States administering a federal food aid program serving about 42 million Americans faced uncertainty Monday over whether they can — and should — provide full monthly benefits during an ongoing legal battle involving the U.S. government shutdown.
President Donald Trump’s administration demanded that states “undo” full benefits paid under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), following a federal judge's order that mandated full funding during a brief window, before a Supreme Court justice placed a temporary hold on it.
A federal appeals court is now assessing the future of these full benefits while Congress deliberates on funding proposals to end the government shutdown. Some states are warning of “catastrophic operational disruptions” without reimbursement for already authorized SNAP benefits. Others are relying on federal funds to provide partial benefits or using their own resources to assist those in need.
Millions receive aid while others wait
Initially, Trump’s administration indicated that SNAP benefits would not be available in November due to the government shutdown. After lawsuits from several states and nonprofit organizations, two judges ruled that the administration could not deny November's benefits entirely.
In response, the administration proposed utilizing an emergency reserve fund to distribute 65% of the maximum monthly benefit. However, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell found this insufficient and ordered full funding for SNAP benefits. Some states reacted quickly, ensuring that beneficiaries received full amounts before Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson's pause on the order, pending appeals court reviews.
In contrast, many recipients are still awaiting SNAP payments for November, as their states await further guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
The Trump administration contends that the judicial order to provide full benefits infringes upon the spending powers vested in both legislative and executive branches of government.
States are fighting attempts to freeze SNAP benefits
The Trump administration has argued that states acted hastily in releasing full SNAP benefits after recent judicial rulings, warning they may face penalties if they do not revert any actions taken.
States like Wisconsin, which facilitated full benefits after McConnell's ruling, find their federal reimbursements frozen, risking depletion of their SNAP accounts and grocery vendors facing financial repercussions. Some governors, particularly Democrats, have expressed intent to resist any federal clawbacks.
In Connecticut, Democratic Gov. Ned Lamont assured residents, “those who received their benefits should not worry about losing them,” affirming state support for those relying on assistance.
