Ongoing Government Shutdown Prompts Temporary Suspension Of SNAP Benefits In Alabama

TUSCALOOSA, AL — The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) has confirmed that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be temporarily suspended due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

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The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) notified Alabama officials Friday evening that it will suspend all SNAP benefit allotments for November until federal funding resumes or FNS directs otherwise.

According to the guidance, recipients may continue using benefits already loaded onto their electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards before Nov. 1, 2025, at any authorized retailer.

However, no new benefits will be issued until the suspension is lifted.

Individuals may still apply for SNAP benefits during the suspension, and DHR says it will continue to process applications. DHR said that benefits will not be distributed until federal funding is restored.

Current recipients must continue to recertify their benefits, submit documentation and report changes as usual so their eligibility files can be processed immediately once the suspension ends.

“SNAP benefits are 100% federally funded; therefore USDA controls the issuance of these benefits on EBT cards,” Alabama DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner said in a statement. “We know SNAP benefits are vitally important to the more than 750,000 Alabamians who depend on more than $140 million in support each month. Alabama DHR, along with many others, hopes Congress will come to a quick resolution on the federal government shutdown.”

Buckner also said FNS plans to reimburse November administrative costs to help state agencies manage the financial impact.

Clients in need of additional food support during the suspension are encouraged to contact local Feeding Alabama–affiliated food banks or other local food assistance programs partnered with DHR.

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