The shutdown of the federal government has forced SNAP benefits for November to be suspended, said a statement from the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) on Monday.
The statement said that the DHR received "specific guidance" from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) that recipients will still be able to use benefits that were issued to their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) card prior to Nov. 1 this year at any SNAP authorized retailer.
But effective on Nov. 1, “FNS is suspending all November 2025 benefit allotments until…federal funding is provided, or until FNS directs State agencies otherwise,” said the statement.
Though benefits are suspended there will be no other changes to the program or client requirements.
SNAP benefits can still be applied for and DHR will process applications and decide eligibility but benefits will be suspended until the shutdown is lifted.
Those who are currently in the program will need to continue to recertify their benefits, make their normal reports, and submit all documents that are required for them to continue.
“SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded; therefore USDA (FNS) controls the issuance of these benefits on EBT cards. I was pleased to learn that FNS plans to reimburse November administrative costs which will help states financially,” said Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner.
“We know SNAP benefits are vitally important to the more than 750,000 Alabamians who depend on the more than $140 million in support each month. Alabama DHR, along with many others, hopes Congress will come to a quick resolution on the federal government shutdown.”
Help is available at local Feeding Alabama affiliated food banks. Visit feedingalabama.org for more information.
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