If the federal government shutdown continues, November SNAP benefits nationwide will be impacted.
Update as of 11/7/25:
Today, November 7th, Governor Maura Healey has directed the DTA to begin paying out November SNAP benefits in full!
SNAP recipients whose benefits have been delayed due to the shutdown may see their benefits as early as November 8th, but there will likely be some delay before all benefits are processed. Recipients whose usual benefit date is past the 8th will receive their benefits on their usual date.
Update as of 11/6/25:
DTA announced that partial SNAP benefits will start to go out next week.
The USDA updated their guidance to say that recipients will not receive more than 65% of their normal monthly issuance. However, not all SNAP households will get 65% of their monthly SNAP. Because of the federal rules for spending limited contingency funds, many SNAP households will get less than 65% of their normal allotments and others may not receive any November SNAP benefits next week, unless federal or state funding changes.
Update as of 11/3/25:
On Monday, 11/3/25, the USDA announced that that it will use $4.65 billion in the contingency fund to provide up to 50% of SOME household’s monthly benefit amount for November. Because of how the SNAP math works, the FNS guidance means many households in Massachusetts will get less than 50% – or none – of their normal monthly SNAP.
Under federal law, SNAP benefits are calculated based on a household’s countable income and certain costs (such as rent, utilities, and child care). Once those costs are taken into account, 30% of a household’s net countable income is subtracted from the maximum SNAP allotment for the household size. That SNAP math determines the amount an eligible household is issued each month.
The federal government shutdown on October 1, 2025, and will be shutdown until congress passes new budget legislation or a temporary extension of current funding. This will impact federal employees and programs.
Here is what you need to know:
- You will not lose unspent SNAP benefits – your previously deposited benefits will be available to use throughout the month of November.
- We recommend leaving a $1 balance on your EBT card so you can utilize Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) benefits. HIP reimburses your purchase of fruits and vegetables at participating local farms. To learn more about HIP, find vendors and more: click here.
- As of November 1st, benefits for the month will be listed on EBT cards as “pending”. Pending balances cannot be used to purchase food.
- For the useable balance on your EBT card, call the number listed on the back of your card.
- SNAP enrollment remains open. DTA and the Food Bank’s SNAP Enrollment team are continuing to help people apply for benefits. If you are approved, benefits are paid retroactively from the date of your application.
- Click here to fill out a form to have a member of MVFB’s Snap Enrollment team reach out to you.
- When the government reopens and benefits are restored, there will likely be a delay of several days before benefits are available on EBT Cards.
Resources Available During the Shutdown
If you or someone you know needs food assistance, we are here to help.
- To find a food pantry near you, use our food finding map or view the food pantry schedule
- If you are having trouble locating a pantry, call Project Bread‘s food resource hotline at 1-800-645-8333
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we work to provide food to as many people as possible.
How You Can Help
Meeting this challenge requires all of us. Now more than ever, we need to stand united to ensure that no one in our region goes without food.
Here’s how you can take action:
- Donate to the Merrimack Valley Food Bank
- Click HERE to make a secure online donation
- Every $1 you donate provides TWO meals for families in need
- Host a food drive or donate food
- Can’t make it to the grocery store? Visit our Amazon Wishlist
- Access our food drive tool kit and flyers HERE
- Follow MVFB on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn to help spread the word.