SNAP recipients get a bigger boost than expected in November as the government shutdown continues
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If you or someone close to you depends on SNAP benefits to help put food on the table, the past few weeks have likely felt uncertain.
With the federal government shutdown stretching into its 36th day—the longest in US history—millions of families have been waiting anxiously to see what happens next.
But there’s finally a glimmer of relief. SNAP payments are getting an unexpected increase, and the boost is larger than anyone expected just days ago.
The ongoing shutdown began when lawmakers in Washington failed to reach an agreement on a new funding bill. At the heart of the debate are disagreements over healthcare tax credits and Medicaid cuts, with both sides refusing to back down.
As negotiations dragged on, millions of Americans who rely on programs like SNAP were left wondering how they would manage without their monthly aid. Then, the situation escalated when the USDA warned that SNAP payments could soon come to a complete halt.
SNAP currently supports about 42 million Americans, including families, children, and many older adults. The possibility of benefits being paused sparked widespread concern, especially for those already struggling with grocery costs.
Fortunately, federal courts in Rhode Island and Boston intervened, ordering that SNAP operations continue using emergency contingency funds.
At first, this meant that only half of the usual benefit amount would be distributed in November—but that has now changed.
In a memo sent to state SNAP agencies, USDA Deputy Under Secretary Patrick Penn announced that the benefit amount has been revised upward. Instead of 50%, recipients will now get 65% of their usual maximum benefit for November.
For a family of four, that means a jump from $497 to $646 this month. That’s a significant difference, especially when every dollar counts.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. SNAP benefits for November will be 65% of the usual maximum amount. For most households, this means a little more breathing room at the grocery store.
2. This increase is temporary. Once the government reopens and regular funding is restored, benefits are expected to return to their full amounts.
3. Not everyone receives the maximum benefit. SNAP payments are adjusted based on your household income, so your actual benefit may be less than the maximum.
4. Payment timing may be delayed. The White House has stated that it may take some time for the funds to reach recipients, so please keep an eye on your account and be patient.
Also read: Millions set to receive up to $5,100 in Social Security this November—even after the shutdown
The increase from 50% to 65% comes after a whirlwind of legal decisions, political wrangling, and public outcry.
President Trump even suggested he might defy the court order and halt payments entirely, but the administration ultimately confirmed that partial benefits would be paid.
The USDA’s move to boost the payment percentage is a direct response to the court’s ruling and the urgent need to support Americans during this unprecedented shutdown.
Also read: Are your food benefits shrinking? What the new SNAP changes from the USDA mean for you
What you should do now:
1. Check your SNAP account regularly. Payments may be delayed, but they are coming. If you have questions, contact your local SNAP office or visit your state’s benefits website.
2. Plan your grocery shopping carefully. With benefits at 65% of the usual amount, you may need to prioritize essentials and look for ways to stretch your dollars further. Many local food banks and community organizations are also stepping up to help during the shutdown.
The current benefit reduction is temporary. Once Congress passes a funding bill and the government reopens, SNAP benefits should return to their full levels.
In the meantime, advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to prioritize food assistance and protect vulnerable Americans from further hardship.
Read next:
Are you a SNAP recipient? How are you coping with the changes? Do you have tips for making the most of your benefits, or questions about what’s next?
With the federal government shutdown stretching into its 36th day—the longest in US history—millions of families have been waiting anxiously to see what happens next.
But there’s finally a glimmer of relief. SNAP payments are getting an unexpected increase, and the boost is larger than anyone expected just days ago.
The ongoing shutdown began when lawmakers in Washington failed to reach an agreement on a new funding bill. At the heart of the debate are disagreements over healthcare tax credits and Medicaid cuts, with both sides refusing to back down.
As negotiations dragged on, millions of Americans who rely on programs like SNAP were left wondering how they would manage without their monthly aid. Then, the situation escalated when the USDA warned that SNAP payments could soon come to a complete halt.
SNAP currently supports about 42 million Americans, including families, children, and many older adults. The possibility of benefits being paused sparked widespread concern, especially for those already struggling with grocery costs.
Fortunately, federal courts in Rhode Island and Boston intervened, ordering that SNAP operations continue using emergency contingency funds.
At first, this meant that only half of the usual benefit amount would be distributed in November—but that has now changed.
In a memo sent to state SNAP agencies, USDA Deputy Under Secretary Patrick Penn announced that the benefit amount has been revised upward. Instead of 50%, recipients will now get 65% of their usual maximum benefit for November.
For a family of four, that means a jump from $497 to $646 this month. That’s a significant difference, especially when every dollar counts.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. SNAP benefits for November will be 65% of the usual maximum amount. For most households, this means a little more breathing room at the grocery store.
2. This increase is temporary. Once the government reopens and regular funding is restored, benefits are expected to return to their full amounts.
3. Not everyone receives the maximum benefit. SNAP payments are adjusted based on your household income, so your actual benefit may be less than the maximum.
4. Payment timing may be delayed. The White House has stated that it may take some time for the funds to reach recipients, so please keep an eye on your account and be patient.
Also read: Millions set to receive up to $5,100 in Social Security this November—even after the shutdown
The increase from 50% to 65% comes after a whirlwind of legal decisions, political wrangling, and public outcry.
President Trump even suggested he might defy the court order and halt payments entirely, but the administration ultimately confirmed that partial benefits would be paid.
The USDA’s move to boost the payment percentage is a direct response to the court’s ruling and the urgent need to support Americans during this unprecedented shutdown.
Also read: Are your food benefits shrinking? What the new SNAP changes from the USDA mean for you
What you should do now:
1. Check your SNAP account regularly. Payments may be delayed, but they are coming. If you have questions, contact your local SNAP office or visit your state’s benefits website.
2. Plan your grocery shopping carefully. With benefits at 65% of the usual amount, you may need to prioritize essentials and look for ways to stretch your dollars further. Many local food banks and community organizations are also stepping up to help during the shutdown.
The current benefit reduction is temporary. Once Congress passes a funding bill and the government reopens, SNAP benefits should return to their full levels.
In the meantime, advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to prioritize food assistance and protect vulnerable Americans from further hardship.
Read next:
- $21 million toward hunger relief: One city is giving away SNAP benefits this November. Are you eligible?
- Social Security’s 2.8% COLA for 2026 raises questions about how increases are calculated
- Flights in limbo: Major airports facing FAA cuts and cancellations that could disrupt millions of travelers
