A major milestone in the government shutdown is just around the corner
The ongoing government shutdown could disrupt paychecks, Head Start programs, and health benefits by November.
The 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will no longer receive benefits starting November 1 as the government shutdown continues, according to a new message from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
SNAP, also known as food stamps, is a federal program that provides monthly stipends to low-income families to provide healthy meals.
The Department of Agriculture, which oversees the program, has warned in recent weeks that November’s SNAP funds could be at risk if the shutdown continues. But in a prominent new message on its website dated Oct. 27, the USDA said no benefits would be issued on Nov. 1.
Parts of the government effectively ceased operations on Oct. 1 after lawmakers could not agree on funding for fiscal year 2026.
Health care policy remains a key sticking point in the government shutdown for Democrats seeking to undo Republican cuts to the Affordable Care Act and Medicaid. Republicans say the issue can be discussed after the government shutdown ends.
Will SNAP benefits be issued in November?
In a new message on its website, the USDA confirmed that SNAP benefits will no longer be issued after November 1st.
“The bottom line is that the well is dry. At this time, there are no benefits to be issued on November 1st,” the message reads in part.
The message echoes similar comments from Republican lawmakers and officials from President Donald Trump’s administration, pointing the blame for the government shutdown at Democratic lawmakers. USDA is led by Brooke Rollins, an appointee of President Trump.
“We are nearing a tipping point for Senate Democrats,” the message reads. “We can continue to provide medical care and sexual mutilation for undocumented immigrants, or we can reopen our government to ensure mothers, babies, and the most vulnerable among us receive critical nutritional support.”
SNAP funds are allocated monthly, so October benefits were distributed as usual despite the government shutdown.
USDA says SNAP reserve funds are unavailable
According to USDA’s Shutdown Contingency Plan, the USDA has contingency funds available for direct payment of benefits to participants. The plan was published in September but has since been removed from USDA’s website.
But in a letter shared with USA TODAY, the USDA said the reserve funds can only be used “to supplement regular monthly benefits in cases where benefits have been earmarked but are insufficient to cover benefits.”
“Because there is no longer an appropriation for regular benefits, reserve funds are not available to support regular benefits in fiscal year 2026,” the letter reads.
The letter also said states cannot pay SNAP payments and receive refunds even if they intend to do so.
“The best way for SNAP to continue is for the shutdown to end,” the letter says.
USDA warned of funding lapses in early October
The USDA’s new statement provides final answers regarding November’s SNAP benefits, but the USDA had already warned about the expiration of funds.
In an Oct. 10 letter to state officials, the USDA said that if the government shutdown continues, “funds will not be available to fully pay SNAP benefits for November.”
Typically, states send data about eligible households’ SNAP benefits to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendors each month.
But in a letter signed by SNAP Development Director Sasha Gersten Pearl, the USDA directed states to pause sending that information “until further notice.”
Then, in an Oct. 22 statement to USA TODAY, the USDA said it was nearing a “tipping point” for SNAP and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
What can SNAP recipients do for assistance in November?
People who normally rely on SNAP benefits will be able to turn to food banks and other subsidized meal programs in response to the funding shortfall. To find your local food bank, enter your zip code on the Feeding America website.
SNAP relies on cooperation between state government agencies that oversee benefits and the federal government that funds benefits. Therefore, SNAP recipients should check with their respective state agencies to find other food assistance for November.
Additionally, benefits are issued monthly through EBT cards but do not expire throughout the calendar year, so recipients with money left on their EBT cards can still use it into November, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services.
Melina Khan is USA TODAY’s national trends reporter. Contact her at melina.khan@usatoday.com.
This story has been updated with additional information.
