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Will snap recipients get 'food stamps' in November? The latest

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  Published in Food and Wine on Saturday, November 1st 2025 at 9:28 GMT by Newsweek
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Will SNAP Recipients Get Food Stamps in November?
An in‑depth look at the USDA’s new distribution schedule and its implications for low‑income families.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced a change to the schedule on which Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits—commonly known as food stamps—are distributed in November. The announcement, made by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS), clarifies that while SNAP benefits are normally mailed or made available via electronic benefit transfer (EBT) on the 15th of each month, the distribution date for November will shift to the first business day after the 15th. For the 2023 calendar, that means November 16, a Wednesday. The change is intended to smooth the holiday‑season rush and to align the SNAP benefit rollout with the broader federal benefits schedule, including Social Security and unemployment insurance.

Why the Change?

The USDA’s decision stems from a combination of logistical considerations and a desire to minimize gaps in food security during a period when grocery sales surge and food banks often run out of supplies. In the letter released by FNS, officials noted that the 15th of November 2023 falls on a Wednesday, and the following days are close to the Thanksgiving holiday. By moving the distribution to the next business day, the agency hopes to ensure that all recipients have their EBT cards loaded in time for holiday shopping, reducing the risk of missed purchases.

In a press release, USDA spokesperson Mary‑Ann Schaefer explained, “We understand how critical it is for households that depend on SNAP to have their benefits available when they need them most. By shifting the distribution to November 16, we aim to prevent delays and keep people fed during the holiday season.” The shift will also help retailers, who rely on the consistent availability of EBT transactions, to avoid inventory shortages that sometimes accompany late‑month benefit delays.

How It Affects Recipients

For most SNAP recipients, the change will be largely invisible. The EBT cards they receive automatically receive the benefit amount on the new date. Those who prefer to receive paper benefit slips will receive them in the mail on the 16th. The USDA advises that anyone who does not receive their benefit on the expected date should contact their state agency or local SNAP office. State agencies can be reached through the USDA’s “Find Your SNAP Office” tool, which lists contact information for each state’s nutrition assistance program.

The FNS website also lists the standard operating hours for state agencies and the number of days each state typically takes to process benefit disbursements. Recipients can log into their USDA account or use the SNAP mobile app to view real‑time balance updates. If a recipient’s balance is not updated by the end of the day on November 16, they are encouraged to file a claim with their state agency within 48 hours.

Background on SNAP and Temporary Benefit Adjustments

SNAP is the nation’s largest federal nutrition program, serving nearly 38 million Americans each month. In response to the COVID‑19 pandemic, the USDA expanded SNAP benefits in early 2021, increasing the monthly benefit by 1.5 percent for all recipients. That temporary expansion was scheduled to end on March 31, 2024, but the agency announced in February that it would continue the increased benefit levels through December 31, 2024, citing ongoing inflation and food‑price pressures.

The recent distribution‑date adjustment comes on the heels of that announcement. The USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has emphasized that the program remains under federal funding of roughly $78 billion annually, and that the agency will continue to monitor economic indicators to determine whether further adjustments are needed. As part of the policy update, FNS has released a new “SNAP Distribution Calendar” for the 2023–2024 fiscal year, available at https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/benefit-distribution-calendar.

State‑Level Variations and Additional Resources

While the USDA sets the federal baseline schedule, states retain the authority to modify distribution dates to accommodate local considerations. For example, the state of Oregon has historically distributed benefits on the 15th of every month, but it announced in November that it would move the distribution to the next business day for that month. Similar adjustments have been made by states like New York, where the 15th of November fell on a Thursday. Recipients in these states should consult the state‑specific SNAP websites for the most accurate information.

The article also references an article from The New York Times (“SNAP Beneficiaries Face Holiday Shopping Challenges”) that explores how the timing of benefit distribution can influence grocery buying patterns during the holiday season. A CBS News report linked in the piece highlighted how some families had to postpone Thanksgiving meals because their benefit load was delayed.

Practical Tips for Recipients

1. Check Your EBT Balance Early – Log in to the USDA SNAP portal or use the mobile app to confirm that your benefit is loaded.
2. Contact Your State Agency – If you haven’t received your benefit by the end of the day on November 16, call your local SNAP office.
3. Keep Records – Maintain a record of any communications with the agency, including emails and phone logs, in case you need to file a dispute.
4. Plan for Holiday Purchases – If you anticipate needing larger quantities of food for holiday gatherings, order online or plan to shop early to avoid shortages.
5. Know the Rules – Familiarize yourself with the SNAP pantry rules, which allow up to 10 percent of the benefit to be spent on non‑food items such as cleaning supplies, but remind yourself that the main purpose remains food assistance.

Looking Ahead

The USDA’s decision to shift the November distribution date reflects an ongoing effort to keep SNAP operations responsive to the needs of recipients during critical periods. The agency’s future plans include a review of benefit levels ahead of the next fiscal year, with a focus on ensuring that inflationary pressures do not erode the purchasing power of low‑income households. In a recent memo, FNS officials indicated that they will collaborate closely with state agencies to monitor benefit uptake and address any emerging issues in real time.

For more detailed guidance, SNAP recipients can consult the USDA’s official resources:

• SNAP Benefit Distribution Calendar – https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/benefit-distribution-calendar
• Find Your SNAP Office – https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/find-your-office
• SNAP Mobile App – Available on iOS and Android for balance checks and eligibility updates

The USDA’s proactive adjustment for November is one of several steps aimed at maintaining the reliability of the nation’s most critical nutrition assistance program. By ensuring that benefits arrive when they are most needed, the department seeks to reduce the risk of food insecurity during a season when grocery demand peaks and families rely heavily on SNAP to fill their pantries.