SNAP Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Food Stamps

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a federal assistance program in the United States that helps low- and no-income individuals and households buy the food they need to live healthy lives. 

Often people call it “food stamps,” though the term comes from the older system of paper stamps; now it works via a card like a debit card (an EBT card).  Here are the key points of how SNAP works: It is federally funded: the money for the benefits is provided by the federal government’s budget via the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) through its Food and Nutrition Service (FNS).  Each state administers SNAP locally (through their state agencies) but under the federal rules.  To receive benefits, a household must meet eligibility rules: income limits, resources, household size, and other criteria.  The benefit amount depends on a formula: there’s a “maximum benefit” for a given household size (based on what’s called the Thrifty Food Plan, a minimal-cost healthy diet), and then the household’s net income and expected food expenditure reduce that maximum.  The benefit is delivered monthly onto an EBT card. The household can use that at authorized grocery stores to buy qualifying food items.  The main purpose: to supplement the food budget of low‐income households so they can buy enough nutritious food and move toward self-sufficiency.  

In short: SNAP is the largest nutrition assistance program in the U.S., and it plays a key role in the social safety net for people who are struggling to afford enough good food.   

Who uses SNAP and why it matters SNAP is designed for people and households with low incomes, older adults with fixed incomes, people with disabilities, working families in low-wage jobs, etc. 

Some important statistics to understand how many people rely on it: Roughly 42 million Americans participate in SNAP.  A large share of participants are families with children or older adults/disabled persons.  The program helps households stretch their food budgets, and without it many families would face food insecurity (not enough food, or the right kinds of food). 

Why this matters:

Food is a basic human need. When people don’t have enough to eat, it affects health, ability to work or learn, and general well-being. SNAP helps reduce hunger, improves nutrition, and can reduce long-term costs (for example through better health outcomes). Because food prices can rise (and they often do), programs like SNAP are especially important for low-income households.   What benefits does SNAP provide? Here are more details about how the benefits work: Each eligible household gets a monthly benefit which is loaded to their EBT card. The card works at grocery stores and authorized retailers.  The benefit is not intended to cover all food costs—it is a supplement. Many households still spend some of their own money on food.  Eligible food items typically include fruits, vegetables, breads, cereals, dairy products, meats, poultry, fish, snack foods, and non-alcoholic beverages. There are restrictions: for example, you typically cannot use SNAP benefits for alcohol, tobacco, vitamins/medicines, hot prepared foods in many cases, pet foods, or other non-food items.  The program also has policy features like: encouraging nutrition (healthier choices), supporting local retailers, and in some states special programs (“Double Up Food Bucks”, etc) to enhance the value of benefits.    How do you apply / how is eligibility determined? Here’s a simplified version of the process: 1. You apply in the state where you live (because each state handles applications and determinations).  

2. The state agency checks your household’s income, size, resources, expenses (for example shelter costs) to determine if you qualify.  

3. If you are eligible, you will receive benefits back to the date you applied (in many cases).  

4. Once approved, each month the benefit amount is determined, the state loads it to your EBT card, and you use the card to buy groceries from authorized stores. 

5. Your household needs to recertify periodically (depending on state rules) to continue receiving benefits.  It’s important for applicants to keep the state agency updated about changes (like income, household size, address) because such changes can affect eligibility or benefit amount.  

The Current Situation: Government Shutdown & SNAP Now to the part you asked about: how the current federal government shutdown is affecting SNAP benefits. What is happening The U.S. federal government is in a shutdown because Congress has not passed the necessary appropriations (funding bills) to fully fund all federal programs. Under a shutdown, many federal programs stop or operate in a limited way, depending on whether funding was already appropriated or whether they are considered exempted. SNAP is 100% federally funded for the benefit part (the money to pay recipients each month comes from federal appropriations).  Most states have already received the funds for the October 2025 benefits (for example).  The concern is November 2025 benefits (and beyond) if the shutdown continues, since new funding may not be coming.  

What the evidence shows Several states (for example Georgia) have issued notices that if the shutdown continues, November benefits will not be issued.  In Georgia’s case: “SNAP benefits will not be available beginning November 1” if the shutdown continues.  More broadly: “Systems indicate there will be insufficient funds to pay full November benefits” in many states.  Some states are accepting applications, changes, and mid-certifications even though they cannot guarantee payments for November.  There’s also a memo from the USDA saying that the contingency fund (about $5 billion) is not legally available to cover full November benefits.  

What it means for recipients If you already received your October benefits, you can continue to use your EBT card and spend from your existing balance.  But you may not receive your November benefit payment if the shutdown continues and funding is not authorized.  If benefits are paused, households that depend on SNAP will face the possibility of having less money for groceries, which could force difficult choices (food vs other essentials).  States and advocates are urging the USDA/federal government to use contingency funds or find alternative funding, but the legal/technical ability to do so is being contested.  

Why the pause is happening Here’s the sequence: SNAP benefits are federally funded monthly. If Congress doesn’t appropriate funds, the USDA cannot send funds to states for future months.  States have to wait for the USDA to send the monthly funding. If funding is halted, the states cannot issue the benefit to recipients.  The USDA had previously made statements about contingency funds that could be used in a shutdown, but more recent memos say the contingency funds are not available for regular benefits when there’s no appropriation.  Because of this, the USDA is warning states that payments may stop from Nov. 1.  

What is “shutdown news” as you asked The “shutdown” means the federal government funding has lapsed; many programs are halted or operate with limited resources. Its effect is hitting SNAP now because while October benefits were already funded, November ones are at risk. Media outlets are reporting that this could be one of the largest disruptions to food assistance in recent years.  There’s important urgency: families depending on this assistance may need to plan ahead or seek other support (food banks, local programs) if their SNAP benefit is delayed or halted.   What can you do / what to watch for If you or someone you know receives SNAP benefits (or might qualify) and you’re concerned about the impact of the shutdown, here are some steps and tips: 1. Check your state agencies and notices Look at your state’s SNAP or Human Services website for official updates (for example, many states are posting FAQs about “how will the shutdown affect my SNAP benefits?”).  If your state has already warned recipients that November benefits might not be issued, make a plan for that possibility. Keep track of your EBT card balance, especially if you have existing benefits you can use. For instance, in Georgia recipients were told to check their ConnectEBT balance.  

2. Plan ahead for November If November benefits are delayed or not issued, households will face tighter budgets for groceries. Think about: Buying essential shelf-stable items in advance if you can. Using community food resources early (food banks, pantries). Prioritizing nutritious items within budget (since SNAP normally emphasizes nutrition). 

If possible, reduce non-food expenses (if safe and feasible) to allow more budget for food. 

3. Explore other food assistance & local supports If SNAP benefits stop or are delayed, local food banks, pantries, community-based organizations become even more vital. Even if your SNAP benefits continue, it may make sense to identify the nearest food bank ahead of time. Some states and cities may step in with temporary support or emergency assistance—check local news. Sometimes charities or faith-based organizations hold special distributions when government programs are at risk. 

4. Stay informed about the shutdown developments Whether benefits resume or are restored depends on Congress approving funding or the government reopening. If you are eligible for SNAP but have not applied, keep your application submitted (or update it) because you’ll need to be in the queue once funding is restored. Some states are continuing to accept applications even though payments may be paused.  Keep documentation and contact your state SNAP office if you receive a notification or change in your benefit status. 

5. For newcomers: eligibility & how to apply If you’re not yet on SNAP, but think you may qualify, check the eligibility rules in your state: income limits, resource limits, household size, etc.  Apply through your state’s SNAP office or online portal. Even if payments are delayed now, being approved means you’ll be able to start receiving benefits once funding is available. Keep records of your application, verification documents, and respond promptly to any requests from your state agency.   What about for November and beyond? What’s the outlook? Given the current shutdown (as of late October 2025), here is an overview of what is likely and what is uncertain: Likely / almost certain October 2025 SNAP payments (for many states) have been issued or will be issued because funds were already in place.  Beginning November 1, 2025, many states may not issue benefits if the shutdown continues and no new funding is approved.  Households will continue to be able to use whatever benefits they have already received on their EBT cards (assuming funds were loaded). But new monthly funds may not arrive.  The longer the shutdown lasts, the more serious the impact will be for people depending on the assistance. 

Uncertain / Risky Whether the USDA will release contingency funds or other mechanisms will be used to keep SNAP benefits flowing. The USDA says the contingency fund is not available for benefits in this situation.  Whether states will use their own funds temporarily, or local governments will step in to cover the gap, and how long that can last. If benefits are paused, how quickly they can be restored once funding returns, and whether households will receive back payments or reimbursement. How policies may change in the future if shutdowns or funding delays become more frequent—there are concerns of policy changes including eligibility, work requirements, and program structure.  

Why this is especially concerning As food prices have been rising, a pause in benefits comes at a time when vulnerable households are already under strain.  

The disruption in November may coincide with other pressures: 

rent, utilities, healthcare, seasonal needs (holiday costs), so losing or delaying SNAP benefits adds significant risk to food security. Programs like SNAP are not just about groceries—they have broader implications for health, childhood nutrition, workforce participation, and community stability.   A Focus on One U.S. State’s Example – Pennsylvania Since you mentioned “PA” in your query, let’s look at how a state like Pennsylvania is involved: Pennsylvania is among the states that have issued warnings that SNAP benefits for November may not be issued if the shutdown continues.  The state agency (Department of Human Services) likely has information about the status of SNAP payments, deadlines for application or recertification, and local food bank resources. For recipients in Pennsylvania: stay informed via the state website, consider local support options, and plan ahead for possible shortfall in benefits for November.   Why do we call it “food stamps”? Historically, SNAP was known as the “Food Stamp Program.” In that earlier era, recipients received paper stamps or coupons they could exchange for food. The name stuck even after modernization of the system into electronic benefits (EBT cards). 

Today, when people say “food stamps,” they are essentially referring to SNAP benefits.  

Key Terms You Asked About (Explained) EBT: Electronic Benefit Transfer. The card (or account) that SNAP recipients use to access their benefits. Think of it like a debit card with monthly benefit credits loaded. Government shutdown: A period during which Congress has not approved funding for some or all federal government operations, causing many programs to stop or delay operations. Contingency funds: Funds set aside by an agency for emergencies or unexpected funding gaps. In this case, the USDA had some contingency funds for SNAP administrative expenses, but the question is whether they can be used for benefits themselves.  Benefit suspension/delay: If funding is not available, state agencies may delay or suspend the issuance of benefits for some months. That’s what we’re seeing with the warnings for November 2025. 

Eligible food items: 

Items that SNAP benefits can be used to purchase — typically groceries for home consumption, not prepared hot meals, not alcohol or tobacco. Maximum benefit / net income / Thrifty Food Plan: These are policy terms that help determine how much a family receives. The net income of the household is subtracted from the maximum benefit (which is based on what the Thrifty Food Plan calculates as the cost for a nutritious diet).    What-If Scenarios & What Households Should Consider Here are some hypothetical but realistic scenarios and what households might do in each. Scenario A: Benefits continue as normal If Congress resolves the funding issue quickly and the USDA sends funds, then November SNAP benefits may go out on schedule (or with minimal delay). In that case: Use the benefit as usual. Consider reserving some part of the benefit for future months in case another delay occurs. Stay updated via state websites. 

Scenario B: Benefits are delayed or partially issued If funding is delayed and November benefits are paused or reduced: Use existing funds (if you already got October) and plan your grocery budget carefully. Prioritize essential nutritional items (healthy foods) since SNAP’s purpose is to support nutrition. Seek local food banks or emergency assistance early rather than waiting until you run out of food. Watch for announcements from your state SNAP office. Possibly apply for any additional local or state emergency programs. If you have children, older adults, or disabled family members, consider their needs carefully (they tend to be more vulnerable to food insecurity). 

Scenario C: Benefits are missed for November and maybe beyond If SNAP payments stop for November and possibly further months: This is a serious situation. Households may need to rely heavily on local community resources, assistance programs, food banks, church pantries, etc. State agencies may issue emergency guidance—monitor that closely. Consider reaching out to local non-profits or charities that help with grocery support, meal programs, etc. Budget any remaining cash very carefully, prioritizing food, medicine, shelter, utilities in that order depending on immediate needs. Apply for any benefits you are eligible for (including SNAP, if not already) so you are ready when funding resumes.   Summary & Take-Home Points SNAP (food stamps) is a vital nutrition assistance program for millions of low-income Americans. It provides monthly assistance via an EBT card to help eligible households buy healthy food. Eligibility is based on income, household size, resources, and the benefit is calculated via a formula tied to a minimal-cost healthy food plan. The current government shutdown (October 2025) threatens SNAP benefit payments for November if funding is not restored. Many states are warning of possible interruption. If you’re a SNAP recipient or may be eligible, it’s important to monitor your state’s updates, plan ahead, explore local food assistance options, and budget carefully. The situation is dynamic: whether benefits resume normally will depend on federal funding decisions, state actions, and administrative changes.