News
October 25, 2025
DSS: November SNAP Benefits May Be Disrupted
PIERRE — Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November 2025 may be delayed or disrupted.
PIERRE, SD – South Dakota families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may face uncertainty regarding their November 2025 benefits, the Department of Social Services (DSS) announced today. The potential disruption stems from the current federal government shutdown, which is impacting various essential services nationwide, including the crucial food assistance program.
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides low-income individuals and families with financial assistance to purchase groceries, helping them maintain a basic level of food security. The program is federally funded but administered by individual states, meaning that disruptions at the federal level can have significant consequences for state-level operations and the beneficiaries who depend on them.
The DSS is closely monitoring the situation and working to understand the full extent of the potential impact on South Dakota residents. While the exact nature and duration of any delays or disruptions are currently unknown, the department acknowledges the anxiety this uncertainty can cause for families already struggling to make ends meet.
“We understand that many South Dakota families rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table,” stated a spokesperson for the DSS. “We are doing everything in our power to mitigate the potential impact of the federal government shutdown and ensure that benefits are distributed as smoothly and efficiently as possible.”
The department is urging SNAP recipients to stay informed and to regularly check the DSS website and local news outlets for updates regarding the status of November benefits. Information will also be disseminated through local community organizations and partner agencies that work with SNAP recipients.
While the DSS is exploring contingency plans, the ultimate resolution hinges on the federal government reaching an agreement and ending the shutdown. The department is committed to providing timely and accurate information to SNAP recipients as the situation evolves and encourages those with immediate food needs to contact their local food banks and pantries for assistance. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the long-term impact of the shutdown on SNAP recipients in South Dakota.
SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides low-income individuals and families with financial assistance to purchase groceries, helping them maintain a basic level of food security. The program is federally funded but administered by individual states, meaning that disruptions at the federal level can have significant consequences for state-level operations and the beneficiaries who depend on them.
The DSS is closely monitoring the situation and working to understand the full extent of the potential impact on South Dakota residents. While the exact nature and duration of any delays or disruptions are currently unknown, the department acknowledges the anxiety this uncertainty can cause for families already struggling to make ends meet.
“We understand that many South Dakota families rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table,” stated a spokesperson for the DSS. “We are doing everything in our power to mitigate the potential impact of the federal government shutdown and ensure that benefits are distributed as smoothly and efficiently as possible.”
The department is urging SNAP recipients to stay informed and to regularly check the DSS website and local news outlets for updates regarding the status of November benefits. Information will also be disseminated through local community organizations and partner agencies that work with SNAP recipients.
While the DSS is exploring contingency plans, the ultimate resolution hinges on the federal government reaching an agreement and ending the shutdown. The department is committed to providing timely and accurate information to SNAP recipients as the situation evolves and encourages those with immediate food needs to contact their local food banks and pantries for assistance. The coming weeks will be critical in determining the long-term impact of the shutdown on SNAP recipients in South Dakota.
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Politics