NCDHHS SNAP Benefits November Warning: State Alerts Counties About Possible Delays and Reductions Amid Federal Shutdown
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) has sent a formal notice to all county social services offices warning that November 2025 SNAP benefits could be delayed, reduced, or canceled if the ongoing federal government shutdown continues.
What’s in the Notice
According to a letter dated October 16, 2025, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) told NCDHHS that current federal funds are not enough to guarantee full November food stamp distributions statewide.
The USDA also directed all states to pause November EBT issuance files while the agency evaluates next steps.
The letter makes clear that October benefits remain unaffected and have already been issued under the normal schedule.
NCDHHS says county DSS offices should continue normal application processing, including expedited cases and recertifications. However, expedited allotments processed after October 15 may only receive prorated October benefits because of the uncertainty surrounding November.
Loading...
Reload document 
Open in new tab The department also announced that its “More Than a Job” program—which applies to able-bodied adults without dependents—has been temporarily suspended.
Participants in good standing will automatically receive a “good cause” exemption due to the shutdown.
North Carolina’s Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) program serves nearly 1.4 million residents who rely on SNAP benefits for monthly food access.
For many low-income families, these benefits are the difference between putting food on the table and going hungry. Advocates warn that any delay could be devastating for children, seniors, and people with disabilities.
Because of the shutdown, state administrative funding is also at risk, leaving counties with limited flexibility to respond if USDA funding lapses further.
NCDHHS says it is waiting for further direction from the USDA regarding whether November benefits will be canceled, delayed, suspended, or reduced.
Residents are urged to stay alert for official updates from their local county DSS offices or from NCDHHS directly.
