Trump Administration to Send Only Partial Food Stamp Payments This Month

November 3, 2025

The Trump administration announced it will only provide partial SNAP benefit payments to approximately 42 million Americans this month as the government shutdown continues into its sixth week. Federal court judges had ordered the administration to make full payments or find alternative funding sources, but officials chose to send only about half of November's benefits without tapping additional reserves. In response to the federal funding crisis, Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser authorized using $30.

Who is affected

Approximately 42 million Americans who receive SNAP benefits nationwide
85,000 District of Columbia households (representing roughly 141,000 residents) enrolled in SNAP
More than 12,500 D.C. residents in 8,300 households who receive WIC benefits
Low-income families relying on federal nutrition assistance programs
Grocery stores and small businesses that benefit from SNAP economic activity

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is sending partial payments (approximately half) of November SNAP benefits
Mayor Muriel Bowser is authorizing the use of local D.C. contingency funds totaling $30.5 million ($29 million for SNAP and $1.5 million for WIC) to ensure uninterrupted November benefits for District residents
D.C. officials are moving forward with local payments to protect residents during the federal shutdown

Why it matters

This situation matters because millions of low-income Americans face food insecurity as essential nutrition assistance is being cut during the prolonged government shutdown. SNAP and WIC programs serve as critical lifelines for families to afford groceries and proper nutrition, and the disruption threatens their ability to meet basic needs. Beyond individual hardship, these programs generate significant economic activity—every SNAP dollar produces $1.54 in local economic impact through grocery stores and small businesses. D.C.'s decision to use emergency funds demonstrates the severity of the crisis and sets a precedent for local governments stepping in to fill federal gaps, though this solution depletes reserves meant for other emergencies.

What's next

The District of Columbia will replenish its contingency fund in the city's next budget cycle. Mayor Bowser stated that D.C. will continue protecting residents and doing its job until the federal government reopens and resumes its responsibilities.

Read full article from source: The Washington Informer