USDA Memo Orders States to Halt November SNAP Issuance Until Further Notice

USDA acting SNAP Administrator Ronald Ward sent a memo on October 16, 2025, instructing all state agencies to halt the issuance of November SNAP benefits until further notice, citing insufficient federal funds. The memo warned that continuing the shutdown would leave inadequate appropriations to pay full November benefits for approximately 42 million recipients. States that had already begun processing November distributions were told to pause, creating immediate confusion for benefit administrators and recipients.