NJ SNAP and WIC benefits continue through October; federal funding delays threaten November access
TRENTON, N.J. — New Jersey officials said Friday that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Women, Infants and Children (WIC) benefits remain available through October, but warned that ongoing federal funding delays could disrupt payments as soon as November.
More than 800,000 New Jersey residents rely on SNAP each month, and nearly 165,000 women and children depend on WIC for nutritious food and support, according to the state Department of Human Services. Benefits for SNAP are currently guaranteed through Oct. 31, 2025, and WIC funding extends through Nov. 10, 2025.
“We are deeply concerned that federal actions may compromise access in November,” the department said in a statement, noting that no federal fiscal year 2026 funds for benefits or program administration have been appropriated.
The Trump administration recently clawed back and reallocated a portion of remaining federal fiscal year 2025 WIC funds and issued limited non-appropriated funding for WIC. Federal officials also advised states to delay transmitting November SNAP benefit files to electronic benefit transfer vendors until further notice.
The uncertainty has strained local partners that help families access food, including retailers, farmers markets, and community food banks. The state’s Human Services Department has notified more than 5,000 authorized SNAP retailers of the USDA directive to hold November benefit and transaction files.
The New Jersey Department of Health said all 16 WIC agency sponsors across the state continue to provide services despite the federal shutdown. Approximately 900 WIC retailers statewide could be affected if the funding disruption continues.
State officials said they will continue to share updates as new federal guidance becomes available.
