When Will SNAP Benefits Be Given To New York Families?
While the longest federal government shutdown in history has ended, confusion remains over SNAP benefits. The 43-day shutdown finally came to a close after Democrats in the U.S. House and the Senate voted in favor of a short-term funding bill, giving the GOP the votes it needed. They effectively ended the shutdown by negotiating with Republicans to reach a deal after a stalemate had been in place for weeks.
Now that the government is reopened, one would think SNAP benefits would start flowing. But that may not be the case. Governor Kathy Hochul had instructed the state to begin sending out full benefits, despite Trump's order not to, per The Gothamist. It's sad that the greatest country in the world is fighting over feeding the neediest in America.
KEEP READING: New York Judge Orders $112 Million For Unlawful ICE Detentions
However, the Department of Agriculture told states to stop paying out SNAP and immediately undo any benefits that were paid. This happened on November 9, 2025, three days prior to the end of the shutdown. It is unclear if New York was able to grant SNAP benefits to all 3 million recipients in the state or whether it reversed any of the distributions it made.
The Supreme Court allowed the current administration to pause funding SNAP until today, Thursday, November 13. It is not clear how quickly benefits will be released with all of this mayhem and madness going on. While the federal government figures out what it is doing regarding SNAP, Gov. Hochul announced yesterday that $550,000 was made available to SUNY community college food pantries to address the food insecurity crisis on campuses around the state. Thankfully, leadership in New York is working to ensure that families and residents do not go hungry.
KEEP READING: Gov. Hochul Fights For Heating Aid In New York
On November 10, the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance said that full SNAP benefits were issued to eligible households and others would continue to receive them during the week. So, it appears they did not follow the USDA directive in an effort to make sure New York families can buy groceries, especially before the holidays.
Gov. Hochul made a statement when the end of the shutdown was announced,
“At a time when Republicans control every lever of the federal government, they shut it down, creating chaos in our airports, in our federal workforce, and for hungry families who depend on SNAP — all to take affordable health care away from millions of Americans. For 43 days, they chose dysfunction over delivering for the American people. And now their bill ends the shutdown at the direct expense of working families who face devastating premium hikes and higher health care costs. New York’s seven Republicans in Congress need to put their constituents first and extend Affordable Care Act tax credits in the new year. New Yorkers deserve leaders who show up and fight for them. I’ll keep fighting every day to make life more affordable.”
More From 93.7 WBLK
