Washington, D.C. — Relief is finally here for millions of Americans who depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). A federal judge has ordered the full release of November benefits — no cuts, no delays — after weeks of uncertainty that had left families anxious about putting food on the table.
The ruling, issued on November 6, 2025, by a judge in Rhode Island, requires the Trump administration to transfer all funds to the states by Friday, November 7, ensuring that the nation’s 42 million SNAP recipients receive their benefits in full this month.
“This should never happen in America,” the judge said during the hearing, calling food assistance an “essential federal obligation.” The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has since confirmed that all state agencies are processing payments as usual.
What the Ruling Means for You
In simple terms: you don’t need to do anything. Your benefits will arrive as scheduled on your EBT card, and there will be no reductions in the amount.
If you notice a delay or irregular deposit, contact your local SNAP office or call 1-800-221-5689 for assistance. The USDA has emphasized that all payments should be completed before the weekend.
Why the Court Stepped In
The decision follows a tense standoff between the administration and several advocacy groups after reports emerged that federal officials planned to partially withhold or delay SNAP payments due to political and budgetary disputes tied to ongoing shutdown threats.
The court rejected those arguments, ruling that “federal obligations to provide food assistance cannot be suspended for political leverage.”
This marks the second time in recent months that the courts have intervened to protect SNAP funding amid broader federal budget conflicts.
State-by-State Payment Schedule for November 2025
Deposits vary by state, often based on the last digit of your Social Security or case number. Below is a quick look at when to expect your benefits:
- California: Nov. 1–10
- Florida: Nov. 1–28
- New York: Nov. 1–9 (by county)
- Texas: Nov. 1–28 (by case number)
- Georgia: Nov. 5–23
- Illinois: Nov. 1–20
- Utah: Nov. 5, 11, 15
- Washington: Nov. 1–20
- Alaska, Rhode Island, Vermont: Nov. 1 (single-day)
(For the full nationwide schedule, visit the official SNAP state directory).
Maximum SNAP Benefits for November 2025
These are the maximum monthly amounts per household, effective through September 30, 2026:
| Household Size | 48 States & D.C. | Alaska (Urban) | Alaska (Rural 2) | Hawaii |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $298 | $385 | $598 | $506 |
| 2 people | $546 | $707 | $1,097 | $929 |
| 3 people | $785 | $1,015 | $1,576 | $1,334 |
| 4 people | $994 | $1,285 | $1,995 | $1,689 |
| 5 people | $1,183 | $1,529 | $2,374 | $2,010 |
| 6 people | $1,421 | $1,838 | $2,853 | $2,415 |
| 7 people | $1,571 | $2,031 | $3,152 | $2,668 |
| 8 people | $1,789 | $2,314 | $3,591 | $3,040 |
| Each additional person | +$218 | +$282 | +$438 | +$371 |
For Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands, SNAP-equivalent programs apply with localized amounts.
A Critical Lifeline for Families
SNAP remains the largest federal anti-hunger program in the country, supporting millions of low-income families, children, seniors, and veterans. With grocery prices still elevated from inflation, the program’s stability is vital heading into the holiday season.
“This ruling ensures that no family will go hungry due to bureaucratic delays,” said a spokesperson from Feeding America, the national hunger relief network. “It’s a victory for every working parent and senior relying on food assistance.”
