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The Trump administration announced on Monday (November 3) that it will provide only half of the usual Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November. This decision comes amid the ongoing government shutdown, which has left the program struggling for funds. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to use $4.65 billion from the SNAP contingency fund to cover 50% of eligible households' benefits, as stated in a federal court filing. The remaining $600 million will be allocated for state administrative expenses and nutrition assistance in Puerto Rico and American Samoa.
The government shutdown, now in its thirty-fourth day, has forced the USDA to partially fund SNAP after federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ordered the administration to keep the program running. The USDA had initially planned to freeze payments starting November 1, but the emergency fund will now be used to cover about half of the normal benefits.
Despite the decision to use the contingency fund, the exact amount beneficiaries will receive and the timing of the payments remain uncertain. The process of loading SNAP cards involves multiple steps by state and federal agencies and could take weeks or even months. Many states have already delayed November payments, prompting food banks and state governments to find alternative ways to ensure access to groceries.
The USDA's decision to use the contingency fund follows a court order by U.S. District Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr., who directed the administration to make partial payments by Wednesday (November 5). However, the USDA has warned that administrative hurdles could delay the distribution of benefits.