CHRISTIANSTED — Governor Albert Bryan has signed Bill No. 36-0202 into law as Act No. 9047, authorizing $2.77 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund so Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients receive 50% of their November benefits despite the federal shutdown.
“Washington may be stalled, but our responsibility to Virgin Islanders is not,” he said. “This action makes sure families can put food on the table while Congress sorts itself out. We prepared the logistics in advance so help would move the moment the law allowed it.”
The 36th Legislature passed Bill No. 36-0202 at its October 30, 2025 session. Anticipating approval, the Department of Finance and the Department of Human Services coordinated to finalize operations before the bill reached the governor’s desk. As a result, checks began going out by mail as the governor signed the measure.
Bryan noted the role of prudent fiscal planning.
“Since taking office in 2019, we have budgeted deposits to the Budget Stabilization Fund, which for years was not prioritized or funded,” the governor said. “Responsible budgeting, and responsible use of those reserves, is for moments like this. The point is capacity to act when Virgin Islanders need us.”
What SNAP households should know
- Amount: Each SNAP household will receive a check equal to 50% of its normal November
allotment. - Delivery: Payments are being mailed to the address on file for each household on Saturday,
November 1. - Address changes: Households should verify their mailing address with Human Services if it has changed
Hotline and email support
For questions about November SNAP checks, contact the Virgin Islands Department of Human Services:
- St. Thomas and St. John hotline: 340-715-6909
- St. Croix hotline: 340-772-7110
- Email: usvisnaprelief@dhs.vi.gov
