SNAP Households Missing October Benefits Can Get $100 Through New Thanksgiving Bridge Fund

Some SNAP households that did not receive their expected October deposit may be able to get $100 in direct financial support through a new Thanksgiving assistance effort. Propel, the company behind a widely used EBT app, is partnering with GiveDirectly to launch the Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund.

The $1 million fund is intended to help families facing a gap in SNAP benefits during the holiday season. Eligible Propel users can check the app to see whether they qualify.

What Is the Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund?

The Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund is a $1 million effort by Propel and GiveDirectly to provide direct financial support to SNAP households that missed an expected October deposit.

With $1 million in funding, the program can support up to 10,000 SNAP households with $100 each. If additional money is raised, Propel says it may be able to help more families.

The effort comes as some households face delays or gaps in 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 are 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.

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.

What to Do Now

If you use Propel and missed your October SNAP deposit, open the app on November 3 to check whether you are eligible for the $100 Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund payment.

If you do not use Propel, contact your state SNAP office or call 211 to ask about local food and emergency assistance. You can also search for benefits through Benefits.gov or find a nearby food bank through Feeding America.