SNAP benefits in November 2025: what the new court orders mean, who got paid today, and how timing may vary by state

Two late-Friday federal court orders directed the government to keep SNAP benefits flowing during the shutdown, overturning earlier notices that warned of a November 1 halt. As of today (Saturday, Nov. 1), many states have begun restarting or re-sequencing their November issuances using contingency funds. That means most households will receive SNAP in November, though the exact posting time on your EBT card can differ from your usual schedule.

Fast answers to the top questions

Did SNAP get funded?
Yes—for now. Judges ordered the administration to use contingency reserves (and other legally available funds) to issue November SNAP. Agencies are executing under those orders while the shutdown continues.

Did people get food stamps today?
In several states, yes—some deposits posted overnight or this morning. Others are queued for later today or early this week as payment files are rebuilt. If your balance is still $0, it may simply be a timing issue.

Will SNAP benefits be available in November?
Yes. Expect benefits, but not always on your regular day or in a single load. Some households will see split deposits (part now, part within a few days).

Did SNAP benefits stop?
No. Earlier suspension plans were blocked by the courts. Operational hiccups (delays, partial loads, portal messages lagging behind) are still possible.

What to do if your EBT card didn’t load

1. Recheck later the same day. Many states post in evening or overnight batches.

2. Use official tools first. State EBT app/portal or the phone number on your card shows the latest status.

3. Watch for split payments. You may see an initial amount today and the remainder within 24–72 hours.

4. If still $0 after a full day past your posted window, call your local SNAP office or EBT customer service and note any error messages.

Payment timing by region (examples you asked about)

• CalFresh (California): Rolling issuances remain in effect; expect normal date windows with potential same-day or next-day delays as files are re-run.

• Pennsylvania (PA): Standard staggering is in place, but some cases will load later than their usual day as the state reprocesses its batches.

• Other states: Most are sticking to their 1st–20th windows, adjusting inside those windows rather than wholesale changes.

(If you tell me your state, I’ll summarize the latest posted guidance for your specific schedule.)

Amounts for November (COLA already applied)

The FY 2026 cost-of-living adjustment that began Oct. 1 is already baked into November SNAP.

• Max allotment for a family of four (48 states + D.C.): $994

• Alaska: $1,285–$1,995 (by area)

• Hawaii: $1,689 | Guam: $1,465 | U.S. Virgin Islands: $1,278

• Minimum benefit (48 states + D.C.): $24

Your deposit may differ based on income, deductions, and household size.

What is SNAP? What does SNAP stand for?

SNAP = Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It helps eligible low-income households buy food using an EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card. Benefits are calculated monthly and distributed on state-specific schedules.

“SNAP benefits Donald Trump” and the shutdown backdrop

Because the federal government remains shut down, normal appropriations aren’t flowing. The Friday rulings require the administration to fund November SNAP from reserve accounts now, then report back on whether benefits will be fully or partially covered by those funds. Further hearings early next week will clarify the December outlook; for November, the instruction is clear: do not suspend benefits.

Common rumors—what’s true, what’s not

• “Food stamps cut off.” False for November. Payments are continuing under court order, though some will be delayed or split.

• “EBT shut down nationwide.” False. Some state portals still show outdated alerts; check again after nightly processing.

• “Walmart is closing on Nov. 1 because of SNAP.” False. Individual store hours may vary, but there is no systemwide closure tied to SNAP.

If you rely on SNAP today

• Plan for timing noise. If you shop this afternoon and funds aren’t there yet, try again this evening or tomorrow morning.

• Keep receipts and screenshots if your case shows unusual errors; they help if you need a manual fix.

• Short-term help: Local food banks and community partners are expanding distributions this weekend; availability varies by county.

What could change next

• Appeals or compliance updates may adjust agency timelines, but payments already transmitted should stick.

• The big unknown is December funding if the shutdown persists. Expect clearer guidance after early-week court check-ins.

Quick checklist

• Yes, SNAP is being issued in November under court orders.

• Watch for delays or split loads as states re-sequence files.

• COLA is active (amounts above).

• Use your state EBT tools and recheck after nightly batches.

• Ask here with your state if you want the latest schedule note for your location.