Trump Administration Announces Partial SNAP Benefit Payments Amid Government Shutdown
November 3, 2025 – The Trump administration has announced that it will issue only partial payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) this November, as the ongoing government shutdown continues to impact federal social programs.
The decision to partially fund SNAP benefits comes after two federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts issued rulings requiring the administration to continue funding the nation’s largest food aid program despite the shutdown. These court orders directed the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use emergency funds to ensure SNAP recipients can still receive assistance. However, it remains unclear how the partial payments will be allocated and when the benefits will be fully restored.
SNAP, a critical lifeline for millions of low-income Americans, provides electronic debit card assistance to help purchase food. The administration had planned to halt payments beginning November 1, citing a lack of funds caused by the shutdown, which entered its sixth week amid ongoing disputes between Republicans and Democrats.
Under normal circumstances, the program is fully funded by the Department of Agriculture, but the shutdown has strained the agency’s ability to operate at full capacity. The partial payments announced reflect the administration’s attempt to balance legal obligations following the court orders with the fiscal constraints imposed by the shutdown.
The government shutdown, which began in late September, has created widespread disruptions across multiple federal agencies. Beyond SNAP, the deadlock has affected other essential programs and services, leading to growing public concern about access to food, healthcare, and other basic needs for vulnerable populations.
Legal experts note that while the judges’ rulings compel continuation of the program, they do not resolve the broader funding impasse. The Trump administration has argued that, without congressional action to appropriate funds, its ability to meet all obligations is limited.
The partial SNAP payments announcement arrives as both sides in Congress remain entrenched in negotiations, with no immediate resolution in sight. Advocacy groups and lawmakers from both parties have expressed alarm over the potential for food insecurity to worsen if SNAP benefits are further delayed or reduced.
Officials from the U.S. Department of Agriculture have so far declined to provide detailed timelines or specify which portions of the benefits will be distributed. Recipients have reported delays and inconsistent payments, raising fears of hardship ahead of the Thanksgiving holiday.
As the shutdown persists, the White House and congressional leaders face mounting pressure to reach an agreement to restore full funding for SNAP and other critical services. Until then, millions of Americans reliant on food assistance programs face uncertainty and partial support amid the political stalemate.