The government is shut down as of Oct. 1, 2025. November SNAP benefits are likely delayed, and November WIC benefits may be at risk of delay. Missed deposits will arrive after the government reopens.
A government shutdown can raise many questions, especially if you rely on government benefits like SNAP, TANF, or WIC.
It's important to know that SNAP is funded in advance, so government shutdowns don't mean SNAP benefits stop immediately, although a long shutdown could affect future payments. The current government shutdown won't affect your October food stamps or WIC benefits, but November benefits may be at risk because of the shutdown.
Here’s what you need to know to stay informed and prepared.
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What is a government shutdown, and what does it mean?#what-is-a-government-shutdown-and-what-does-it-mean
A government shutdown happens when Congress doesn’t pass new funding legislation by a certain deadline.
This results in a temporary pause in many government operations. Some programs stop completely, while other essential services—like monitoring the power grid—continue with fewer workers.
How does a government shutdown affect SNAP?#how-does-a-government-shutdown-affect-snap
October 2025 SNAP benefits will arrive as scheduled—the shutdown did not affect this month's payments. Because the shutdown is still going, November benefits will likely be deposited late. If your benefits are delayed, you'll receive that deposit once the shutdown ends and government funding is available.
Will November SNAP payments be affected by the shutdown?#will-november-snap-payments-be-affected-by-the-shutdown
The ongoing government shutdown may mean your November SNAP benefits won’t arrive as scheduled.
As of October 24, 2025, many states have said that November benefits are at risk if the shutdown continues, including California, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, and Texas—although November delays would likely affect SNAP users in every state, even the states that haven't made any official statements.
Will there be back pay for missed November SNAP payments?#will-there-be-back-pay-for-missed-november-snap-payments
Yes. If your November benefits are delayed, you'll receive that money back once the shutdown ends and funding is available. In the past, missed payments have typically been issued later as back pay—and that's what will happen this time too.
Can I use my EBT card during a government shutdown?#can-i-use-my-ebt-card-during-a-government-shutdown
Yes, you can keep using your EBT card to buy food during the government shutdown. If you have any remaining balance from previous deposits, you can spend it in November. But if your EBT card is lost or stolen during a shutdown, it may take longer to get a replacement card.
Official state sources on November benefits#official-state-sources-on-november-benefits
Check your state SNAP website for updated information about November deposits. While November delays would likely affect SNAP users in every state, most states have already announced that November benefits are delayed:
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
How will the government shutdown affect other benefits programs?#how-will-the-government-shutdown-affect-other-benefits-programs
Millions of Americans rely on benefits programs like TANF, WIC, and Medicaid in addition to SNAP. Here's how those might be affected by an ongoing shutdown:
| Benefits program | Will November benefits be affected? |
|---|---|
| TANF | At risk if the shutdown continues |
| WIC | At risk if the shutdown continues |
| Medicaid | No impact expected |
| Medicare | No impact expected (and open enrollment will still happen) |
| Social Security (including SSI) | No impact expected |
How does a government shutdown affect WIC?#how-does-a-government-shutdown-affect-wic
Your WIC benefits can be used as normal in October. But a prolonged shutdown may result in some disruptions to future months' benefits (WIC is funded differently from SNAP). Visit your state’s WIC website for updates—your state should let you know if there will be any interruptions or changes to your WIC benefits.
How does a government shutdown affect TANF and Social Security?#how-does-a-government-shutdown-affect-tanf-and-social-security
November TANF payments (also called cash EBT) may be impacted by the ongoing shutdown.
But Social Security payments, including SSI, are not expected to be impacted by a shutdown—you should continue to receive your Social Security benefits like usual. However, Social Security offices will operate with reduced services and staff, which could mean longer wait times if you need in-person help.
How does a government shutdown affect Medicare and Medicaid?#how-does-a-government-shutdown-affect-medicare-and-medicaid
Medicare and Medicaid will remain fully funded through a government shutdown, and the Medicare open enrollment period (Oct. 15 - Dec. 7) will be unaffected.
But about half of CMS staff may be furloughed in a shutdown, which could mean longer wait times to speak with a CMS representative.
While essential benefits like SNAP are funded in advance, some government services may operate more slowly during a shutdown, since fewer people are working. For example, replacing a lost EBT card or verifying benefits might take longer.
Sources#sources
Will SNAP, WIC benefits continue during a partial government shutdown?
