Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, individuals who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, also known as food stamps, will experience delays in receiving their November payments. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to issue partial payments while federal funding remains uncertain. Whether you receive full or partial benefits will depend on the results of two pending federal lawsuits. State processing times may also cause additional delays before funds appear on EBT cards.
For information on the federal government shutdown and November SNAP benefits, visit Frequently Asked Questions About November SNAP benefits for the latest information.
If you currently receive SNAP:
- You will be notified about the status of your November SNAP benefits by the NYS Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) through the OTDA website, NYC ACCESS HRA, myBenefits, the ebtEDGE app, and by text.
- Any unused benefits will remain available after November 1—you can check your EBT balance at ebtEDGE.com or through the app.
- Continue completing required steps like recertifications and periodic reports to stay eligible.
If you want to apply for SNAP:
- SNAP applications are still being processed and accepted.
- If you are approved to receive SNAP benefits, then you may not receive benefits until funding is restored.
If you need immediate food assistance:
- Food Help NYC maintains a list of food pantries and soup kitchens in an interactive map: Food Pantries & Soup Kitchens.
- Food Bank for NYC and City Harvest also have maps that include mobile markets and community fridges, in addition to pantries and meal service.
- Visit Access HRA to see if you are eligible for other benefits programs.
- The NYC Mayor’s Office of Food Policy have also created a comprehensive resource list for impacted SNAP recipients, with information for Medicaid participants and older adults.
Upcoming SNAP Work Requirement Changes
Beginning November 1, new federal SNAP rules will expand work requirements for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). Adults aged 18 to 64, formerly 54, will need to work, volunteer, or participate in an approved training program for at least 80 hours per month to receive benefits for more than three months within a three-year period. The update removes prior exemptions for veterans, people experiencing homelessness, and former foster youth, and narrows the exemption for parents to those with children under age 14.
If you are subject to new work requirements:
You will receive, or have already received, a notice from NYC’s Human Resources Administration (HRA).
If you do not currently meet these new work requirements, you will be sent a separate notice to schedule an appointment with HRA's PACE provider for help in finding qualifying work activities.
For more details on available support and local food resources view our SNAP Resources flyer. For any questions, reach out to Abigail Leonard, Policy and Communications Analyst, at aleonard@childrensaidnyc.org.
