States warn SNAP benefits may stop in November if government shutdown continues

Struggling Americans who rely on food stamps to pay for groceries are facing a potential crisis in November as states warn that benefits may be at risk due to the ongoing government shutdown. Several states, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, New York, and Texas, have issued notices alerting recipients that SNAP benefits may not be paid until the shutdown ends and funds are released.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which oversees the SNAP program, recently informed state agencies that there may be “insufficient funds” to cover full November benefits if the government shutdown continues. This uncertainty has left millions of Americans who depend on the program in a precarious situation, with advocates warning of devastating consequences.

Gina Plata-Nino, interim director for SNAP at the Food Research & Action Center (FRAC), emphasized that many SNAP recipients are working individuals who still struggle to make ends meet. The average recipient receives $187 per month, which amounts to roughly $6 per day to purchase essential food items.

SNAP benefits are typically administered by states, which send electronic case files to EBT vendors to load recipients’ prepaid cards at the beginning of each month. However, the government shutdown has disrupted this process, with the USDA directing states to hold off on sending files to vendors until further notice. This delay could result in delays and disruptions in November benefits for recipients.

To cover SNAP costs during the shutdown, the USDA could tap into its contingency funds, which stood at $6 billion during the Biden administration. While the agency has utilized contingency funds in previous government shutdowns to prevent benefits from running out, it remains unclear if they plan to do so for November benefits. States may also explore options to free up funds from their budgets to bridge the gap, although reimbursement from the federal government is uncertain.

Ultimately, the fate of November SNAP benefits hangs in the balance as the government shutdown continues. Recipients like Deb Powers in Massachusetts are anxiously awaiting a resolution to ensure they can continue to access vital food assistance. The USDA’s decision on whether to utilize contingency funds will have a significant impact on the millions of Americans who rely on SNAP to feed themselves and their families.