be paid Nov. 1.

• Multiple states have joined legal action seeking a court order to force November payments; hearings are being expedited.

Expect uneven messaging by state. Your case status, recertification date, and any previously loaded funds will determine what you can spend this week.

Fact check: “Walmart closing November 1” and similar claims

A viral rumor says Walmart will close stores or lock doors on Nov. 1 because of SNAP. That’s false. Major retailers have not announced mass closures tied to SNAP. Stores remain open; what changes is household purchasing power if EBT balances hit zero.

“Food banks near me”: how to get help quickly

• Call 211 or your local social services line for the nearest food pantry/food bank and hours.

• Check county or city websites for emergency distribution pop-ups announced this week.

• Ask schools about free/reduced-price meals (separate funding streams may keep them running).

• WIC participants should check their app or clinic; some states are issuing separate updates for WIC.

Tip: Bring a reusable bag, ID if required by local rules, and arrive early—lines will likely be longer than usual.

USDA, Congress, and the politics

USDA’s public notice states the agency will not use contingency reserves for November SNAP during the shutdown. Two dozen+ states and the District of Columbia have sued to compel issuance, arguing federal law requires serving all eligible households. On Capitol Hill, prominent senators, including Elizabeth Warren, blasted the decision and urged immediate action. The Senate again failed to advance a reopening measure Tuesday, pushing the fight into the final hours before the Nov. 1 lapse.

What EBT users and retailers should do today

For households

1. Check your balance via your state portal or card hotline.

2. Stretch remaining funds for two weeks if possible; prioritize staples (rice, beans, pasta, canned proteins, eggs, frozen veg).

3. Recertify on time. File documents now so your case restarts automatically when funds return.

4. Ask about expedited SNAP. If you have little/no income or very low resources, apply now to be in the first queue when issuance resumes.

5. Save receipts. Helpful for local relief applications or reimbursement programs if announced.

For retailers

• Expect higher declines at checkout as balances reach $0.

• Rebalance inventory toward staples and lower-cost proteins.

• Coordinate with food banks on donations of short-dated goods.

Health, equity, and the stakes for November

Roughly $8–$9 billion typically lands on EBT cards each month. Missing a cycle hits families by the first weekend and strains small grocers, especially in rural and low-income neighborhoods. Clinicians warn of spikes in diet-sensitive conditions (diabetes, hypertension) when budgets collapse. Food banks report rising demand even before the cutoff.

Key dates and what could change

• Now–Oct. 31: States continue notices; courts weigh emergency motions.

• Nov. 1: No November SNAP loads. Existing balances remain usable.

• After a funding deal or court order: States will resume issuance, often in staggered batches to avoid system overload. Back benefits for November are typically paid, timing TBD.

Quick answers to common searches

What is SNAP? The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, monthly benefits on an EBT card for eligible low-income households to buy food.
Is SNAP cut off? Yes for November issuance while the shutdown continues; previously loaded funds still spend.
USDA website—what does it say? The topline message this week: no Nov. 1 benefits; reserves won’t be used absent new funding or legal direction.
SNAP benefits shutdown—how long? Depends on Congress and any court rulings; agencies are preparing to restart quickly once authorized.
Food stamps cut off in VA or PA? Yes, November issuance is paused; check your state portal for local instructions.
EBT shut down? No. Processing works for any existing balance.
WMUR / NPR news updates? Local and national outlets are updating throughout the day; details may evolve with court actions and negotiations.

For November 1, SNAP benefits are halted, but EBT cards still work if you have a remaining balance. Food banks near you are ramping up service; states are in court seeking a restart; and Congress remains the fastest path to restore payments. Keep your paperwork current, line up community resources, and watch for rapid changes if a deal—or a judge—turns the spigot back on.