SNAP Update | November 12, 2025
Update as of November 13:
The federal government has reopened, allowing SNAP funding to resume its normal process at the national level after several weeks of uncertainty.
Washington State has issued full November SNAP benefits for households with release dates between November 1–7, with remaining recipients expected to receive their full benefits on their regular issuance dates.
The federal government’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is facing serious uncertainty as the shutdown continues, leaving millions of Americans waiting for their November benefits.
The situation around November SNAP benefits continues to change quickly as court rulings and federal actions unfold.
Here’s what we know as of November 12, 2025 at 10:00 AM:
A federal judge ordered the Administration to fund November SNAP benefits, either partially through the contingency fund or in full using additional sources.
The Administration chose the partial funding option, which would cover about half of the usual benefit amount.
When the Administration missed the court-ordered payment deadline, the judge issued a second order requiring full funding by Friday, November 7.
The Administration appealed that decision to the First Circuit Court of Appeals and requested a temporary stay.
On Friday November 7th, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson granted a temporary pause of the lower-court order while the appellate court reviews the case.
Some states, including Washington, had already begun issuing full payments after the district court’s ruling, but on Saturday the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) instructed states to halt or reverse those payments, calling them “unauthorized.”
The USDA clarified that any full benefit amounts showing on EBT cards may not be backed by federal reimbursement yet, meaning transactions could be declined until federal accounts are funded.
In the evening of November 10th, the First Circuit denied the administration’s request to halt the order requiring full November SNAP payments. The panel stated that the government hadn’t shown a strong likelihood of success on appeal.
The Supreme Court extended the stay on November 11th, keeping the lower court’s full-payment order on hold while the appeal proceeds. Justice Jackson dissented. Practically, this means full federal funding is not required yet.
At this time, SNAP benefits remain partially funded, and the situation may change quickly as the appellate court issues its decision.
HopeSource will continue monitoring updates from the USDA and state agencies to ensure our community has clear and accurate information.
What This Means for Our Community
For families and individuals relying on SNAP, this uncertainty can create real hardship. Many are turning to local food banks and community programs to fill the gap.
HopeSource remains committed to sharing clear, factual information as it becomes available. We will continue to monitor updates from the USDA, state agencies, and the courts to help our community navigate these changes.
If you or someone you know needs food support while waiting for SNAP benefits, local food pantries and community meal programs are available. Visit hopesource.us or contact our Customer Care team for help finding nearby resources.
You can also help make sure no one goes hungry during this time by supporting local food programs:
Donate: Monetary donations help programs buy food in bulk and meet urgent needs quickly.
Volunteer: A few hours of your time can make a big difference in distributing meals and supplies.
Spread the word: Share accurate information with others who may be affected or want to help.
Every act of generosity strengthens the safety net that keeps our neighbors fed while they wait for federal assistance to resume.