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

Netspend

Update 11/8/25.

After a period of uncertainty, the situation for November SNAP benefits has changed several times in the last 48 hours. You may have heard about a 50% partial payment, this is now incorrect for select recipients and states.

A federal court ordered full (100%) benefits to be paid, and some states began issuing them on November 7. However, in a late-night legal challenge, the Supreme Court has now put a temporary pause on that order. This has created a very confusing situation.

Here is what we know as of Saturday, November 8, 2025 on the payment amount, the timeline, and steps you can take.

How Much Will I Get?

This is the most confusing part. A federal judge ordered the USDA to pay 100% of your normal November benefit. In response, the USDA sent a memo to all states on November 7 to begin processing these full payments.

However, the Supreme Court issued a temporary block on this order late Friday night.

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.

What this means:

The final amount is once again uncertain. Some people have already received 100% of their payment. If you have not received your payment yet, it is unclear what amount you will get. The best and only way to know is to check your EBT card balance."

When Will I Get My Payment?

This has also changed completely as of today . The "weeks or months" delay we reported earlier is no longer the main issue.

Because of the Thursday court order, many states began sending full November benefits immediately.

The new problem:

The Supreme Court's temporary pause has stopped this process for states that had not already sent the money.

What this means for you:

If you live in one of the states that acted quickly, your money may already be on your card. If not, your payment is now in limbo while this legal battle continues. You must check your card balance.

What Do I Do Next? 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?

  • This has improved. Unlike the 50% plan, the order for full funding was expected to cover new applicants. Massachusetts updated its site to say, "If you apply for SNAP benefits and are approved, you will get your November SNAP benefits." However, the new Supreme Court pause makes this uncertain again.
  • Despite the uncertainty, the advice remains the same: You must continue to apply and get your case processed.

What about December benefits?

  • The current 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.

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