In a letter to state health officials earlier this month, Ronald Ward -- the acting head of SNAP -- warned that "if the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation."

The increase in SNAP benefits for a single person is $6 per month for fiscal year 2026, which began in October. That means that person now receives $298 per month on their EBT card, where SNAP benefits are deposited. For two people, maximum benefits rose to $546; for three, $785; and for four, $994.

If the government shutdown is not resolved by Nov. 1, nearly 42 million people will be cut off from food aid benefits.

After more than 200 House Democrats sent a letter to Agriculture Department Secretary Brooke Rollins on Friday that urged her to release contingency funds to pay food-aid benefits for millions of low-income Americans,

Forty-two million low-income Americans use SNAP. Benefits could shrink if the government shutdown drags into November.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins has indicated, and media have reported, that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will run out of funding for food assistance for November as a result of the government shutdown.

More than 63,000 low-income Vermonters could see their federal food benefits disappear next month if the government shutdown lasts through October, and administration officials say the state might not be able to bridge the gap.