Millions to Lose SNAP Benefits as Government Shutdown Continues

As the federal government shutdown continues to drag on, millions of families are facing the loss of vital food assistance. Unless funding is restored, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)—the nation’s largest anti-hunger initiative—will run out of money as early as November 1st.

SNAP Funding Set to Expire by End of October

According to a notice issued by the the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) on October 10, states have been informed that SNAP funding and operations are secured only through October.

The agency directed states to delay transmitting November issuance files to EBT vendors “until further notice.” Several states have already taken precautionary measures by pausing new SNAP applications, citing uncertainty about federal funding.

Limited Contingency Funds Could Offer Short-Term Relief

SNAP is appropriated a $3 billion annual contingency fund to cover minimal operations during funding lapses. USDA Secretary Rollins noted that approximately $5 billion currently remains in the fund, though that total is uncertain.

While these funds could be used to issue partial November payments, the contingency fund falls short of the $8.1 billion needed to sustain full monthly benefits.

However, the USDA released a memo last week stating that "Due to Congressional Democrats' refusal to pass a clean continuing resolution (CR), approximately 42 million individuals will not receive their SNAP benefits come November 1st." The memo goes on to say that contingency funds cannot legally be used to cover regular benefits under these circumstances.

SNAP Reform Amid Crisis

Compounding the impact of the shutdown is the fact that states and counties are already under immense pressure to implement historic changes to the SNAP program as required under the budget reconciliation bill, H.R. 1. Across the country, agencies are working tirelessly to modernize systems, update eligibility rules, and train staff—all while navigating funding uncertainty.

Following the passage of H.R. 1, the USDA gave states 120 days to fully implement the new provisions. That deadline—November 1, 2025—is fast approaching. Yet, few, if any, states will have its systems fully updated by that date.

One of the most significant challenges lies in the expanded Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWD) work requirements. These changes require extensive updates to eligibility and case management systems, as well as comprehensive outreach to individuals who were previously exempt from work requirements but will now need to comply.

While FNS has shown some willingness to collaborate—for example, by establishing the initial 120-day implementation period—it has also clarified that certain statutory provisions in H.R. 1 cannot be altered without congressional action.

One such mandate is that, beginning in Fiscal Year 2028, states with an error rate above 6% will begin to lose federal funding. This new performance threshold raises the stakes for states already grappling with complex system overhauls and workforce constraints.

In short, the intersection of H.R. 1 implementation and the ongoing shutdown creates a perfect storm—testing the resilience of federal-state partnerships and the capacity of local governments to uphold food security under immense political and operational pressure.

WIC Program Faces Similar Challenges

The Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program—which serves nearly 7 million pregnant women, new mothers, and young children—barely avoided a shutdown earlier this month. The Trump administration temporarily diverted $300 million in tariff revenue to sustain benefits through October. However, that funding is not expected to extend beyond this month, according to the National WIC Association. And there has been no indication that similar measures will be taken for SNAP—despite its far larger impact on food access and the economy.

The potential disruption of SNAP and WIC benefits underscores how deeply intertwined food assistance programs are with federal appropriations. Should the shutdown persist, millions could face food insecurity heading into the holiday season—a period when food banks and local charities are already stretched thin.

Learn More

For further reading and policy updates:

• Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: The Trump Administration Can and Should Take Steps to Ensure SNAP Participants Get Benefits

• Food Research & Action Center: How Will a Government Shutdown Affect SNAP Benefits

• USDA Lapse Plan (FY2026)