Dear Friends,
Starting November 1, 2025, New Yorkers lost access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits due to the conservative government shutdown. SNAP supports more than one million New Yorkers—including children, working families, seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities—in putting food on the table.
I was proud to join the entire New York Democratic delegation in urging the Trump Administration to fund November SNAP benefits, using funds and authority he has. The Administration has not fully funded SNAP benefits for November. A federal judge ruled that Trump must continue to fund SNAP using emergency funds during a government shutdown. Despite this ruling, November SNAP benefits are still delayed and not funded in full.
I want to ensure you have the information you need regarding SNAP benefits, resources to help you during this time, and how it might affect your everyday life.
Here’s what you need to know:
SNAP Benefits During the Shutdown
Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits were delayed. This includes regular November benefits and any other expedited or prior month SNAP benefits. At this writing, due to a lawsuit, SNAP benefits are due to be partially funded but still are not.
This matter is still developing, and we encourage you to follow this matter closely for the latest news.
As we navigate this time, below is guidance for you if you are a SNAP recipient, have recently applied, plan to apply, or are in immediate need of food assistance.
If you currently receive SNAP benefits:
- All benefits missed during the shutdown will be issued once funding resumes.
- 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 participating retailers and farmers' markets. You can check your EBT balance at ebtEDGE.com or through the app.
- SNAP compliance requirements remain in place. Individuals must continue to complete all SNAP-related requirements, including recertifications, returning periodic reports, and reporting changes, even during the federal government shutdown.
If you recently applied or plan to apply for SNAP Benefits:
- Applications can be submitted at your local Department of Social Services or online through mybenefits.ny.gov.
- New York City residents can apply through ACCESS HRA or at an HRA SNAP Center.
- Applications for SNAP will still be processed, but newly approved households after November 1st will not receive benefits until federal funding is reinstated.
- Approval notices for SNAP benefits may still be sent, but benefits will not be distributed until the government shutdown ends or federal funding is available.
- For the latest updates, visit OTDA, ACCESS HRA, myBenefits, or call 1-888-328-6399 for EBT customer service.
Immediate Food Assistance
For information on available food resources that receive government funding, such as food banks, food pantries, hot meals, and more, please visit:
Know that in these challenging times, your voices matter, and my offices remain open and available to assist you. As I continue to work for the people of New York’s 12th Congressional District, together, we can work toward a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of all New Yorkers and all Americans.
Once federal funding is provided or the federal government shutdown ends, all SNAP households should be issued benefits. For the most up-to-date information or guidance on the government shutdown, please visit my website at Nadler.House.gov or reach out to my offices at:
District Office: 212-367-7350
Washington, D.C.: 202-225-5635
Sincerely,
