(Updated December 31, 2025)
If your EBT card is still at $0 and it’s supposed to load December 1–3, you’re not alone — and you’re not losing your benefits. December 2025 SNAP payments are hitting on time for 90–95 % of households, but 5–10 % of people are seeing 1–10 day delays because of the massive November federal funding shutdown (Oct 1 – Nov 12). The USDA and states are still catching up.
This article explains exactly what happened, which states are affected, when you’ll get your money, and what to do right now if your card is empty.
What Actually Happened (The Real Timeline)
- Oct 1 – Nov 12, 2025: 43-day federal government shutdown (longest in history).
- USDA Contingency Fund ($4.65 billion) only covered half of November SNAP benefits in 15 states.
- Nov 12: Shutdown ended → full funding restored.
- Nov 13 – 30: States rushed to fix partial payments and process backpay → huge backlog.
- December 1–3: Most December loads went out on schedule, but some systems are still finishing November fixes → delays for a small group.
USDA confirmed on December 1: No December benefits are cut or canceled — just timing issues in a handful of places.
States with Reported Delays (as of December 3, 2025)
| State | Delay Length | Who’s Affected Most | Expected Fix Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 3–10 days | NYC, Long Island | Dec 5–12 |
| Pennsylvania | 2–7 days | Philadelphia area | Dec 4–8 |
| Colorado | 1–5 days | Denver & rural counties | Dec 4–6 |
| Michigan | 2–6 days | Detroit metro | Dec 5–9 |
| Ohio | 1–4 days | Cleveland, Columbus | Dec 4–7 |
| Most other states | On time | None | Already loaded |
Why the Delay Feels So Bad Right Now
- Holidays = higher grocery needs.
- Many families used November’s partial payment and were counting on December 1.
- Some states mailed paper checks as backup — those take 7–14 days.
What to Do If Your December SNAP Is Late
- Check your balance first
- Call the number on your card (free)
- Use the state app or ebtEDGE.com
- Some banks show it before the card updates
- Call your local office or 211 Say: “My December SNAP hasn’t loaded — can you check for backpay or expedite?” They can usually fix it same day or next.
- Ask for emergency/expedited SNAP If you have less than $100 cash and your rent/utilities are due, you can get up to a full month’s benefits in 7 days or less.
- Food banks are open extra hours Find one at feedingamerica.org or text your ZIP to 97779.
Good News – No Cuts Coming in December
- The shutdown is over.
- January 2026 payments are fully funded.
- Work requirement changes for ABAWDs (able-bodied adults without kids) are delayed until at least March 2026.
Your benefits are safe — just a timing hiccup for some.
Bottom Line
If your card loaded December 1–3 → you’re good. If it didn’t → it’s coming in the next few days (worst case by Dec 12 in affected states).
Hang in there — you’re not being cut off. Comment your state below and I’ll tell you the exact date most people are seeing it hit. ❤️
(Sources: USDA FNS December 3 update, state SNAP portals, 211 reports)
