Dear Community Partner:
We have been informed by the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (NYS OTDA) that they do not currently have authorization to distribute November SNAP benefits, and as a result, clients will not see scheduled payments in their ACCESS HRA accounts or on ebtEDGE. The directive to States from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) can be found here.
As we previously communicated, all scheduled October 2025 SNAP benefits will be issued on or before October 31, 2025. However, no payments can be issued starting November 1, even if they include prior month benefits. Benefits that have been issued but have not yet been spent will still be available to clients in November. However, November benefits will not be available until the federal government authorizes the release of these funds by NYS OTDA. At this time, cash benefits and supportive service payments will continue to be issued to eligible households without interruption.
The USDA, which administers the SNAP program, has reminded States that there is no provision or allowance under current law for States to cover the cost of SNAP benefits and be reimbursed. A press release from the NYS Governor's Office on this topic can be found here.
Please note:
- Local SNAP Centers remain open and are operating as usual. As a reminder, they do not issue benefits directly
- New applications continue to be accepted and recertifications and other case actions continue to be processed
- EBT cards continue to work normally
- Clients need to continue to comply with all SNAP related guidance/requirements
OTDA has published a dedicated webpage to maintain current information on the status of ongoing SNAP benefits. The website can be found at otda.ny.gov/shutdown. DSS/HRA will also keep the HRA website and ACCESS HRA updated with new information as we receive it. OTDA will also send out text messages to all SNAP households - including those in NYC - advising them that November SNAP benefits may be delayed and to visit the OTDA website for more information. The text message will read: "NY OTDA-November SNAP Benefits may be delayed due to federal shutdown. More info at otda.ny.gov/shutdown. Reply STOP to unsubscribe. Msg & data rates may apply." Messaging about the shutdown and its impact on November SNAP benefits will not be included in client notices.
As we learn more information about the impact of the federal government shutdown and the status of November SNAP benefits, we will share that information with you.
We understand that this is an unprecedented and challenging time. Thank you, as always, for your ongoing partnership, and for all that you do every day to help New Yorkers in need.
Sincerely,
Office of Community Outreach
NYC Department of Social Services
