In a vital development for many, some U.S. states will begin distributing groceries using federally funded SNAP benefits starting Saturday. This follows significant delays due to a protracted legal battle surrounding the federal government shutdown, which had placed SNAP benefits for November in jeopardy.
Originally, the Trump administration announced it would not fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for November as part of its responses to the ongoing government shutdown. This decision has left nearly 1 in 8 Americans who depend on these benefits facing uncertainty in securing their basic food needs.
As of Friday, several states began to issue full SNAP payments. This shift comes after a federal judge intervened to order the administration to distribute the necessary funds. However, the relief was short-lived as Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson placed a temporary hold on that order, allowing time for an appeals court to review the matter.
SNAP Recipients' Current Situation
With nearly 42 million Americans relying on SNAP benefits to purchase groceries, the stakes are high. Adults can receive up to $300 in benefits monthly, while families of four may be eligible for nearly $1,000—though actual amounts can vary based on income. The uncertainty has led to increased demand at food banks, as many families turn to these resources for support in the wake of delayed payments.
States Taking Action
Several states, including Hawaii, Oregon, and Wisconsin, quickly moved to process full benefit payments after the judge's ruling. Officials report that they mobilized immediately to issue these payments and ensure families could access their benefits as the weekend approaches. Other states, like California and Pennsylvania, also reported that their SNAP recipients received full payments on Friday.
Limited Availability in Other States
While some SNAP beneficiaries are seeing money in their EBT cards, others in different states may have to wait longer. Colorado, Massachusetts, New York, and several others have stated that residents could expect full benefits available soon, while others await further guidance from the USDA.
Reasons for the Delay
This current restriction on benefits originated due to the federal government shutdown. Following the rulings from judges that denied the administration's earlier positions, the government has had to tap into a federal reserve fund to partially fund benefits for November. However, a subsequent ruling emphasized the need for full payments, leading to the current legal back-and-forth and temporary holds from the Supreme Court to discuss the implications of further spending against the available contingency funds.
As this situation continues to evolve, the consequences of these delays are being felt across the nation, exacerbating food insecurity among millions who rely on SNAP for their daily sustenance.
