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SNAP Benefits Alert
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The federal government shutdown may delay November SNAP payments. We have information on other resources and assistance for residents who are impacted.

SNAP Benefits Alert for November 2025

November SNAP payments have been delayed due to the federal government shutdown.

Background: What You Need to Know

  • ALERT: The federal government shutdown has led to the delay of November SNAP benefits.
  • Your EBT Card Status:  A federal court has ruled that the USDA must release all November EBT funds. The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance is working on releasing the funds as soon as possible. Details will be provided on the DTA website as soon as they develop. If you have any SNAP funds left over from October, you can still use your EBT card. If you have at least $0.01 on your EBT card, Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) benefits will still be available to use. 

For the most current official information, always refer to the Massachusetts DTA Website. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the agency that runs SNAP in Massachusetts, will be providing information to current SNAP recipients via text and DTA Connect.

Questions? Call 311, and we will help you find resources.

Need Resources?

  • Last updated:
  • Looking for ways to support your community?

    You can donate to The Boston Foundation's "Meeting the Moment: Sustaining Families" to help support food banks, pantries, and other organizations providing food to those in need. 

    Donate

  • What Benefits Can I Still Access?

    What this Means
    • The Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) allows families to spend $40, $60, or $80 a month (depending on household size) at participating farmers markets, farm stands, mobile markets, and CSA programs. You will only be able to access your HIP benefit IF you have at least $0.01 left on your EBT card. However, if you have spent all your SNAP funds you will NOT be able to access your HIP benefit. This folder has a list of winter farmers markets in Boston where you can redeem your HIP incentives (available in multiple languages).
    • Home Delivered Meals (Meals on Wheels) offers nutritious food and wellness checks for the homebound will continue to be available. 
    • Older adults can also attend Community Meal Sites. These are free lunches provided in a social setting for older adults (60+) and their spouses. These programs are coordinated by the following providers:
      • Ethos
        • Meals offered: Diverse menu options including American, Caribbean, Vietnamese, Italian, Vegetarian, and Kosher meals.
        • To register for meals call (617) 522-6700 or visit the Ethos website.
      • Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center

    Frequently Asked Questions

    FAQ

    A federal court has ruled that the USDA must release all November EBT funds. The Massachusetts Department of Transitional Assistance is working on releasing the funds as soon as possible. Details will be provided on the DTA website as soon as they develop.

    Yes. The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), which runs SNAP in MA, is still processing new applications, but benefits won't be issued until funding is provided.

    DTA Offices will be open and available to answer questions. For hours of operation, please visit the links below.

    Older adults (60+) can call the DTA Senior Assistance line: 833-712-8027

    DTA Connect may not list the current balance starting in November. To check your balance, call the phone number on the back of your EBT card.

    Yes. The Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) is state funded and will still be available in the month of November. As long as you still have $0.01 left on your EBT card and the vendor processes HIP, there are no additional steps to utilize this benefit.  HIP gives SNAP recipients additional money every month, based on household size, to purchase local fresh fruits and vegetables from participating retailers.

    Not all SNAP retailers process HIP so use the DTA finder to locate your closest participating store. This folder has a list of farmers markets in Boston with vendors that accept HIP (available in multiple languages).

    Yes. Any funds on your EBT card from October or earlier can still be used.

    No. SNAP is not being eliminated. The delay in benefits for SNAP recipients is a result of the federal government shutdown. Once the federal government shutdown ends, you will receive all delayed benefits in full.

    No. Retailers can continue to process SNAP purchases as long as there are funds on customer EBT cards.

    No. There will be no impact to these programs for the month of November.

    If you have a resource that you feel should be listed on this page, please submit that information here

    • Last updated:
  • Looking for ways to support your community?

    You can donate to The Boston Foundation's "Meeting the Moment: Sustaining Families" to help support food banks, pantries, and other organizations providing food to those in need. 

    Donate

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