SNAP Benefits Cut to 65% Amid Government Shutdown Crisis

By Nicole Weatherholtz | Thursday, 06 November 2025 01:29 PM EST

A Department of Agriculture official revealed that beneficiaries of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive 65% of their normal allotment for November instead of an initial estimate of 50%. Patrick Penn, the department’s deputy undersecretary for food, nutrition and consumer services, disclosed the updated rate in a Wednesday night court filing.

Earlier this week, the Trump administration informed a federal judge that it would access over $4 billion in contingency funds to distribute half of November’s benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Under revised figures, a family of four in the contiguous United States would receive approximately $646 in SNAP benefits for the month.

The rationale behind the rate adjustment remains unclear, though the Justice Department described it as an “error” that was being corrected “as soon as it was discovered.” The timing for when more than 40 million recipients would receive payments remains uncertain.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated on social media that executing partial payments would take “several weeks,” urging Senate Democrats to end the shutdown. “Senate Democrats need to quit the games, quit holding American families hostage to ridiculous demands like health care for illegals, and REOPEN THE GOVERNMENT,” she wrote.

The government shutdown has entered its 37th day, becoming the longest in U.S. history. Several states, including Louisiana, New Mexico, and Vermont, have launched emergency measures to support SNAP recipients amid the funding stalemate.