Harrisburg, PA – The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has restarted issuing full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments, ending the disruption created by the federal government shutdown and the Trump Administration’s unwillingness to use United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) contingency and other available funding to continue food assistance through the shutdown.
Benefits are going out and should be paid to all SNAP recipients by the end of the week.
“I again want to extend my deepest gratitude to our food banks, food pantries, and every Pennsylvanian who showed the true meaning of community through this crisis. I am relieved we can finally get these critical benefits out, and I urge those who are able to continue to support to our charitable food network as they stabilize and restock to continue their essential work,” said DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh. “While the federal government has resumed operations, the effects of this shutdown will last.”
Following a federal judge’s ruling that the Trump Administration must issue full SNAP benefits while the federal government was shut down, the Shapiro Administration worked quickly to begin to issue full payments last week to those who were owed them. The Trump Administration went to the Supreme Court to stop payment of this life-sustaining food assistance, keeping millions of people in Pennsylvania and nationwide in limbo.
Benefits will be issued as quickly as possible, and DHS expects that all November SNAP benefits should be received by the weekend. SNAP recipients can check their EBT card balance with the ConnectEBT app or website, and DHS strongly encourages SNAP recipients to use ConnectEBT to keep their card locked when the card isn’t in use to protect their benefits from skimming or theft.
A Vital Program for Pennsylvania’s Economy
Beyond the program’s critical health and food benefits, SNAP is also an economic driver for Pennsylvania’s local businesses. In Pennsylvania, more than 10,600 retailers accept SNAP benefits for food purchases across 38,000 locations. Disrupting this program can drastically affect the economic well-being of vendors, farmers, and stores across Pennsylvania. In September 2025 alone, DHS issued $354,038,245 in SNAP benefits. According to the USDA’s Economic Research Center, each $1 issued in SNAP benefits grew Pennsylvania’s economy by $1.54 through job retention, creation, and income for farms and other agricultural producers.
Supporting Our Charitable Food Network
On October 31, Governor Shapiro signed a declaration of disaster emergency to quickly drive out $5 million in state funding to Feeding Pennsylvania to distribute across its network of food banks. The Governor has also led a private fundraising campaign — announcing that a total of $2 million has been raised from private donors through the new SNAP Emergency Relief Fund. The state funds will help offset the impact of the federal government’s failure to deliver SNAP benefits as scheduled for November, creating avoidable fear and uncertainty and increased need for Pennsylvania’s charitable food network.
The enacted 2025-26 Budget also includes $11 million to support life-sustaining food security programs, including:
$3 million for the State Food Purchase Program and $1 million for the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS).
$2 million for a new State Food Bucks program to supplement SNAP.
$5 million in new funding to Pennsylvania food banks.
Pennsylvanians are strongly encouraged to continue to support their local food banks and pantries — by donating money, canned goods, or time to help feed neighbors in need as the federal government shutdown continues and we approach the holiday season. Visit feedingpa.org to learn how to donate or volunteer.
For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate pa-navigate.org/ to help find food and other resources. Local help is also available by visiting www.pa211.org. Pennsylvanians can also visit www.feedingpa.org to find local food banks and other food assistance programs.
For more information about SNAP benefits, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/snap.