Federal Government Shutdown: November SNAP Benefits

Updated: 10/31/25

• We know this is an uncertain time for SNAP recipients. New York is closely watching any legal decisions that may require the federal government to issue November SNAP benefits.
• At this time, due to the federal government shutdown, November SNAP benefits are delayed. This includes regular November benefits, and any other expedited or prior month SNAP benefits.
• Once federal funding is provided, or the federal government shutdown ends, all SNAP households should be issued benefits. More information about the exact timing and amounts of benefits will be provided when we have it. Visit otda.ny.gov for the latest information.
• In the meantime, EBT cards will still work, and any benefits on your EBT card can continue to be used to shop for food at all SNAP authorized retailers and farmers markets.
• It is important that all SNAP households continue to complete all SNAP requirements including recertifications, returning periodic reports, and reporting changes, even during the federal government shutdown.
• Applications for SNAP will continue to be accepted. However, households approved for SNAP after November 1 will not receive benefits until the federal government shutdown ends or other federal funding is provided.
• New applicants can apply for SNAP or Public Assistance at their local department of social services, or online at mybenefits.ny.gov. New York City residents can apply online at ACCESS HRA or in-person at a Human Resources Administration (HRA) SNAP center.
• If you recently applied or recertified for SNAP, you may still get a SNAP notice in the mail telling you that you have been approved for SNAP benefits in November. These benefits will not be issued until the federal government shutdown ends or other federal funding is provided. Fair hearings about missed benefits due to the federal government shutdown will not be scheduled.
• Updates on when SNAP benefits can be issued again, will be posted on the OTDA website; NYC ACCESS HRA; myBenefits; and the ebtEDGE website, app and customer service line (1-888-328-6399).
• SNAP households may also receive text messages from NY OTDA about SNAP benefit updates.
• Public Assistance (cash) benefits are not affected by the federal government shutdown. They will continue to be issued to all eligible households.
• For information on the federal government shutdown and WIC operations in New York State, visit Frequently Asked Questions About WIC for the latest information.
• For more information on the federal government shutdown and November SNAP benefits, visit Frequently Asked Questions About November SNAP benefits for the latest information.
• For information on other available food resources where you can access supplies, produce, and meals, including food banks, food pantries, and more, visit:
  • Find Your Regional Food Bank: locate the regional food bank and Emergency Food Relief Organizations (EFRO) in your area.
  • The Food Pantries Food Connect Map: find local food pantries, community meals, mobile food resources and more.
  • Resources for Working Families: discover nutrition programs and resources that can help you feed your family.
  • Double Up Food Bucks: get help stretching your food dollars and accessing fresh produce.
  • Hunger Free America: find food assistance anywhere.
• Here are additional food resources that can be accessed by phone:
  • Call the USDA National Hunger Hotline at 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (Spanish)
  • Call 211 for New York State Residents
  • Call 311 if you live in New York City
  • Text 914-342-7744 and type in the word “food.”