Didn't get your food stamps this May 2025? Here’s how to resolve it
Missing your May 2025 SNAP benefits? There are several common reasons for this issue, from incomplete paperwork to processing delays.
If you did not receive your Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) deposit for May 2025, you may be wondering what might have happened or what you can do. Missing your benefits can happen for different reasons, but the good news is that there are usually fairly simple things that can be done to address many of these reasons.
One of the most common reasons for a missing SNAP deposit is failure to submit paperwork, such as a renewal or semi-annual report. If that is the case, don't panic — most states will allow you to submit the paperwork late and still be able to get your benefits.
What to do if your May 2025 SNAP deposit is missing?
To begin, access your state's online benefits portal (like BenefitsCal for California / Access HRA for New York / YourTexasBenefits for Texas). Once you are logged into your account, look for the “Notifications” or “Messages” section. This section could provide the reason for your benefits not coming back, and what steps to take next.
If the notification states that you did not submit a report or renewal with your application, which is why your benefits were discontinued, you may want to apply again. If the notice states you did not submit a report or renewal late, some states still allow you to submit late and recover your benefits through a process called “reinstatement.” This option is available in 22 states, including California, New York, and Illinois.
If your concerns are specific to your situation, you may need to contact your state or county SNAP office to inquire and find out what went wrong. If you submitted your renewal on time and still follow-up and did not hear from them, there could be other reasons also like:
- Missed interview: Some renewals require a phone interview. If you missed this, your case may be incomplete. Check your portal or correspondence for instructions on rescheduling.
- Missing documentation: If you didn't provide proof of income, household changes, or major expenses (such as housing or childcare), that could be causing the delay. Check if you were asked to upload these documents.
- Eligibility changes: It's possible that your current circumstances no longer meet the program's eligibility requirements. Look for a notice explaining why.
- Delays in processing: Many state agencies are experiencing delays due to heavy workloads. While they are legally allowed up to 30 days to process your renewal, it may take longer in some states. If it's been more than 30 days, contact the agency.
If none of these apply, your case may be more unusual. Sometimes, states adjust the deposit date or encounter technical issues. Here are additional steps to take:
- Check your online portal and mail for any notices.
- Call your state or county agency.
- Reach out to local food banks or community organizations that assist with SNAP.
- Visit Reddit forums to see if others in your state are reporting the same issue.
