SNAP recipients to not receive benefits for November

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COLUMBIA, S.C. (WOLO)– The Department of Social Services (DSS) says SNAP recipients will not receive any benefits for the month of November.

Department officials say the benefits will not be disbursed due to the federal government shutdown which began the beginning of October.

SCDSS received notification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture instructing the apartment to hold November 2025 SNAP insurance files until further notice.

Based on recent issuance data, over 260,000 households in South Carolina rely on these benefits to supplement their family’s monthly food purchasing power.

Officials say until there is a resolution in Washington, D.C. and the federal government is funded and reopens, SCDSS will not be able to provide the federally funded benefits to new and on-going SNAP households until further notice.

The federal government shutdown was caused when Congress did not pass new funding legislation by the September 30 deadline.

The failure to pass new funding resulted in a temporary pause in many government operations and federally funded programs.

SCDSS offers the following tips for South Carolina’s SNAP households during this time of uncertainty:

• SNAP households can continue using your EBT card with existing funds during the federal government shutdown at approved SNAP retailers.
• Budget carefully any remaining funds from previous months on your EBT card.
• Look to local food banks and food pantries for assistance. According to the S.C. Department of Public Health, there are over 900 food banks and food pantries in the state.

For a food bank option Harvest Hope is open to the public, and also to find a food bank in your area, click here.