The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has confirmed that full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments are being distributed across the state, bringing relief to over 1.4 million households affected by the ongoing federal government shutdown — the longest in U.S. history.
Court Decision Restores Full Food Assistance
After a 37-day funding freeze, the First Circuit Court of Appeals rejected a federal injunction and upheld an earlier ruling requiring the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to release full SNAP benefits for November. The decision reversed the USDA’s previous plan to provide only 65% of the maximum benefit, which had caused widespread concern and an increase in demand at food pantries across Michigan.
Governor and MDHHS officials confirmed that payments began reaching households within 48 hours of the ruling, restoring confidence among families who rely on the program to purchase essential groceries.
“We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that Michigan families don’t go hungry,” an MDHHS spokesperson said Sunday. “This ruling ensures that every eligible family receives their full benefit without further delay.”
SNAP Payment Schedule for November 2025
The SNAP payment schedule in Michigan is determined by the last digit of each recipient’s case number, not their Social Security number. Full benefit restoration means all families will receive their funds according to the regular schedule, with only brief delays for some mid-month deposits.
| Last Digit of Case Number | Payment Date | November 2025 Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 0–4 | Nov. 3–7 | Paid in full |
| 5–7 | Nov. 10–12 | Paid in full within 48 hours of ruling |
| 8–9 | Nov. 11–12 | On schedule |
Payments are loaded directly onto EBT cards, which can be used at more than 9,700 authorized retailers, including supermarkets and farmers markets statewide. The average household benefit is $335 per month, equivalent to roughly $5.68 per person per day.
Updated Maximum SNAP Amounts for 2025–2026
As of October 1, 2025, benefit amounts include a 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) to address rising food costs. Below are the maximum monthly SNAP benefits for Michigan households through September 2026:
| Household Size | Maximum Benefit ($) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 298 |
| 2 | 552 |
| 3 | 788 |
| 4 | 994 |
| 5 | 1,175 |
| 6 | 1,410 |
| 7 | 1,645 |
| 8 | 1,880 |
| Each additional person | +235 |
Eligibility extends to households earning up to 200% of the federal poverty level (about $5,358/month for a family of four). There is no asset limit in Michigan.
State Support Programs and Emergency Measures
To combat the effects of the federal funding halt, Michigan has also expanded state-level food assistance initiatives. The Double Up Food Bucks program — which doubles SNAP dollars spent on fruits and vegetables — will continue through December 31, 2025.
Additionally, the state allocated $4.5 million to local food banks and approved $71 million in emergency funding to strengthen food support systems, particularly in rural and low-income communities.
“We’re ensuring that every family, regardless of zip code, has access to fresh, nutritious food,” said an MDHHS representative.
While Congress continues negotiations to end the federal budget stalemate, Michigan’s restoration of full SNAP benefits provides much-needed temporary stability for families across the state.
For more information or to check your benefits, visit the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services website.
