SNAP Benefits to Be Temporarily Suspended in November Amid Federal Shutdown
The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be temporarily suspended in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
According to DHR, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) issued guidance on Friday, October 24, 2025, directing all states to halt November benefit allotments until federal funding is restored, or further instructions are received.
This means no new SNAP benefits will be added to electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards beginning November 1. However, any funds already distributed before that date will remain available for use at authorized SNAP retailers.
“SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded; therefore, USDA controls the issuance of these benefits,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “We know SNAP benefits are vitally important to the more than 750,000 Alabamians who depend on the program each month. Alabama DHR, along with many others, hopes Congress will reach a resolution soon.”
While benefits will not be issued during the suspension, DHR emphasized that residents can continue applying for SNAP assistance. The agency will also keep processing applications and determining eligibility. Current recipients are encouraged to continue submitting recertifications and required documentation as usual to ensure benefits can be released promptly once the suspension is lifted.
