Featured State News

Full November SNAP Benefits Restored Friday After Congress Ends Government Shutdown

Phyllis Coley @phyllis_coley

RALEIGH, N.C. — Relief is finally here for North Carolina families. After 43 days of political gridlock, Congress reached a deal late Wednesday night to reopen the federal government — triggering the release of full November SNAP benefits to hundreds of thousands of households across the state.

The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) confirmed Thursday that full November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments will be loaded onto EBT cards Friday morning, reaching approximately 600,000 households.

This swift action follows new guidance from the USDA earlier Thursday, authorizing states to issue full benefits immediately.

State Leaders Praise the Rapid Response

Governor Josh Stein said the restored funds will bring immediate relief:

“People will be able to go to the grocery store this weekend to purchase the food they need to keep their loved ones healthy and strong.”

NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai added that his team moved the moment authorization arrived:

“As soon as we received authorization from the federal government, we immediately began working to get benefits out to the nearly 1.4 million people who depend on SNAP.”

Weeks of Confusion and Lawsuits Lead to Resolution

The shutdown created nationwide uncertainty as SNAP guidance shifted repeatedly. North Carolina joined one of several lawsuits challenging the federal government’s refusal to use contingency funds to maintain benefits in November.

Attorney General Jeff Jackson said Thursday’s reversal validates the state’s legal action:

“It was wrong and unlawful for the federal government to use our children as political pawns during the shutdown. Now that the government has reopened and we’ve won our case, North Carolinians will get the rest of their November SNAP payments.”

Partial Payments Will Be Corrected Friday

On Nov. 7, over 586,000 households received 65% of their usual maximum benefit, based on earlier USDA guidance.

  • Households receiving maximum benefits saw a 35% reduction.
  • Others received even smaller amounts.
  • Thousands received no payment at all due to the USDA formula.

All remaining funds will be deposited Friday.
Some households may receive November benefits earlier than usual, but December benefits will follow the standard schedule.

How to Check Your EBT Balance

SNAP beneficiaries can confirm their updated benefits using:

  • ebtEDGE mobile app
  • ebtEDGE.com
  • Customer service line: 1-888-622-7328

Any funds already on the card remain available for use.

NCDHHS is also updating its SNAP webpage and shutdown resource page with real-time information and FAQs.

Need Food Assistance Today?

North Carolinians facing immediate food insecurity can:

  • Dial 2-1-1 for local food resources
  • Visit NCDHHS’s food access website for pantry locations and community support

Conclusion

Friday’s full-payment release marks a critical turning point for families caught in the turmoil of the nation’s longest government shutdown. With the federal government now reopened, North Carolina officials say they remain committed to ensuring residents receive timely food assistance without further disruption.