Harrisburg, PA – As of this morning, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has finished issuing full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefit payments for all Pennsylvania SNAP recipients. DHS’ swift action ends the harm and 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.
DHS had been preparing for the end of the government shutdown and started to issue benefits to SNAP recipients as soon as it received guidance from USDA. On Thursday, November 13 alone, DHS issued more than $276 million in food assistance to individuals and families who normally would have already received this payment. These benefits were in addition to those DHS issued on Friday, November 7 before the Trump administration’s request to stop issuance of SNAP benefits was granted. Emergency SNAP will also be able to resume for approved applicants for the rest of November, and December benefits will be issued on schedule at the start of next month.
“DHS staff was working tirelessly during the shutdown to make sure we were ready to get benefits out to Pennsylvanians as soon as funding was authorized. Once the federal shutdown ended, the DHS staff mobilized immediately to get these essential benefits out to SNAP recipients whose food assistance was disrupted by inaction from federal leadership, and I am grateful to say that because of this quick work, all unpaid November SNAP payments should now be on cards ready to be spent on food and groceries,” said DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh. “As we return to normal processes, I want to again thank our charitable food network for their work over the last month. If you are able to support to our charitable food network as they stabilize and restock to continue their essential work, I encourage you to continue this support.”
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. By close of business Friday November 7, DHS was only able to issue $70 million in SNAP funding before 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. Today’s work completes the issuance interrupted last week by the Trump Administration’s litigation.
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.
Pennsylvanians with questions about their SNAP benefits can call the Statewide Customer Service Center at 1-877-395-8930 (Philadelphia residents should call 215-560-7226).
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 more information about SNAP benefits, visit www.dhs.pa.gov/snap.