Concerns and speculation- all around on social media with claims related to Walmart closing all of its stores on November 1, 2025. These are related to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits caused by an ongoing U.S. Governmental shutdown. SNAP food benefits were set to expire by November 1, 2025, which are already temporarily ceased to be distributed. The SNAP shutdown directly affects 40 million people and families in America, which will not be provided benefits to purchase food at stores.
| State / Territory | Payment Dates (October 2025) |
|---|---|
| Alabama | Oct 4 – Oct 23 |
| Alaska | Oct 1 |
| Arizona | Oct 1 – Oct 13 |
| California | Oct 1 – Oct 10 |
| Florida | Oct 1 – Oct 28 |
| New York | Oct 1 – Oct 9 |
| Texas | Oct 1 – Oct 28 |
| Washington | Oct 1 – Oct 20 |
| Wisconsin | Oct 1 – Oct 15 |
Walmart’s Operations as of Late October
Walmart has not, in fact, stated any intended closures of its stores, nor has it changed any of its policies on in person shopping. Walmart’s social media channels are in fact a primary source of any operational changes in policies. Misinformation has been easy to spread, and concern mostly comes from speculation that Walmart stores are closing because SNAP benefits may trigger looting. Walmart, as a company, has suggested no such changes and will continue to operate normally to serve all of its customers.
Potential Financial Impact to Walmart
Walmart remains one of the largest retailers to offer SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits at about 24% of total SNAP consumer expenditure. Projections for November, when SNAP payments are predicted to be frozen, estimate losses of about $2 billion to Walmart revenue for the month, given the government’s monthly $8.3 billion total expenditure on SNAP payments. Regardless of revenue losses, customers will be able to access Walmart stores and its services.
October 2025 SNAP Payment Schedule and Effects of Government Shutdown
The SNAP payments for October were processed and distributed before the government shutdown took place on October 1, preventing disruptions for the month. However, for November, the government’s inability to issue further payments will be a question of available funding and the lack of a renewed budget. To clarify the state-wise SNAP payment schedule for October 2025, I have included the following:
The government continues to issue SNAP payments despite the shutdown, demonstrating a commitment to the program. The state-wise October payment schedule shows there were staggered payment dates based on local rules and case numbers available in the state. Currently, the October payments are done, but November payments have risks to be distributed under the government shutdown.
Walmart Customer and SNAP Beneficiary Guidance
ETB SNAP beneficiaries should always remember to check payment calendars and balances on their EBT account. If a payment does not come, best practice is to reach out to the state SNAP office. Customers shopping in Walmart stores and SNAP beneficiaries should figure out their shopping to account for government mandates that come with food stamps as they will be suspended for the month of November. People in the community and other charitable organizations such as food banks offer fill assistance gaps on government aid such as SNAP.
To conclude, as of November 1, SNAP benefits will be frozen for the month and Walmart stores will still be open for business. Walmart still operates business as usual and SNAP politicking aid is still frozen. Walmart and the government SNAP EBT suspend aid and keep open as the other offers remains.
