Millions of Americans relying on food assistance may still have to wait to see their SNAP benefits show up on their EBT cards, even after two federal judges ordered the government to keep the program running. The rulings, issued just before the shutdown deadline, temporarily saved the program from being paused, but they didn’t guarantee an immediate fix.
The back-and-forth between the courts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and the Trump administration has left states scrambling. Let’s look at what’s caused the uncertainty and what the latest rulings mean.
Judges rule to keep SNAP running
On October 31, two federal judges stepped in just hours before the shutdown deadline to require the federal government to continue funding SNAP, which supports about one in eight Americans. The decision came after a month of confusion that began when the government shut down on October 1. Initially, the USDA said it would use emergency funds to keep food aid flowing, but later announced those funds had run out.
A judge in Rhode Island later ordered that a $5 billion contingency fund be used to keep the program running, even though that amount falls short of the roughly $8 billion needed each month. Meanwhile, several Democratic governors and state attorneys general argued that another $23 billion fund should also be tapped to maintain full payments. The courts gave flexibility on how to proceed, leaving the final decision up in the air.
Both judges gave the administration until Monday to outline its plan. That means, for now, families who depend on SNAP are waiting to see how and when the money will reach their cards.
More on SNAP payment delays
Even though the courts ruled to keep SNAP funded, it doesn’t mean benefits will appear right away. U.S. District Judge John McConnell ordered the USDA to distribute funds “timely or as soon as possible”, but the system isn’t built for overnight changes. Reloading EBT cards can take one to two weeks once funding is approved, according to the Associated Press.
Each state manages its own SNAP schedule. Some, like Arizona, issue benefits gradually throughout the month based on recipients’ last names, while others, such as Connecticut, distribute all benefits within the first few days. That means delays won’t hit everyone equally. For many, even a short gap could make it difficult to buy groceries, especially if their balance has already run out.
The USDA hasn’t confirmed whether states will stick to their usual distribution timelines or adjust them once the funds are released. Sticking to normal schedules could deplete the limited contingency fund before everyone is paid, while changing the process could slow things down further.
If the administration only uses the smaller $5 billion fund, the USDA warned that partial payments might be the only option—a move the agency says has never been attempted. Recalculating reduced benefits for each household would take weeks and require complicated system changes across every state.
The administration’s next move will determine whether families receive their November benefits in full, partially, or late. For now, the message is to expect delays, stay informed through your state’s SNAP office, and check your EBT balance regularly. The courts may have kept the program alive, but when the funds will actually reach families is still uncertain.