A wave of confusion hit millions of SNAP recipients this month after the federal government shutdown disrupted funding for November food stamp payments. With Congress failing to approve new funding, the USDA had only enough reserves to issue about $4.5 billion in partial benefits, far below what low-income households rely on.
That changed briefly on November 6, when Rhode Island federal judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered the USDA to issue full November SNAP benefits, forcing states to act fast.
But the relief didn’t last.
Full payments blocked within 24 hours
The Trump administration immediately appealed the order and requested an emergency stay. On November 7, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson granted a temporary block, freezing full payments until at least November 12, pending appellate review.
The USDA notified state agencies the same day:
“Do not transmit full-benefit files. Reverse any steps already taken.”
This left states — and families — in wildly different situations. Some households received their full benefits before the freeze. Others got only partial payments. Many got nothing at all.
Food banks across the country are bracing for a surge in demand as the uncertainty drags on and Congress continues debating a deal to reopen the government.
For official program details, visit the U.S. Department of Agriculture. For federal court procedures and rulings, readers may consult the U.S. Courts website.
States That Issued Full SNAP Benefits Before the Freeze
These states pushed payments through immediately after the Rhode Island ruling. Many recipients already have the funds, although the USDA may attempt recovery later.
State — What Happened
- Arizona: Began processing Nov. 7; funds arriving days later.
- California: Full benefits loaded Nov. 6 for 5.5 million recipients.
- Colorado: About 32,000 paid; 500,000 more queued when block hit.
- Connecticut: Benefits appeared by afternoon of Nov. 8.
- Hawaii: Processed within 24 hours of the ruling.
- Kansas: $31.6 million sent to 86,000 households Nov. 7.
- Massachusetts: Half a million people funded over the weekend.
- Michigan: Full benefits confirmed received this week.
- Minnesota: Rollout began Monday after weekend prep.
- New Hampshire: Every eligible household received the full amount.
- New Jersey: 800,000 beneficiaries processed immediately.
- New York: Loaded Nov. 9; available that same day.
- Oregon: Funds released over the weekend.
- Pennsylvania: Full benefits sent Nov. 7.
- Rhode Island: 79,000 households funded Nov. 8.
- Vermont: 67,000 residents paid by end of day Nov. 7.
- Washington: 250,000 households funded Nov. 7.
- Wisconsin: $104.4 million sent to 337,137 households Nov. 7.
States With Delayed, Partial, or Frozen SNAP Payments
These states issued only partial benefits, halted full rollouts, or began reversing payments.
State: What’s Happening
- Illinois: Partial benefits only.
- Kentucky: Partial payments issued.
- Louisiana: Limited to partial loads.
- North Carolina: 586,000 households got partials; full rollout halted.
- North Dakota: Partial-only payments.
- South Dakota: Full rollout paused; reverted to partial.
- Texas: Partial benefits only.
Most states not listed including Florida, Georgia, and Ohio are also in delay mode or awaiting federal guidance. Check your state’s human services website or contact your local SNAP office for exact payment status.
