Millions of Americans relying on food assistance will see smaller payments this month, but more than initially expected. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has confirmed that November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will cover up to 65% of normal amounts, as the ongoing government shutdown continues to block full funding.
The USDA says it is using emergency contingency funds to keep the program running, following multiple court orders requiring the agency to provide at least partial payments. Here’s what’s been confirmed about how much families can expect and when the money will arrive.
How much SNAP benefits will be in November
The USDA has officially set new benefit limits for November 2025, reducing maximum payments by about 35%. That means households will receive roughly two-thirds of their usual monthly food assistance until full federal funding resumes.
For a single person in the 48 contiguous states, the new maximum is about $193, down from $292. A household of four, which normally receives up to $975 a month, will now get around $646. These reductions vary slightly by state, with higher cost-of-living adjustments for residents in places like Alaska, Hawaii, and Guam.
SNAP allotments represent the highest possible benefit for households with no countable income. Most participants receive less, since their benefits are adjusted based on earnings. The USDA says these new limits will remain in effect until Congress either passes a funding bill or the government reopens.
This update comes after weeks of confusion and legal back-and-forth. In October, federal officials warned that payments might stop altogether, arguing that contingency funds should only be used in disasters. But after lawsuits filed in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, judges ruled that the USDA must release those funds to prevent millions from losing access to food assistance.
A Rhode Island court later ordered the administration to find the money needed to fund November’s benefits fully, but the White House has appealed that ruling. For now, the USDA is only authorized to provide 65% of full payments while it awaits further legal direction.
When will SNAP payments arrive
Even under normal circumstances, SNAP benefits are issued at different times depending on the state. Because the program is federally funded but locally administered, delivery schedules vary widely. The USDA has not released a specific timetable for November payments, and delays are possible as states work to recalculate benefit amounts under the updated guidance.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Tuesday that “recipients of the SNAP benefits need to understand it’s going to take some time to receive this money“. States are coordinating with federal agencies to ensure payments are distributed as soon as systems are updated.
Officials have not said how long the contingency funds will last if the shutdown continues. The USDA has already confirmed that all remaining reserves are being used to cover this month’s reduced benefits, and there’s no guarantee that additional funding will be available in December without congressional action.
For now, SNAP recipients should expect smaller payments and possible delays. The USDA says it is doing everything possible to keep the program operating during the shutdown, but full benefits won’t resume until the government’s funding stalemate ends.