What You Need to Know About the November 2025 SNAP Shutdown, Work Rules, and Where to Find Help

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Introduction: What SNAP Is and Why It Matters Now

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — formerly known as “food stamps” — is America’s largest anti-hunger safety net, serving more than 41 million people nationwide and nearly 1.4 million Georgians each month. It provides monthly financial assistance through Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards, which can be used to buy groceries at authorized retailers, farmers markets, and grocery stores.

Snap Shutdown — Will Americans Receive Their SNAP Benefits

SNAP is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered locally by each state’s Department of Human Services (DHS). In Georgia, it’s managed by the Division of Family & Children Services (DFCS). For millions of families, seniors, and workers, SNAP isn’t just a government benefit — it’s a lifeline that helps put food on the table when paychecks fall short or emergencies hit.

But now, that lifeline is at risk.

As of October 2025, Georgia officials have confirmed that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits may not be issued for November unless Congress restores funding. This means that thousands of households could face sudden food insecurity. On top of that, new federal work requirements for certain adult recipients — known as Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) — are scheduled to take effect on November 1, tightening eligibility just as benefits are threatened.

This double impact — a funding freeze and stricter eligibility rules — could push many Georgia families into financial crisis unless immediate action is taken.

Major developments

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified the Georgia Department of Human Services (DHS) that there is insufficient federal funding to cover SNAP benefit allotments for November 2025, given the ongoing federal government shutdown. Georgia Department of Human
As a result, Georgia DHS says that SNAP benefits will not be issued beginning November 1, 2025, unless federal funding is restored.
For now: Any benefits already loaded on a participant’s EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) card before November 1 can still be used. But new benefits for November will not be deposited unless the funding changes.
In Georgia, around 1.4 million people (including more than 640,000 children) rely on SNAP — about 10–12% of the state’s population. https://www.atlantanewsfirst.com+1
Separately, Georgia will implement stricter work/training requirements for “Able‐Bodied Adults Without Dependents” (ABAWDs) under SNAP beginning Nov 1, 2025. The changes affect who must meet certain hours of work/training to remain eligible. Georgia Department of Human

Why this matters

SNAP in Georgia is 100% federally funded (the benefits themselves) and processed by the state. So when the federal funding stops or is delayed, so do the benefits. Georgia Department of Human Services+1
A gap in benefits means many households must cover food costs they may have been expecting to be assisted with — this can throw off monthly budgets, increase stress, and force difficult decisions around necessities.
The ABAWD rule means some individuals who don’t have dependent children may face eligibility risk unless they meet the new work/training requirements. That adds another layer of risk on top of the funding problem.

What this means for your finances

If you or someone in your household receives SNAP in Georgia — or is eligible and about to apply — here’s how the current situation can impact you and what you should watch out for.

Immediate risk

The benefits you expect on November 1 may not arrive. That means funds you budgeted for groceries may disappear or shrink.
If you have leftover balance on your EBT card from October, that will be usable — but they will not load new money for November unless the funding is restored. Georgia Department of Human
For households relying heavily on those benefits each month, even a one‐month gap can mean skipping meals, buying cheaper/lower-quality food, or increasing debt (credit cards, borrowing) to fill the gap.

Longer‐term risks

If the work/training requirement for ABAWDs isn’t met, benefits could be cut for that group — meaning in future months the household may lose benefits permanently or repeatedly until requirements are met. PAMMS+1
If benefits are delayed, stores and local economies feel it: SNAP funds circulate through local grocery stores, farmers markets, and other retailers. A drop in benefits means less consumer spending, which can ripple in some communities. FOX 5 Atlanta+1
If you’re newly applying for SNAP now, there is a catch: your application may still be accepted, but even if approved you may not see benefits loaded until the federal funding is resolved. Georgia Department of Human Services

What you should consider now

Re‐evaluate your food and grocery budget assuming you do not receive November SNAP benefits — i.e., build a worst‐case scenario.
Use any remaining EBT card balance now to purchase non-perishable items or items you’ll need if benefits are disrupted.
Identify where you can reduce other expenses (transportation, utilities, subscriptions) so you can re-allocate to groceries if needed.
Explore supplementary food support: food pantries, community centers, school food programs, etc., to fill any gap.
If you’re subject to the ABAWD rule (18-54, able‐bodied, no dependents), understand the new work/training requirements now so you don’t lose eligibility on top of the funding issue.

What to do right now: Your next‐step checklist

Here’s a simple action list tailored for Georgians that can help you protect yourself or your household.

Check your EBT card balance
Log in via the ConnectEBT app (Android or iOS) or visit the website. Know how much you have left from October. Georgia DHS recommends this. Georgia Department of Human Services+1
Shop ahead if you can
Use your remaining EBT balance to purchase essential non-perishables, items with longer shelf life, and staples you rely on. Think ahead for at least one month.
Budget assuming no November benefit
Create two versions of your household budget: one with SNAP continuing as expected, and one with SNAP paused. Plan for the possibility of the pause.
Look for local food assistance resources
Search for food banks, church pantries, community centers in your county. Make a list of contacts and hours now — you don’t want to wait until you’re already in crisis.
If you are an ABAWD or may be one soon:
- Check if you are flagged as someone without dependents, age 18-54, able to work.
- Review the new work/training requirement: For ABAWDs, generally about 80 hours/month of work, training or volunteer activity. Food and Nutrition Service+1
- Contact Georgia DHS or your local SNAP office and ask: “Am I required to meet the new program rules as of Nov 1? What do I need to do?”
- Keep documentation of your hours, training, or volunteer activity if you’re meeting the requirement.
Stay informed
- Monitor the Georgia DHS website or social-media for updates. They will post changes if funds are restored or if the federal government acts. Georgia Department of Human Services+1
- Keep tabs on your U.S. Senators and Representative: decisions in Washington D.C. will determine when/if benefits resume.
- If the federal shutdown ends or funding is restored, benefits may still be delayed as Georgia catches up with processing. So treat “resumption” as a possibility, not a guarantee on schedule.
Advocate if you can
- If you are comfortable, contact your elected officials and share how a benefit pause would affect your household.
- Let local food banks, community organizers know your situation — sometimes coordinated action can bring more attention (and possibly extra support) to communities at risk.

Final word

If you live in Georgia and depend on SNAP, this is not business as usual. The program is on shaky footing due to the federal shutdown and new rules coming in. The key takeaway: prepare now for a possible disruption. Whether it’s using your remaining benefits asap, adjusting your budget, tapping into local resources, or keeping an eye on changing rules — taking action today will reduce the risk of being caught off guard.

Below is a collection of verified resources to help Georgia residents check their benefit status, find local food support, and stay informed while the situation unfolds.

Georgia SNAP & Food Support Resources

🔹 Official Georgia SNAP Information

Georgia Department of Human Services – SNAP Updates (Official)
– Official updates on benefit issuance, policy changes, and shutdown notices.
Georgia SNAP Benefits & EBT Portal (DFCS)
– Apply, renew, or manage your SNAP case online.
ConnectEBT Georgia Portal
– Check your SNAP/EBT balance, transaction history, and benefit deposits.

🔹 Food & Nutrition Help

Georgia Food Bank Association
– Connects you to your local food bank and community distribution sites.
Feeding Georgia Food Bank Locator
– Find nearby food pantries, meal programs, and assistance hotlines.
Atlanta Community Food Bank
– Provides emergency food assistance in Metro Atlanta and North Georgia.
America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia
– Food access programs serving Savannah, Brunswick, and coastal communities.
Georgia Mountain Food Bank
– Emergency food resources for Hall and surrounding counties.

🔹 Federal and National Support

USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) – SNAP Program
– Official federal updates on SNAP funding, waivers, and work requirement rules.
Feeding America – Food Finder
– National database of food banks and hunger-relief organizations.

🔹 Crisis & Legal Aid

Georgia Legal Services Program (GLSP)
– Offers free legal help for low-income Georgians facing benefit denial or eligibility issues.
United Way 211 Georgia
– Call 2-1-1 or use the site to locate food, housing, and emergency resources in your area.