Are SNAP Unspent or Rollover Benefits Available During the Government Shutdown?

USDA has confirmed that SNAP recipients with unspent or “rollover” funds from October will still be able to access and use those benefits in November.

What is the Status of SNAP Benefits for November?

The federal government funds SNAP benefits, and states share in the cost of administering the program. While the U.S. Department of Justice is appealing a decision by the District Court of Rhode Island ordering the federal government provide full SNAP allotments in November, USDA also released new November benefits issuance guidance stating the agency is providing 100% of the November benefits. However, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has requested that the U.S. Supreme Court temporarily stay a decision by the First Circuit Court of Appeals so that more time is provided to allow the appeals process to play out. The Supreme Court granted the stay, which has resulted in a return to the disbursement of partial payments, according to USDA. Some state governments have also indicated they will explore emergency stopgap funding to help SNAP participants who reside in their states. 

Will Federal Court Rulings Affect November SNAP Funding?

Two federal court rulings may influence how SNAP benefits are funded during the ongoing government shutdown. Both courts directed USDA to use contingency funds to help cover November benefits, though the timing and amount of those payments remain uncertain. FMI is closely monitoring these developments and will share updates as they become available.

• Rhode Island: U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. ordered USDA to use available contingency funds to partially sustain November SNAP benefits and to explore other possible funding sources.
• Massachusetts: U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani similarly ruled that USDA must rely on contingency funds but gave the agency until Monday to determine whether it will also use discretionary funds to fill the gap.

Are Food Retailers Required to Treat SNAP Customers the Same as Everyone Else?

Yes. USDA's SNAP Equal Treatment Rule requires that grocers offer eligible foods at the same price to SNAP customers as they would other customers.