The government shutdown has officially ended — here’s everything to know about SNAP benefits, when they’re expected to resume, and updates on federal workers, their backpay, a surprise $10k TSA bonus, flights, air travel, and more.
The Government Shutdown Has Ended
According to Politico, President Trump signed a stopgap spending bill on Wednesday, November 12, to reopen the government. Hours before this, USDA spokesperson Alec Varsamis stated that SNAP benefits would be issued to recipients. This, “within 24 hours” of the bill’s passage. For context, the stopgap bill is reportedly expected to fund certain government programs until January 30, 2026. Meanwhile, funding for the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and SNAP will reportedly be covered up until the end of the 2026 fiscal year, per Fox 35 Orlando. This is reportedly scheduled for September 30, 2026.
When Will SNAP Benefits Resume?
Subsequently, on Wednesday, a federal judge in Massachusetts ordered the USDA “to release to SNAP/EBT processing vendors.” This, “by 12:00 p.m., November 13, 2025.” Furthermore, the order asserts that “at minimum” the amount released should be what “the USDA previously assured the court [was] being released,” presumably 65% of full household benefits.
“This order does not limit the USDA from exercising its discretion and releasing 100% SNAP funding by that date and time,” the order added.
As The Shade Room previously reported, the Supreme Court extended the block on full payments on Tuesday, November 11. However, Newsweek reports the ruling will expire at midnight on Thursday, November 13.
Furthermore, on Thursday, November 13, the USDA issued an update on SNAP benefits. The department asserted that “federal funding is now available to cover benefit issuance, state administrative expenses, and Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) grants… including for November 2025 benefits and expenses. In addition, states should proceed with transmission of their full December 2025 issuance files to state electronic benefit transfer (EBT) vendors in a manner consistent with normal operations.”
“State agencies must take immediate steps to ensure households receive their full November allotments promptly. The reduction in maximum allotments for November is no longer in effect,” the Department’s update asserted.
Still, USA Today reports that SNAP recipients shouldn’t “expect to see payments immediately.”
#1
The outlet adds that the payments could be received “in a few days, or even a week, depending on the state.” For more information, USA Today urges recipients to turn to their state’s departments of health and human services, or similar agencies, for more specific updates.
#2
What Else Is Expected Amid The Reopening Of The Government: Update On Federal Workers, A Surprise TSA Bonus, Air Traffic, Flights & More
According to NPR, although the government is reopened, the return to normal functions will reportedly be slow. Some federal workers are returning to their positions after not receiving paychecks for the past six weeks. Others continued working through that time without pay. Currently, the exact date of when federal workers will receive their back pay remains unclear. However, previous legislation asserts that it be sent out “at the earliest date possible after the lapse in appropriations ends.”
#4
Additionally, NPR reports that national parks and museums will be gradually reopening as well. The same level of adjustment will also seem to apply to air travel. Per the outlet, earlier this week, the FAA cut reductions at 6%, “citing a rapid improvement in controller staffing.”
Furthermore, air traffic controllers are reportedly expected to receive their back pay within 48 hours of the government’s reopening. It’s important to note that on Thursday, November 13, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem awarded $10,000 bonus checks to 20 TSA agents who continued working at Houston’s George Bush Intercontinental Airport amid the shutdown.
“The Trump Administration is grateful to the hardworking TSA officers who continued to work, without pay, to ensure America stayed safe in spite of the Democrat Shutdown,” a White House rep added.
#5
It appears that other TSA agents who went “above and beyond,” per the Department of Homeland Security’s selection, will also receive the bonus, per Newsweek.
#7
Still, at large flight delays and disruptions are anticipated to continue in the coming weeks.
#8
“It’s going to take a bit to unwind, and the responsibility is not going to fall completely on the air traffic control operation. A good deal of responsibility will be the carriers getting their schedules and the aircraft and personnel back in the right positions to resume normal flying,” former FAA administrator Randy Babbitt reportedly told the outlet earlier this week.
#9
Lastly, the outlet reports economic reports could also be slowed and IRS layoffs combined with the recent shutdown could impact the upcoming tax season.
#10
More On The Next Potential Government Shutdown
Now, with funding for SNAP set to end in September 2026, the USDA also included an important, cautionary note in its November 13 update.
“The FY 26 Appropriations Act restores funding in the SNAP contingency fund. However, as with this year, amounts are not anticipated to be sufficient to provide full funding for allotments for November 2026 in the event of a lapse of appropriations next year. States are strongly encouraged to begin the process of upgrading systems and updating state procedures as necessary to allow for more rapid distribution of reduced allotments in the event that available appropriations are insufficient to provide full allotments in any month,” it stated.
#11
Additionally, USA Today notes that Trump’s recently passed “Big, Beautiful Bill” cuts an “estimated $186 billion from SNAP funding through 2034.” Additionally, the bill requires “able-bodied individuals without dependents… to work at least 80 hours per month if they are aged between 18 and 65 years old, to receive benefits.”
Veterans, those aged out of the foster care system, and unhoused people will not reportedly not be exempt from these requirements. Furthermore, the benefits will now only be open to “certain lawful permanent residents,” U.S. citizens, and legal visitors.
#12
Meanwhile, what happens after general government funding halts in Janaury 2026 remains to be seen.
