SNAP benefits in GA partially restored but delayed. Here’s how much and how long of a wait

Just as the funding deadline for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) passed, President Trump’s administration officially announced it would partially fund the benefits for November.

This decision came after two federal court rulings requiring the government to keep the program operating during the government shutdown.

Court rulings to restore SNAP

Reuters reported the US District Court of Rhode Island rejected the USDA’s claim they couldn’t fund the program because of the government shutdown.

In a separate lawsuit filed by 25 Democratic-led states and the District of Columbia a district judge in Boston ruled the administration’s assertion that it was not allowed to access the contingency fund incorrect and ordered them to pay.

Both judges ordered the USDA to use the SNAP contingency fund, requiring an update on how benefits would be distributed by Nov. 3.

Despite President Trump posting on Truth Social, that benefits “will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government,” Karoline Leavitt says they are “getting the payments out the door as quickly as we can.”

SNAP recipients will receive partial payment

On Nov. 3, the administration informed the court it would comply with the ruling by issuing partial payments covering roughly 50% of typical SNAP allotments for November.

On average, a SNAP participant received $188 in monthly benefits in 2024, and that is about to be cut in half.

Recipients can expect:

• Half of the usual monthly allotment
• Delayed payment: USDA officials have indicated this could take days, weeks, or even months for some recipients to fully receive partial payments

Georgia SNAP recipients by the numbers

One in eight Georgia households will be affected by the delayed benefits with many of those consisting of the most vulnerable in the state.

• 705,000 households enrolled
• 1.3 million people 
• 640,000 children
• 170,000 age 60 and over
• 3-person-household must make $2,887/month to qualify

SNAP work requirements have changed

The SNAP work requirement for able-bodied adults without dependents (ABAWDs) took effect in Georgia on Nov. 1, following President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Participants must participate in work or training activities for at least 20 hours per week to maintain benefits.

Eligible applicants:

• 18-65 years of age
• Not pregnant
• Not responsible for the care of a dependent child under 14 years of age in the SNAP household
• Mentally and physically fit for employment

Failure to comply for three full months within 36 months will result in loss of benefits until Nov. 30, 2026, or until work requirements are met.

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This story was originally published November 5, 2025 at 5:30 AM with the headline "SNAP benefits in GA partially restored but delayed. Here’s how much and how long of a wait."