If you rely on SNAP (food stamps) in Florida, the last few months have been confusing and stressful. Two big forces are shaping your benefits right now:
- A federal government shutdown disrupted November SNAP payments, leading to partial benefits instead of full amounts.
- A new federal law passed in July 2025 (often called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, or OBBBA) changes how SNAP is funded and who qualifies, with effects rolling out over time.
This article breaks down what changed, what you can expect in the near term, and the concrete steps you can take to keep food on the table. We focus on practical, verified information and link directly to trusted sources so you can double-check details for yourself.
What changed for November 2025 benefits
Because of the federal shutdown, USDA told states to issue only partial SNAP benefits in November while tapping the program’s contingency fund under court order. After new analysis, USDA revised its guidance so that states reduce maximum SNAP allotments by 35% (instead of 50%) for November to preserve the fund, according to CNN’s reporting on USDA’s updated court filing.
Why this matters:
- If you usually receive the maximum benefit for your household size, your November deposit is likely about 65% of your normal amount.
- If you receive less than the maximum due to income, your reduction could be different, but many households will feel some cutback.
The scale of the disruption is large—roughly 42 million people use SNAP each month, as CBS News notes. Even short interruptions force families to make hard choices between food, rent, and utilities.
Action you can take today:
- Check your EBT balance and November transaction history. Expect the deposit to be lower than usual.
- Prioritize essentials on your shopping list and ask your store if any local sales or loyalty discounts can be stacked with EBT.
- Consider stretching EBT purchases with lower-cost staples (beans, rice, oats, eggs, frozen vegetables), and look for in-store generic brands.
If future shutdown developments affect December and beyond, news outlets will update guidance quickly. Keep an eye on coverage like CNN’s updates on USDA SNAP actions and CBS News’ reporting on interruptions.
The new law (OBBBA) changes SNAP—what it means for households
On July 4, 2025, a major budget law took effect that changes SNAP’s structure and is expected to lower federal spending on the program. Policy experts and nonpartisan analysts say the law may reduce some households’ monthly benefits and make it harder for some people to qualify. The Congressional Research Service summarizes these nutrition provisions and their impacts in its updated overview of the law (CRS report, Aug. 15, 2025).
Key structural changes:
- State cost-share for benefits: A newly created “state match” means states must pay part of SNAP benefit costs. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimated this change would account for nearly $41 billion in savings over 10 years in the enacted version of the law, according to CRS’ summary of CBO estimates.
- Changes to time limits and waivers for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs): The enacted law’s changes related to the ABAWD group and waiver rules account for nearly $69 billion in savings over 10 years, per CRS’ review of CBO’s estimates.
- TEFAP extension: The law extends The Emergency Food Assistance Program’s (TEFAP) Farm to Food Bank Projects at $4 million annually, supporting food rescue and donations to food banks (CRS overview).
Why this matters:
- Depending on how Florida implements changes, households could see benefits tighten or eligibility standards become harder in some cases—especially for ABAWDs subject to time limits.
- At the same time, TEFAP’s extended food-rescue funding may help food banks and pantries offer more local support when SNAP is short.
Independent policy researchers warn the law’s SNAP changes may weaken the program’s ability to respond during tough economic times. Brookings’ analysis argues that the OBBBA “makes structural changes to SNAP that will result in the program being substantially and detrimentally less responsive to deteriorating or poor economic conditions.”
Work requirements and ABAWD rules: who could be affected
SNAP has long had special rules for Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs). If you’re 18–49 (or up to higher ages under newer laws) without dependents and not otherwise exempt, you may face time limits unless you meet work or qualifying activity requirements. USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service has an ABAWD policy guide and related materials; see the references cited in the Federal Register docket, including the ABAWD Policy Guide.
What changed recently:
- After Congress passed the Fiscal Responsibility Act in 2023, USDA updated SNAP regulations in 2024 to align with new program purpose and work requirement provisions. See the USDA Food and Nutrition Service rulemaking record in the Federal Register docket (Proposed rule, April 30, 2024) and the Final rule, Dec. 17, 2024.
- In 2025, the OBBBA added additional constraints on time-limit waivers and ABAWD-related policy, which CBO estimates will significantly reduce program spending over a decade (CRS summary of CBO estimates).
If you may be subject to ABAWD rules:
- Gather documentation showing any exemptions that might apply to you (for example, a disability, pregnancy, caring for a household member, participation in qualifying programs, or other criteria defined by USDA and state policy).
- Keep records of your work hours or participation in qualifying activities if required.
Note: States vary in how they administer exemptions and waivers, and federal policy is still evolving under the new law. If you previously qualified under a waiver, re-check your status because state waiver options are narrower under OBBBA (CRS overview; Brookings analysis).
Practical steps to keep—or regain—SNAP during policy changes
Given the ongoing policy shifts and the November funding shortfall, use this checklist:
- Confirm your case status: Log in to your state portal or call your local SNAP office to verify your recertification date and any pending documents. Expect heavier call volumes during and after a shutdown and plan extra time.
- Maintain documentation:
- ID, proof of residency, and immigration status as applicable.
- Proof of income (pay stubs) and any changes (reduced hours, job loss).
- Housing and utility costs (rent, mortgage, electric, water, internet if counted).
- Medical expenses for seniors and people with disabilities (these can help increase deductions and raise your net eligibility).
- Report changes quickly: Reporting a drop in income or a new expense could adjust your benefit amount upward, particularly if your net income changes materially.
- If you may be an ABAWD:
- Ask your SNAP office to review possible exemptions.
- Document qualifying work or program hours; keep copies of schedules and timesheets.
- Ask about SNAP Employment & Training (E&T) referrals.
Where to find food right now if your EBT is short
Even with partial SNAP, you have options. TEFAP-supported food banks and farm-to-food-bank projects can help bridge gaps. The 2025 law extended TEFAP’s farm-to-food-bank projects at $4 million per year, supporting local food rescue and donation to food banks (CRS overview).
Steps to take:
- Contact nearby food banks and pantries. Ask about TEFAP distributions and ID requirements.
- Call ahead: Many sites have specific hours or drive-through models. Arrive early to ensure availability.
- Ask about senior-specific distributions or home delivery for people with mobility issues.
If you’re a caregiver or helping a senior:
- Bring needed documentation for the person you’re assisting (consent forms or ID if required by the distribution site).
- Inquire about special boxes for older adults or people with dietary needs.
Budgeting and shopping tips to stretch a smaller EBT deposit
- Combine SNAP with store programs: Many grocers offer weekly deals, holiday specials, and loyalty discounts that you can use with EBT.
- Choose cost-effective proteins and produce: Eggs, peanut butter, beans and lentils, canned fish, frozen vegetables, and in-season produce typically offer the best value.
- Plan batch meals: Soups, stews, and casseroles use inexpensive staples and freeze well.
- Buy generic where possible: Store brands often match national brands in quality at lower prices.
- Avoid waste: Freeze meats and breads, portion leftovers, and store perishables properly.
What to watch next: funding and policy outlook
- Shutdown-related updates: November benefits were partially restored to about 65% of maximum levels after USDA revised its plan to use the contingency fund (CNN). If the shutdown persists, look for additional guidance affecting December.
- Implementation of OBBBA: States are sorting out how to meet the new state match and revised ABAWD rules. According to CRS’ synthesis of CBO estimates, these changes drive substantial spending reductions over 10 years, and some households will see lower benefits or face more barriers.
- Economic sensitivity: Research by Brookings indicates OBBBA’s changes could limit SNAP’s ability to respond during downturns. That means households may have less help if the economy weakens.
Our take: what this means for Florida families
- Near-term: Expect turbulence. November deposits were smaller for many households. December remains uncertain if federal funding is not resolved. Check your case frequently and prepare for short-term adjustments.
- Medium-term: OBBBA’s structural changes will likely make SNAP more complex to administer and could reduce eligibility or benefit levels for some groups, particularly ABAWDs subject to time limits or areas that previously relied on broader waivers. Not all states will be affected in the same way, as CRS notes.
- Community role grows: With federal support shifting, local food banks, TEFAP distributions, and community organizations become even more critical for bridging shortfalls.
Enrollment and recertification: step-by-step
Even amid policy change, the fundamentals of applying and recertifying still matter:
-
Gather your documents
- Identification and proof of residence.
- Income verification: recent pay stubs or employer letter; unemployment or other benefits letters if applicable.
- Housing costs: rent, mortgage, property taxes, HOA fees, and utilities.
- Medical costs: for seniors and people with disabilities, collect receipts and statements; these can increase allowable deductions. -
Submit your application or recertification early
- Don’t wait until the last week of your certification period—processing can slow during federal disruptions. -
Complete your interview
- Keep your phone charged and nearby; missed calls can delay approval.
- If you need accommodations (hearing, language), request them upfront. -
Track your case
- Check your status online if possible and watch for notices asking for additional information. -
If denied or reduced
- File an appeal promptly. Provide any missing documents or clarifications.
- Ask specifically about ABAWD exemptions or deductions you may have missed. -
Protect your EBT card
- Memorize your PIN; don’t write it on the card.
- Beware of skimming at checkout. If your state offers card locking or replacements, use them if you suspect fraud.
If you’re a senior or caregiver
- Seniors often qualify for higher deductions due to medical expenses. Keep meticulous records of prescriptions, copays, and medical travel—these can meaningfully improve your SNAP calculation.
- Caregivers assisting another adult: With consent, help organize documents and track deadlines. Ask about delivery options from food banks or special senior distributions if travel is a barrier.
Key numbers to remember right now
- 35%: USDA’s revised reduction to maximum SNAP allotments for November 2025, resulting in about 65% of usual maximum benefits this month (CNN).
- 42 million: Approximate number of people relying on SNAP monthly in the U.S. (CBS News).
- $69 billion: Ten-year savings tied to ABAWD/time-limit changes in the enacted law, per CBO estimates summarized by CRS.
- ~$41 billion: Ten-year savings tied to the new state match for SNAP benefit costs in the enacted law, per CRS’ summary of CBO estimates.
- $4 million annually: TEFAP Farm to Food Bank Projects extended funding to bolster food rescue and donation (CRS overview).
Final word
We recognize how disruptive these changes feel—especially for families living paycheck to paycheck. As CBS News’ reporting underscores, many SNAP participants are deciding which bills to pay in order to keep food on the table. While the November partial benefits are painful, USDA’s revised approach is somewhat less severe than originally planned, with about a 35% reduction to the maximum rather than 50% (CNN).
Looking ahead, the new law’s SNAP changes will take time to filter through. Expect more documentation requests, tighter rules for some adults without dependents, and potential variation across states. The evidence summarized by CRS and analyzed by Brookings suggests the program will be less flexible during downturns, so it’s wise to line up backup options now—TEFAP food distributions, food banks, and community resources—while keeping your SNAP paperwork immaculate.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify, or if a change in your work hours or health might trigger an exemption, request a case review. Keep all receipts and notices, and follow up. The more precise your documentation, the better your chances of maintaining the support you need during this period of change.