When will SNAP benefits reach EBT cards? (+ how much money to expect in NC)
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Federal shutdown partially delays SNAP payments; government taps contingency fund.
- NCDHHS plans to load partial November benefits to EBT cards early next week.
- States await USDA guidance; staffing uncertainties could cause further payment delays.
More than 1.4 million North Carolinians are stuck waiting on their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the federal shutdown.
On Monday, Nov. 4, the Trump administration told federal courts it will tap into a contingency fund to distribute partial November payments, covering roughly half of recipients’ usual allotments, Politico reported. The government also warned some states may face delays of weeks or even months before the money hits EBT cards.
Press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters during a press briefing Tuesday that the administration is following the federal court order and trying to get as many SNAP payments out as fast as possible, Axios reported.
That came after President Trump caused confusion by posting on Truth Social Tuesday that benefits wouldn’t go out until the federal government reopens. When pressed on that comment, Leavitt said he was talking about future payments, The Hill reported.
Here’s what you need to know.
When will SNAP benefits reach EBT cards in NC?
The N.C. Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) anticipates that partial November SNAP benefits will get added to EBT cards by early next week, the agency said in an emailed statement to The Charlotte Observer on Monday, Nov. 3 evening.
The department is still waiting for guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and must update its systems before issuing payments, but officials said they are “working as quickly as possible to ensure North Carolinians have timely access to these essential food benefits.”
Why could benefits be delayed?
While state officials are aiming to release benefits by early next week, there are some factors that could delay that process.
Because of the government shutdown, states don’t have a clear plan or guaranteed funding, which makes getting SNAP benefits out on time harder, TIME reported. It’s also not clear how many employees at USDA have been furloughed or reassigned, which could lead to more payment delays.
What to do while waiting for benefits
If you or someone you know needs support, check out our our guide on where to get help, including food assistance hotlines, food pantries and nonprofit information for Mecklenburg County, Wake, Durham, Johnston and Chatham counties.
We’ve also put together a guide on North Carolina restaurants offering free meals to federal workers and residents enrolled in the SNAP program.
For mental health resources during these uncertain times, check out The News & Observer’s mental health resource guide, which features information about immediate help during a mental health crisis, as well as help for LGBTQ+ people, people of color, children and families, people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.
Want to help?
Check out the Observer’s guide to food banks in the Charlotte area and The N&O’s guide to food banks in the Triangle to find out more about how you can donate in your area.
This story has been updated.
This story was originally published November 4, 2025 at 10:31 AM with the headline "When will SNAP benefits reach EBT cards? (+ how much money to expect in NC)."
