42 Million Americans Just Lost Food Benefits — Here's What's Happening

NEW YORK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 30: An EBT sign is displayed on the window of a grocery store on October 30, 2025 in the Flatbush neighborhood of the Brooklyn borough in New York City. Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits and other assistance are set to stop on November 1st amid a federal government shutdown that has been going on for 29 days and is the second-longest shutdown in the nation's history. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for extra emergency funds and personnel to be deployed, as SNAP payments will be suspended. About 42 million Americans are expected to lose access to their benefits.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW RIGHT NOW:

The Crisis: SNAP benefits (food stamps) for 42 million Americans were suspended starting November 1 due to the 32-day government shutdown. No new benefits are being issued until the shutdown ends or emergency funding is released.

Court Intervention: Two federal judges ruled Friday that the Trump administration must use emergency contingency funds to pay at least partial SNAP benefits. The administration has until Monday to clarify how much funding will be available.

If You Have Benefits Left: Any remaining balance on your EBT card from previous months can still be used. Those funds don't expire and will work normally in November.

State Help: Several states including Vermont, Louisiana, Virginia, Connecticut, and Guam are using local funds to cover some or all November benefits. Minnesota is sending $4 million to food banks.

The Shutdown Just Got Real for Millions