$2.77 million from the Budget Stabilization Fund approved; Finance and Human Services begin mailing payments covering half of November benefits
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS– Governor Albert Bryan Jr. 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,” Governor Bryan 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 Oct. 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.
Governor 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,” he 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.
- Timing: Standard mail delivery times apply.
- 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) 772-7110
- St. Croix hotline: (340) 715-909
- Email: usvisnaprelief@dhs.vi.gov
The Governor thanked members of the 36th Legislature for acting quickly and recognized the teams at Finance and Human Services for executing an accelerated and accountable process.
“This is what a rainy day fund is for,” Governor Bryan said. “We saved for tough moments so we could protect families when they need it most. Today, that promise is being kept.”
Further updates will be shared through Government House and Human Services communications.
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