Update on November SNAP Amid Federal Government Shutdown

In accordance with 7 CFR 271.7(b), the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is suspending all November 2025 benefit allotments until such time as sufficient federal funding is provided, or until FNS directs state agencies otherwise. This suspension is effective November 1, 2025. Households may continue to redeem benefits issued to their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card prior to Nov. 1, 2025, at any SNAP authorized retailer. The suspension applies only to November 2025 benefit issuance to households and does not impact any prior benefits, and as such, the authorization or redemption of benefits at eligible retailers is not impacted. 

Recipients can check their EBT balances via the ConnectEBT website or app. You can download the ConnectEBT app on your Android or Apple device by accessing your device’s app store. 

SNAP benefits are 100% federally and congressionally funded, and DHS disburses the benefits to eligible households.  Please do not submit additional SNAP applications for your household if you’ve already applied. Submitting more than one application will not affect when or how benefits are issued. 

DHS understands how important SNAP benefits are to Georgia families and is closely monitoring the situation. Community resources are available at this link - dhs.georgia.gov/community-resources-0 - for anyone who needs support. 

Further updates will be shared here and on our social media channels as available. 

Frequently Asked Questions

  • How does the federal government shutdown affect my SNAP benefits?

    October SNAP benefits will be issued as usual. In accordance with federal guidance, November benefits will not be sent until federal funding is approved through congressional action. Please urge U.S. Senator Jon Ossoff (D – Georgia) and U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock (D – Georgia) to support SNAP and end the federal government shutdown.

  • Can I use the existing balance on my EBT card?

    Yes. Households may continue to redeem benefits issued to their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card prior to Nov. 1, 2025, at any SNAP authorized retailer. The suspension applies only to November 2025 benefit issuance to households and does not impact any prior benefits, and as such, the authorization or redemption of benefits at eligible retailers is not impacted.

  • I received a notice that I was approved for November benefits. Will I receive those on my EBT card?

    No. In accordance with federal guidance, November benefits will not be sent until federal funding is approved through congressional action.

  • Will my EBT card work during the federal government shutdown?

    Yes. Households may continue to redeem benefits issued to their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card prior to Nov. 1, 2025, at any SNAP authorized retailer. The suspension applies only to November 2025 benefit issuance to households and does not impact any prior benefits, and as such, the authorization or redemption of benefits at eligible retailers is not impacted.

  • I want to apply for SNAP. Can I do that during the federal shutdown?

    Yes. DHS will continue to accept applications based on current USDA guidance. However, you will not receive SNAP benefits deposited on your EBT card at this time. 

  • Will I have to reapply for SNAP when the federal government shutdown ends?

    No. Please do not submit additional SNAP applications for your household if you’ve already applied. Submitting more than one application will not affect when or how benefits are issued. 

Last updated on: Oct. 24, 2025