Your Free Guide to the SNAP Benefits Changes
Your Free Guide to the SNAP Benefits Changes
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42 Million Americans May Go Without SNAP Benefits in November
October 31, 2025: A federal court has ordered the Trump Administration to use contingency funds to continue operating the SNAP program. Despite the ruling, states may still experience delays in distributing benefits, and the Administration is expected to appeal the decision.
Previously, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that no SNAP benefits wouldn’t be distributed for the month of November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
A major disruption is looming for millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to put food on the table. This marks one of the most significant interruptions to the country’s largest food-assistance program in recent memory—affecting more than 42 million people nationwide who depend on these benefits each month to afford groceries.
The Shutdown’s Ripple Effect on Food Assistance
SNAP is funded through the annual federal budget, which must be approved by Congress before agencies can operate and distribute funds. But since October 1, 2025, the government has been shut down following a stalemate in budget negotiations. With no spending bill in place, the USDA cannot release funds to states for November SNAP disbursements.
Ordinarily, states receive allocations each month from the federal government to load benefits onto Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards. However, without a formal budget for fiscal year 2026, the USDA has advised that it cannot legally reimburse states that attempt to issue benefits using their own funds. In other words, unless lawmakers reach an agreement or make a special exception, November’s benefits may not go out at all.
What This Means for SNAP Households
For the millions of families who count on SNAP to fill their pantries, this situation could quickly become dire. Households that received their October benefits can continue to use them as usual, but once those balances run out, there’s no guarantee of when more help will arrive.
The shutdown affects not only individuals receiving aid but also grocery stores, farmers markets, and retailers who rely on SNAP spending in their local economies. Many small grocers in low-income areas report that SNAP transactions make up a significant portion of their monthly sales.
Without these funds circulating, both families and communities face added strain—particularly with the Thanksgiving holiday right around the corner.
What You Can Do Now
While the federal funding freeze continues, there are still steps recipients can take to prepare and find support:
- Check your remaining EBT balance. Knowing exactly how much you have left can help you plan meals and stretch your dollars over the next few weeks. You can check your balance online, through your state’s mobile app, or by calling the number listed on the back of your EBT card.
- Shop and store wisely. If you still have available benefits, consider purchasing nonperishable, shelf-stable foods such as rice, beans, canned vegetables, pasta, and peanut butter. These items can help sustain your household longer in the absence of new benefits.
- Seek community food assistance. Many local organizations are stepping up to fill the gap. Food pantries, community meal programs, and food banks often expand their hours and stock during emergencies. Dial 2-1-1 to be connected with nearby programs or visit your state’s human services website for updated lists of available resources.
- Stay up to date on official announcements. Your state’s SNAP agency or the USDA website will share the latest news about funding status and any potential temporary relief programs. Social media accounts from your state’s Department of Human Services can also provide timely alerts.
- Submit or renew your SNAP applications as normal. Even though benefit payments are on hold, states are still processing applications. Completing your paperwork now ensures your case is ready to go when funding resumes.
- Revisit your household budget. If possible, tighten spending on nonessential items and look into other food support programs such as WIC, Meals on Wheels, or faith-based community services.
Facing Thanksgiving Without SNAP
The timing of this announcement could not be worse. With Thanksgiving approaching, millions of families are now facing the possibility of empty tables during one of the most celebrated meals of the year.
Thankfully, numerous national and local organizations are mobilizing to ensure families still have access to food during the holiday season:
- Feeding America: Through its network of food banks and meal sites, Feeding America offers free Thanksgiving dinners and grocery boxes. You can find local events using the organization’s Thanksgiving Meal Finder tool.
- AmpleHarvest.org: This nonprofit connects households with local food pantries and community gardens that distribute free produce and meal supplies. Visit ampleharvest.org to locate support near you.
- The Salvation Army: Many local chapters provide holiday meal programs, grocery vouchers, and food baskets for families in need. Availability varies by location, so contact your nearest branch for details.
- 211 United Way Hotline: Dialing 2-1-1 connects you with operators who can help you find food programs, free meal services, and emergency assistance in your community.
- Local faith and civic organizations: Churches, mosques, synagogues, and community centers across the country traditionally host free Thanksgiving dinners or distribute meal kits to families. These events are often listed on 211 or local food bank directories.
The Thrifty Food Plan, which is used to determine Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, is frequently reevaluated by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). This reevaluation is to determine if any changes are necessary to due cost of living changes.
The maximum SNAP payments have been increased for most states and territories for 2026 as a result of this reevaluation. It is expected that maximum benefits will likely continue to increase as the cost of living increases.
You can view the maximum SNAP benefits by household size below for 2026.
| SNAP Benefits by Household Size (48 States + D.C.) | |
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026) |
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
| Each additional person | $218 |
| SNAP Benefits by Household Size (Guam) | |
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026) |
| 1 | $439 |
| 2 | $806 |
| 3 | $1,157 |
| 4 | $1,465 |
| 5 | $1,743 |
| 6 | $2,095 |
| 7 | $2,315 |
| 8 | $2,637 |
| Each additional person | $322 |
| SNAP Benefits by Household Size (U.S. Virgin Islands) | |
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026) |
| 1 | $383 |
| 2 | $703 |
| 3 | $1,009 |
| 4 | $1,278 |
| 5 | $1,521 |
| 6 | $1,827 |
| 7 | $2,019 |
| 8 | $2,300 |
| Each additional person | $281 |
| SNAP Benefits by Household Size (Alaska) | |||
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026) | ||
| | Alaska Urban | Alaska Rural 1 | Alaska Rural 2 |
| 1 | $385 | $491 | $598 |
| 2 | $707 | $901 | $1,097 |
| 3 | $1,015 | $1,295 | $1,576 |
| 4 | $1,285 | $1,639 | $1,995 |
| 5 | $1,529 | $1,950 | $2,374 |
| 6 | $1,838 | $2,344 | $2,853 |
| 7 | $2,031 | $2,590 | $3,152 |
| 8 | $2,314 | $2,950 | $3,591 |
| Each additional person | $282 | $360 | $438 |
| SNAP Benefits by Household Size (Hawaii) | |
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Benefit (10/1/2025 – 9/30/2026) |
| 1 | $506 |
| 2 | $929 |
| 3 | $1,334 |
| 4 | $1,689 |
| 5 | $2,010 |
| 6 | $2,415 |
| 7 | $2,668 |
| 8 | $3,040 |
| Each additional person | $371 |
Allotment information for American Samoa, Commonwealth Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and Puerto Rico are not available. Please contact your local office for more information.
Major Changes to SNAP Under New Federal Law
A recently passed law, championed by Republican lawmakers, delivers tax reductions that mainly favor wealthier households. To help offset the cost of those tax breaks, the legislation makes sweeping adjustments to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
According to research from the Urban Institute, more than 22 million families could see their SNAP benefits reduced—or cut off entirely—under the new policy. The measure cleared both chambers of Congress and was signed into law by President Donald Trump.
SNAP has long served as a critical support system for more than 40 million Americans, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities, by helping them afford groceries, reports the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities (CBPP).
What’s Different About the Rules
Under current rules, many adults must either work at least 20 hours per week or qualify for an exemption to continue receiving food assistance beyond a limited time period. The new law broadens these work requirements to apply to groups who were previously exempt, including:
- Adults between the ages of 55 and 64
- Parents whose youngest child is 14 or older
- Certain veterans
These expanded rules took effect in September 2025. Experts warn that even individuals who are already working could unintentionally lose benefits if they fail to document or report their hours properly. The Urban Institute estimates that roughly 3.5 million working families may lose anywhere from $25 to $108 per month.
How States Are Affected
The legislation also shifts some financial responsibility onto states. If a state’s SNAP program has a payment error rate of 6% or higher—meaning too many mistakes are made in determining eligibility or issuing benefits—it will be required to cover part of the program’s costs. Depending on the error rate, states may need to pay between 5% and 15% of benefit expenses.
In 2024, the national average error rate was already 10.9%, suggesting that many states could struggle to meet this requirement. CBPP warns that states unable to cover their share may respond by scaling back benefits or even opting out of SNAP altogether.
Even families who technically remain eligible could still lose assistance if they run into red tape, such as missing renewal deadlines or submitting incomplete paperwork. Children could be hit especially hard, since losing SNAP often means losing access to free or reduced-price school meals and summer food benefits. The new law also clarifies that only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents can receive SNAP benefits.
States Gain More Control Over SNAP Food Choices
The USDA is giving states more flexibility to shape their food assistance programs, aiming to encourage healthier eating among SNAP recipients. Under new federal guidance, states can apply for SNAP Food Restriction Waivers to limit purchases of non-nutritious items like sugary drinks, candy, and processed snacks.
These waivers are intended to ensure that SNAP dollars support better nutrition and health outcomes. While no restrictions have taken effect yet, states are now developing proposals, and the first approved changes could begin rolling out in 2026.
2026 SNAP Food Waivers
The chart below lists states that are moving forward with requests to limit certain SNAP food purchases.
This information is accurate as of October 2025. For recent updates, check the USDA’s official page at fns.usda.gov/snap/waivers/foodrestriction
| State | Target Starting Date | What Could Change |
| Arkansas | 07/01/26 | Restricts purchase of soda, fruit and vegetable drinks with less than 50% natural juice, unhealthy drinks, and candy. |
| Colorado | 03/01/26 | Restricts purchase of soft drinks. |
| Florida | 01/01/26 | Restricts purchase of soda, energy drinks, candy, and prepared desserts. |
| Idaho | 01/01/26 | Restricts purchase of soda and candy. |
| Indiana | 01/01/26 | Restricts purchase of soft drinks and candy. |
| Iowa | 01/01/26 | Restricts all taxable food items as defined by the Iowa Department of Revenue except food producing plants and seeds for food producing plants. |
| Louisiana | 01/15/26 | Restricts purchase of soft drinks, energy drinks, and candy. |
| Nebraska | 01/01/26 | Restricts purchase of soda and energy drinks. |
| Oklahoma | 01/01/26 | Restricts purchase of soft drinks and candy. |
| Texas | 04/01/26 | Restricts purchase of sweetened drinks and candy. |
| Utah | 01/01/26 | Restricts purchase of soft drinks. |
| West Virginia | 01/01/26 | Restricts purchase of soda. |
What Families Can Do to Safeguard Their Benefits
With these new requirements in place, recipients may need to take extra steps to protect their access to food aid:
- Track and Report Work Hours Accurately
If you’re subject to work requirements, ensure you’re meeting the 20-hour minimum and keep detailed records. Submit documentation promptly to avoid accidental loss of benefits. - Check Whether the Rules Apply to You
Adults ages 55–64, parents with older children, and some veterans are now subject to work requirements. Confirm with your local SNAP office whether you’re affected and what proof is needed. - Stay on Top of Renewal Deadlines
Missing a recertification date or failing to return paperwork can cut off your benefits, even if you’re still eligible. Mark deadlines on your calendar and stay organized. - Monitor State-Level Changes
States facing financial penalties for high error rates may modify their SNAP programs. Watch for updates from your state agency or local news sources. - Confirm Your Legal Status
Benefits are now limited to U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents. If your immigration status is uncertain, seek guidance from your local SNAP office or a trusted legal aid group. - Seek Support if Needed
If you risk losing benefits, community organizations, food banks, and nonprofits can often provide emergency food or help navigating the rules. - Stay Engaged and Informed
Advocacy groups like CBPP and local SNAP offices share updates about program changes. Staying informed not only helps you prepare but also gives you opportunities to support efforts protecting food assistance.
Summer EBT Program
When school is out, SUN Bucks steps in to help families keep food on the table. Officially known as Summer EBT, this program gives families $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-aged child to use during the summer months—when school meals aren’t available.
You can use SUN Bucks at authorized grocery stores and retailers, just like you would with SNAP. It’s available in the following participating states, Tribes, and U.S. territories, and goes by a few different names depending on where you live:
- Alabama
- American Samoa
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Cherokee Nation
- Chickasaw Nation
- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Guam
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Missouri
- Montana
- Muscogee Creek Nation
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Northern Mariana Islands
- Ohio
- Oregon
- Otoe-Missouria Tribe
- Pennsylvania
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
SUN Bucks can be added on top of other food programs like SNAP, WIC, and even free summer meal sites or grab-and-go SUN Meals in some rural areas.
Who Can Get SUN Bucks?
Your child may automatically get SUN Bucks if your household already receives:
- SNAP
- TANF
- FDPIR
- Or if your child gets free or reduced-price meals at a school that participates in the National School Lunch Program or School Breakfast Program.
If you’re not automatically enrolled, you may still qualify. You’ll need to meet income guidelines and apply through your state’s Summer EBT agency.
How SUN Bucks Are Sent
Once approved, benefits are either:
- Added to an existing SNAP EBT card
- Sent on a separate EBT card
- Or delivered in another way depending on how your state, Tribe, or territory runs the program
What Can SUN Bucks Buy?
You can use SUN Bucks to purchase the same kinds of foods you would purchase using SNAP benefits. So, things like fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, fish, cereal, bread, and other snack foods are approved.
You can’t use SUN Bucks to buy hot or prepared foods. You also cannot use them to purchase cleaning supplies, household products, medicine, personal care products, or alcohol.
SNAP Benefits Information and Links Per State:
If you have any questions regarding the benefits in your state or these recent changes, please review the resource below that provides information for each state, including the website, online application form (where applicable), phone number and other important information you may need in order to get the answers you’re looking for.
Find your state or territory’s benefits issuance schedule here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/monthly-issuance-schedule
Source: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory
