After weeks of legal uncertainty, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits have officially resumed across the United States, bringing relief to millions of households relying on food assistance.
Federal Court Ruling Restores SNAP Payments
A federal appeals court ruled in favor of continuing full SNAP payments for November 2025, overturning an earlier halt caused by a government funding dispute. The decision requires the federal administration to distribute benefits immediately, ensuring that eligible families receive their full monthly allotments.
California was among 22 states that sued the federal government, arguing that suspending the payments during the federal shutdown violated existing laws. “Food benefits are now starting to flow back to California families,” said Governor Gavin Newsom following Friday’s ruling.
Payments Begin Flowing Nationwide
By Friday afternoon, SNAP funds began appearing on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards in several states, including California, Oregon, Wisconsin, Kansas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. Officials in other states indicated that remaining payments would be completed over the weekend or early next week.
In a memo to regional directors, Patrick Penn, Assistant Secretary for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), confirmed that his office had initiated the processes to ensure the prompt release of all benefits.
Legal Challenge and Supreme Court Involvement
Late Friday night, the situation took another turn when the Trump administration appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson granted a temporary stay, allowing the appeals court additional time to reach a final decision. Despite the pause, officials assured that benefits already distributed would remain accessible.
“Many people have already received their November SNAP or CalFresh benefits,” stated the California Department of Social Services. “If you received benefits, you can use them.”
Updated SNAP Benefit Amounts for 2025–2026
Effective October 1, 2025, the maximum SNAP benefit amounts for the 48 contiguous states have been updated. The new payment limits apply through September 30, 2026:
| Household Size | Maximum Monthly Amount |
|---|---|
| 1 | $298 |
| 2 | $546 |
| 3 | $785 |
| 4 | $994 |
| 5 | $1,183 |
| 6 | $1,421 |
| 7 | $1,571 |
| 8 | $1,789 |
For households larger than eight members, an additional $218 is added per person. Eligibility continues to depend on income and household size, following federal poverty level guidelines.
What to Do If You Haven’t Received Your Benefits
Recipients who have not yet seen their benefits reinstated are urged to contact their local SNAP office or check their state’s EBT portal for updates. Officials expect all pending payments to be processed within days.
This development marks a significant relief for millions of low-income families, many of whom depend on SNAP as their primary food source during times of economic hardship.
