A new court ruling has brought relief to millions of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients. After days of uncertainty due to the federal government shutdown, the court has ordered the administration to restore funding and guarantee full November benefit deposits across all states.
What the Court Decided
The ruling requires federal officials to release SNAP funds and ensure that states process payments within the next 48 hours. The decision aims to prevent disruptions to benefits for the more than 42 million Americans who depend on SNAP for access to food and basic nutrition.
What This Means for SNAP Recipients
- November deposits will be issued gradually between November 11 and November 20, depending on each state’s schedule.
- If your payment was scheduled before November 11 but not received, it should appear in your EBT account within the next few days—no additional action is needed.
- Recipients do not need to reapply or call local offices: EBT accounts will be updated automatically as funds are released.
How to Check Your Payment Status
- Check your EBT balance using your state’s official app or hotline.
- Monitor updates on your state’s Department of Social Services website or verified social media channels.
- Do not share your EBT card number or PIN through text messages or emails claiming to offer help.
State-Level Actions
State governments have resumed payment scheduling after receiving authorization to process November benefits. Some states may issue partial deposits first while completing technical validation. In most cases, full benefits should be available by November 20.
Tips for SNAP Beneficiaries
- Prioritize essential grocery items and nonperishable goods while deposits are being completed.
- Keep receipts and transaction records for purchases or balance checks on your EBT card.
- Rely only on official information from state or federal sources to avoid scams or misinformation.
The court’s decision provides temporary relief for millions of families who feared losing food assistance during the shutdown. However, experts caution that the stability of SNAP funding will depend on whether Congress passes a long-term federal budget in the coming weeks.