Skip To Main Content
Netspend
Sign Up Now
Log In
Blog Home

November SNAP Benefits: When Are Benefits Paid? How Much?

Netspend

After a period of uncertainty, we have a clearer update on November SNAP benefits. Following a federal court order this past weekend, the USDA has confirmed it will be issuing partial payments for November.

Here is what you need to know about the payment amount, the timeline, and the steps you can take.

How Much Will I Get?

You will receive approximately 50% (half) of your normal monthly November benefit.

This is a partial payment. On November 4, 2025, the USDA sent an official memo to all state agencies directing them to reduce November allotments by 50%. This is based on official court filings stating that the $4.65 billion in the SNAP contingency fund is only enough to cover about half of the normal benefits for all recipients.

Because this is not your full monthly amount, it is essential to plan your food budget carefully.

When Will I Get My Payment?

This is the most important new update. You may have heard news that payments could start as early as Wednesday, November 5, 2025. That was based on a judge's initial deadline for the USDA.

However, as of November 4, 2025, the timeline has become highly uncertain, and you should expect significant delays.

In an official court filing, the USDA warned that this is a very complex process. Because this is a partial payment, every state must now reprogram its system to calculate the new 50% amount for every household.

According to a new NPR report and the USDA's official testimony, this process could take "anywhere from a few weeks to up to several months."

What this means for you:

  • Do NOT expect your payment this week.
  • The exact date will be different for every state.
  • Your best action is to check your state’s official SNAP page for updates (see Step 1 below), regularly check your EBT card for the deposit (see Step 2 below), and use local resources to bridge the gap (see Step 3).

What to Do Now: An Action Plan

Here are the official steps you can take to get the most accurate information.

1. Find Your State's Official SNAP Page 

Your state's human services department will provide the most specific details on its payment timeline as soon as they have one. They are actively working on this now. The USDA provides a complete directory of every state's agency website.

2. Check Your EBT Card Balance 

This is the fastest and most direct way to know your partial payment has arrived. Instead of calling your state office, which will likely have high call volumes, you can check your balance 24/7.

3. Find Local Food Assistance to Fill the Gap 

Because this payment is only 50% and it is severely delayed, you will need help. These organizations are free, confidential, and ready to assist you.

Please note: Food banks across the country are already reporting a major surge in demand and long lines. Please plan accordingly: call ahead to check operating hours and be prepared for potential wait times.

  • Call 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 on your phone to be connected to a local expert who can help you find food pantries, utility assistance, and other support.
  • Find Your Local Food Bank: Use the Feeding America network's food bank locator. They are the nation's largest network of food pantries.

4. Continue to Apply and Renew 

It is important that you do not miss any deadlines. All state offices are still processing applications and renewals. You should continue to submit all your paperwork on time to ensure you are ready for future benefits once the program fully restarts.

Quick FAQ

Does my EBT card still work?

  • YES. This is an important point. Your EBT card works perfectly. Any benefits you received in October or previous months are safe and can still be used. The card system itself is not affected by the shutdown. The current issue is only about the loading of new November benefits.

I just applied for SNAP. Will I get this partial payment?

  • The USDA's court filing stated that by depleting the emergency fund, "no funds will remain for new SNAP applicants certified in November." If you are a new applicant, you should absolutely continue to get your case processed, but you should not count on this partial payment and should look for local and state resources for your immediate needs.

What about December benefits?

  • This emergency payment is a one-time fix for November. It does not include funding for December. If the government shutdown continues, December benefits remain unfunded.

We will continue to monitor this situation and provide updates as we have them. For Netspend customers, should you experience any difficulties with your account or transactions, please reach out to our team at 1-866-647-6929.

Related articles