What’s happening?
A convergence of policy shifts and funding troubles means November 2025 is set to be a turbulent month for SNAP recipients. Two major developments:
1. **Massive funding shortfall & benefit reductions**
According to guidance issued by the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), effective November 1 households’ maximum SNAP allotments will be **cut to 50 percent** of their current eligible amounts due to “limited availability of Federal funding.”
At the same time, states are facing delays in benefit distribution because system changes are required to implement the new allotment tables.
2. **New eligibility/work-requirement rules tighten access**
New rules go into effect that impact able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs). Under the new regime, ABAWDs must meet stronger work or training hour thresholds or risk losing benefits.
Also noteworthy: Some categories of exemption have been narrowed (caregiver definitions changed; veteran or homeless exemptions removed in some cases) under the new legislation.
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### What this means for SNAP recipients
Here are the practical implications you or someone you know may experience:
* **Smaller benefit amounts**: If your household is affected by the cut-to-50% rule, you may see roughly half of what you previously received in November. For many households this could mean a major shortfall in grocery support. (FNS guidance states the reduction applies to maximum allotments for the household size, and then net income is applied after that.)
* **Delayed benefit delivery**: The USDA warned that in some states it may take weeks or months for the reduced benefit amounts to be calculated and loaded onto EBT cards due to system reconfiguration. ([Reuters][2])
* **Stricter participation requirements**: If you are an able-bodied adult without dependents, the bar for staying eligible is higher. You may have to meet work/training hour requirements or face benefit termination sooner than under older rules. ([The Sun][3])
* **New applicants may face extra uncertainty**: Even if you apply and qualify, the reduced allotment and the funding shortfall could mean you receive fewer benefits than you expected, or later than expected. FNS guidance says processing must continue—but benefit amounts are reduced.
* **State‐level mitigation efforts**: Some states are stepping in to try to bridge gaps. For example, Maryland authorized state funds to cover part of the gap for November. ([The Washington Post][4]) But not all states have the resources to fully offset federal cuts.
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### Why is this happening?
The root causes are several:
* The federal government is in a funding crisis (due to the 2025 shutdown) which has impacted SNAP’s usual appropriations.
* Law and guidance (via 7 CFR 271.7 etc.) allow benefit reductions when federal funding is limited, and the USDA has formally invoked that authority for November.
* At the same time, new legislative changes (via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act) are imposing tighter eligibility/work rules and shifting some cost burdens to states.
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### What you should do
If you are a SNAP recipient (or may become one), here are the steps you should take to prepare:
* **Check your state’s SNAP website or EBT account** for notifications. States are required to notify households of changes under the rules.
* **Budget accordingly**: Expect lower benefit amounts (for some households) and potential delays. Plan your grocery budget and other costs with this in mind.
* **Maintain documentation & stay eligible**: If you’re subject to work/training requirements (especially if an ABAWD), ensure you have documentation and know how many hours you need.
* **Keep up with recertification and reporting**: Even with benefit reductions, the rules around certification and reporting changes continue.
* **Explore backup resources**: Food banks, local charitable programs, and state emergency assistance may be more important this month if benefits are delayed or reduced.
* **Contact your state SNAP agency** if you notice your benefits are not arriving or are significantly reduced; ask for an explanation and what recourse is available.
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### Final thoughts
The changes to SNAP in November represent some of the most significant disruptions the program has faced in recent years: both in how much recipients may receive and in who remains eligible. For many households that rely on this support for groceries, the timing and severity of the shift could hit hard.
That said, the reductions and changes do not mean the program ends—it means more of a squeeze. If you’re a recipient, staying informed, preparing ahead, and being proactive will help you navigate this difficult period.
