SNAP Recipients Who Missed October Benefits May Get $100 for Thanksgiving
Some SNAP households that did not receive their expected October deposit may be able to receive $100 in direct financial support. Propel and GiveDirectly have launched the Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund, a $1 million effort to help families facing a gap in benefits during the holiday season.
Eligible Propel users can check the app to see whether they qualify. The program is intended to provide immediate help to households dealing with missed SNAP deposits.
What Is the Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund?
The Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund is a partnership between Propel and GiveDirectly. It provides $100 in direct support to eligible SNAP recipients who received their September deposit but did not receive their October deposit.
With $1 million in funding, the program can support up to 10,000 SNAP households. If additional money is raised, Propel says it may be able to help more families.
The fund comes as some households face delays or gaps in SNAP benefits while states implement new work, documentation, and recertification requirements connected to H.R. 1.
Who Can Get the $100 Payment?
To qualify, a SNAP recipient must have received their September deposit but missed their October deposit.
Existing Propel users do not need to apply or take any extra steps to be considered. People who were not already using Propel had to sign up and begin using the app by October 31 to be eligible.
Because funding is limited, not every eligible user will receive money. Eligible recipients must open the Propel app on November 3 to see whether they qualify.
What the Survey Found
The need for support is reflected in a recent Propel survey of more than 3,300 SNAP recipients nationwide about their experiences over the previous 30 days.
| Survey finding | Share of respondents |
|---|---|
| Said they ate less | 38% |
| Skipped meals | 28% |
| Worried food would run out before they could afford more | 40% |
| Said they were lacking essentials | 50% |
| Had less than $25 in cash on hand | 66% |
The results highlight the financial pressure many SNAP households face when benefits are delayed or interrupted.
How Direct Cash Can Help
GiveDirectly says direct cash gives families flexibility to buy groceries or other essentials immediately. The organization provides unrestricted cash transfers to people living in poverty in the United States and internationally.
“No family should have to choose between putting a Thanksgiving meal on the table or covering other basics,” said Dustin Palmer, executive director of U.S. programs at GiveDirectly. “Direct cash gives families the dignity and flexibility to buy groceries or any other essentials they need right away.”
GiveDirectly says its cash-based model allows families to decide how best to meet their own needs, whether that means food, housing, bills, transportation, or other urgent expenses.
Other Help for SNAP Households
SNAP recipients who do not qualify for the Propel fund may still be able to find help through other programs.
Check your state SNAP agency for benefit status, recertification deadlines, and replacement benefits.
Call 211 for referrals to local food banks, utility assistance, housing help, and emergency aid.
Visit Benefits.gov to search for federal and state assistance programs.
Contact a nearby food bank through Feeding America.
Review SNAP eligibility and program rules through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service.
