If the record-long government shutdown caused delays in your SNAP benefits, that should now be over.
The Florida Department of Children and Families said “all previously scheduled November SNAP benefits have been issued to eligible recipients” as of Monday, Nov. 14.
➤ Florida residents report benefits trickling in after shutdown
“Recipients scheduled to receive November SNAP benefits after Nov. 14 will receive their benefits on their normally scheduled issuance dates.”
Here’s what you should know.
What is SNAP?
Formerly known as the Food Stamp Program, SNAP stands for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.
It’s a federal program under the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service.
In Florida, the program is administered by the Florida Department of Children and Families Office of Economic Self-Sufficiency.
“SNAP provides nutritional support for low-income seniors, people with disabilities living on fixed incomes, and other individuals and families with low income,” the Florida Department of Children and Families said.
The program provides food assistance via monthly benefits on an Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at most grocery stores and farmers markets.
➤ Are you eligible for SNAP benefits?
Did government shutdown affect SNAP benefits?
The government shut down on Oct. 1 after Congress failed to agree on a budget or a continuing resolution to approve funding authority for most of its functions.
Because SNAP funds are distributed to states, which administer the program, recipients were able to receive their October benefits even as the shutdown persisted.
But the record 43-day shutdown led to delays in November benefits.
When will I get my November SNAP benefits in Florida?
“On Nov. 13, the USDA Food and Nutrition Service provided guidance to states allowing the payment of full November 2025 SNAP benefits to eligible recipients following the end of the federal government shutdown.
“As of 5 a.m. Nov. 14, all previously scheduled November SNAP benefits have been issued to eligible recipients, according to the Florida Department of Children and Families.
➤ Florida residents report benefits trickling in after shutdown
“Recipients scheduled to receive November SNAP benefits after Nov. 14 will receive their benefits on their normally scheduled issuance dates.”
➤ See available benefits on your ebtEDGE.com account
Florida SNAP benefits are released between the first and 28th of each month, depending on your case number.
Do I need to apply or renew to get my SNAP benefits in Florida?
The Florida Department of Children and Families said it continued to accept and process applications received during the shutdown.
“If you have already submitted an application or renewal, there is no need to reapply.
“Doing so will slow down the processing of your benefits.”
➤ Check the status of your case by logging into MyACCESS Portal
What to do if you got a notice food assistance is up for renewal
All SNAP renewal requirements were still in effect during the shutdown.
If you received a notice your food assistance is up for renewal, complete your renewal when it is due by logging into your MyACCESS Portal.
Are SNAP benefits available now on my EBT card?
Your existing SNAP benefits can be used now.
Check check your EBT card balance by visiting ebtEDGE.com.
This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Florida SNAP benefits and what to do to get them