When Will Partial SNAP Benefits Be Deposited? Here’s What to Expect
- Author: Alicia Cole
- Posted: 2025-11-07
Many American families depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for help buying food. Recently, uncertainty over government funding created problems for more than 42 million people who rely on SNAP.
Because of a long dispute about federal funding and a government shutdown, the government had to take special steps this November to make sure families still got some assistance.
What’s Changing With SNAP Benefits?
This month, SNAP benefits are being distributed in an unusual way. The government, under a court order, is giving only partial payments—meaning families will get about half of what they normally receive.
Emergency reserves were used to cover this partial amount. This action was necessary because the government does not have enough money available to give out the full SNAP payments at this time.
Government Action After the Shutdown
The shutdown affected many programs that support low-income families. Federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island stepped in and ordered the government to use emergency funds.
This court order made sure that families would still get at least part of their food assistance, even though a full payment couldn’t be made.
SNAP Program Restrictions
SNAP is designed to help families buy healthy food, but there are important rules about what can and cannot be bought with SNAP. Here’s what you can’t buy using your SNAP benefits:
- Alcohol and tobacco
- Non-food items (like pet food, soap, paper products, or cleaning supplies)
- Hygiene and cosmetic products
- Vitamins, medicines, and supplements
- Hot prepared foods
When Will the Partial Benefits Be Deposited?
According to the Department of Justice, eligible households will receive 50% of their usual SNAP allocation from emergency funds. Some families may not get their full monthly payment.
The government is working to ensure these partial payments are completed by November 5.
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Read next: Are Federal Employees Entitled to Back Pay After a Government Shutdown?