GiveDirectly, Propel offer $100 to families who missed SNAP benefits

GiveDirectly and Propel are sending a one-time $100 payment to eligible families who missed their October SNAP deposit, with enrollment limited to Nov. 4 inside the Propel app and payments due before Thanksgiving. The effort is meant to bridge families back to benefits and warn off scammers posing as the program.

Why it matters: - Families losing SNAP food benefits can face an immediate grocery shortfall, especially heading into Thanksgiving. - The payment is designed as a bridge for households that missed a deposit but may still be eligible for SNAP. - GiveDirectly and Propel say the offer is limited, so outside messages offering the money are scams.

What happened: - GiveDirectly and Propel launched a one-time $100 cash payment for thousands of families that lost SNAP benefits this fall. - Eligible Propel users enrolled through a banner in the Propel app on Nov. 4, 2026. - Payments are scheduled to go out before Thanksgiving on Nov. 26. - Enrollment was not available by phone, text or social media.

The details: - Eligible households had to be active Propel users who linked an EBT card before Oct. 31, received a SNAP payment in September and did not receive one in October. - Families were selected at random as funds allowed. - Each family receives $100, and recipients can spend the money however they choose. - Propel identifies households that missed an October SNAP deposit, GiveDirectly sends the cash, and Propel provides tools to help eligible families re-enroll in SNAP. - The payment is not a replacement for SNAP. - GiveDirectly and Propel said families should never share information outside the Propel app. - More information is available in the program announcement and the 2025 response.

Between the lines: - SNAP is becoming harder to navigate as new documentation and recertification rules take effect. - About 5.2 million Americans have lost SNAP benefits since the One Big Beautiful Bill Act became law in July 2025, according to a Food Research & Action Center analysis reported by CBS News. - The effort also shows how direct cash can move faster than traditional aid during benefit disruptions. - Rashe, a mother of seven in Pennsylvania who received aid during the 2025 SNAP pause, said the help gave her family relief and a full meal together.

What's next: - Families who missed the Nov. 4 enrollment window cannot sign up now. - Households that still qualify for SNAP can keep using the Propel app to try to re-enroll. - Donations to GiveDirectly now go toward future emergencies or natural disasters. - GiveDirectly and Propel say the SNAP Bridge fundraiser has closed. - The organizations say their broader cash-aid model will continue in future crises.

The bottom line: - The new program offers fast, one-time grocery help to a narrow group of SNAP users, but only through the Propel app and only for families who enrolled on Nov. 4.**