Update 11/17/25.
Now that the federal government shutdown has ended, we have a more positive final update on SNAP benefits. The new federal funding bill fully funds the SNAP program.
The weeks of confusion over partial payments and court cases are over. This is the definitive update: Every eligible household will receive their full 100% November benefit.
Here is what this means for you as of the week of November 17th.
What This Means For Your November Benefits
Everyone who is eligible for SNAP will receive their full 100% benefit for November. How and when you receive it depends on which of these three situations you are in:
1. If you have not received any November benefits yet
Your full 100% November payment is being processed this week. The USDA has directed all states to issue these payments promptly. Many states began processing these payments last week. Some examples:
- Alabama's DHR announced on November 13th that benefits should be available on November 17.
- The Tennessee Department of Human Services announced on November 17th that households that have not received any benefits should expect to receive their full benefit amount in the coming days.
Your Action: Check your EBT card balance daily. Your full payment is on the way.
2. If you already received a partial payment (like 50% or 65%)
You will receive a second payment to "top-up" your benefit to the full 100%. States are actively processing these "remainder" payments.
- The Georgia Department of Human Services announced recipients who received partial benefits would get the remainder by Tuesday, November 18.
- Tennessee announced these remainder payments would begin loading onto EBT cards beginning Monday, November 17.
- North Carolina announced it was processing the remainder of benefits last Friday, November 14th.
Your Action: Check your EBT card balance. You will see a second, smaller deposit arrive that brings your total November benefit to 100%.
3. If you already received your full 100% benefit last week
You are all set.
Some states (like Pennsylvania, Colorado, and Massachusetts) issued full payments around November 7th~8th during the legal challenges. The new funding bill makes these payments fully authorized.
Quick FAQ
What about December benefits? December benefits are fully funded.
- The government is funded through the new year, so you can expect your December benefits to arrive on your normal, scheduled day. The Tennessee DHS has confirmed this, stating, "December SNAP benefits will be issued in full on customers' normal date."
Does my EBT card still work?
- Yes. Your EBT card works, and any existing balance you have is safe. The system itself was never affected.
I just applied for SNAP. What about me?
- The new funding bill covers new applicants. States are actively processing applications, and if you are approved, you will receive your full, prorated November benefits. Mass.gov confirms that new applicants who are approved "will get their SNAP benefits starting 11/14 and over the next few days."
What about the court cases and "clawbacks"?
- All legal issues are now resolved. The Justice Department has dropped its appeals, and any discussion of "clawing back" benefits that were paid early is over.
We know this has been an incredibly stressful and confusing time. We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as they become available.
For Netspend customers, if you have any questions or experience any difficulties with your account or transactions, please reach out to our team at 1-866-647-6929. We are here to support you with any of your account needs.
