2025 SNAP crisis unfolded: From work mandates to government shutdown, what you need to know
This detailed timeline reveals the critical legal battles, policy changes, and funding challenges shaping SNAP’s uncertain path this year and reveals how millions of people are being affected by mounting economic pressures and political strife.
Early 2025: Federal funding for SNAP continues through September 30, 2025, under the extension of the Farm Bill provisions, maintaining the stability of the program. States have been given guidance on aligning benefits with inflation adjustments, limiting increases amid rising food prices.
After President Trump signed the Big Good Bill on July 4, 2025, they began issuing implementation guidance to states on the new SNAP rules and benefit formula changes.
October 1: The government shutdown comes after lawmakers in Congress failed to reach an agreement on funding for federal agencies and programs. SNAP is not immediately affected and may pay for October.
24 October: The Trump administration has informed states that it will not use its $5 billion reserve fund to provide partial SNAP benefits. This reverses previous government guidance that said emergency funds would be used to continue food stamp payments during the shutdown.28 October: Nearly two dozen states, including Arizona, California and Massachusetts, have sued the Trump administration over its refusal to continue funding SNAP, calling the cuts unnecessary and illegal. They’re asking a federal judge in Boston to order the Agriculture Department to restart funding to avoid benefit cuts in November.30 October: A coalition of cities, religious groups and nonprofits is also filing a lawsuit aimed at forcing the release of SNAP funds.
The Trump administration defended its decision to withhold SNAP funds at a federal court hearing in Massachusetts. But the judge expresses skepticism, arguing that although the government has access to emergency and tariff revenue funds, legal and budgetary issues prevent access to them.
31 October: U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ruled against the Trump administration. Directs the government to use emergency and tariff funds for immediate payment of SNAP benefits.
1 November: In a written decision, Judge McConnell gives the administration the option to withhold all or part of SNAP payments during the week to prevent recipients from “suffering irreparable harm.” He orders immediate action.
November 3: The administration said in court filings that it initially planned to send out partial payments estimated at about half the normal amount, but significant delays were expected. USDA’s later guidance indicates disruptions and delays could be more severe and some families could be left without assistance in November.
4 November: President Trump threatened on social media to withhold SNAP payments until Democrats reopened the government, but the White House later said it would comply with the court order.
6 November: Judge McConnell ruled that full SNAP benefits must be paid by November 7. He criticizes the administration for political motivations and demands the use of all available emergency funds.
7 November: The Justice Department petitioned the U.S. Court of Appeals, arguing there was no legal basis for mandating full SNAP funding. The court’s refusal to stay the decision immediately led to an urgent application to the Supreme Court.
Later that night, Judge Jackson temporarily stayed the lower court’s decision to allow further review. Many states had already begun offering full benefits, causing confusion.
Effects and considerations:
- Imposing work requirements could cause an estimated tens of thousands of individuals to lose eligibility if required compliance is not achieved.
- Declining benefits are compounding hardship due to inflationary pressures on food costs and threatening the nutrition of vulnerable households.
- Administrative burdens and various government interventions complicate access and timely publication.
- Public advocacy and legal challenges continue; This underscores the tension between fiscal policy objectives and social welfare needs.
2025 marks a year of historic cuts and significant reforms for SNAP. Stakeholders need to remain alert to evolving policies and judicial decisions to effectively guide aid eligibility and distribution during this turbulent time.
