If the Federal Shutdown continues, Louisiana SNAP recipients will get SNAP benefits week by week in November. Regardless of the shutdown’s outcome, there will be tougher rules, more paperwork, and some won’t qualify at all.
Major changes are now in effect in November 2025, even with the state’s one-time $150 million emergency funding.
These adjustments are driven by new federal eligibility standards under President Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill” and the ongoing government shutdown. The President has been ordered by a federal court to use contingency funds to keep SNAP funds coming, but even if the shutdown ends, the new eligibility rules will apply.
Impact of $150 Million Emergency Funding
Louisiana is using $150 million in state funds to temporarily replace lost federal SNAP benefits for November. This support prioritizes households with children, elderly, or disabled members—covering about 564,000 recipients, but not all of nearly 800,000 SNAP participants.
“Able-bodied” households without children, eligible seniors, or disabled members are excluded from the state-funded emergency assistance and will not receive benefits this month, with emergency funds.
Governor Landry emphasized that the goal is to protect the most vulnerable Louisianans, such as children and seniors, reflecting a bipartisan agreement to meet urgent community needs.
Duration and Structure of State Funding
If necessary, the emergency assistance is scheduled for November only, distributed in installments: recipients will get 25% of their typical benefit on their normal SNAP issuance date, then another 25% each week over the month, totaling their usual benefit amount if the shutdown continues all month.
It’s unclear if this funding will extend beyond November if federal funding remains suspended, as the state resolution’s language references “per month” but officials have not confirmed additional months.
Example: Effect on a Family of Five
Consider a family of five (two adults, three children) who typically receives up to $750 per month in SNAP benefits. Under new federal rules:
–Each able-bodied adult (up to age 64) must work at least 80 hours a month, enroll in education/training, or volunteer to remain federally eligible in the future.
–If neither parent meets these requirements, federal SNAP benefits may be cut after the emergency state funding ends.
–For November, because this family includes children, they will receive the full $750 amount, paid in four installments of roughly $187.50 issued weekly during the month.
–If the family contained only able-bodied adults (no children/elderly/disabled), they would receive no state benefit at all, regardless of prior benefit status.
Additional Requirements & Changes
SNAP recipients must continue updating household information and report changes; paperwork and documentation standards are stricter under the new law.
Anyone not receiving state aid (mainly able-bodied adults without dependents) is encouraged to seek food bank support. The state is also coordinating additional charity resources.
Many SNAP office staff have been furloughed, but a small “essential crew” is available for urgent issues until federal operations resume.
