Summary
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has increased the amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the government shutdown. A court decision now allows partial funding of SNAP benefits using emergency funds, raising payments from the initially proposed 50% to 65% of normal amounts.
Key Facts
- The government shutdown has lasted 36 days, the longest in U.S. history.
- The shutdown occurred due to disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over government funding.
- SNAP benefits, used by 42 million Americans, are affected by the funding halt.
- A court ruled that the government must use emergency funds to partly continue SNAP payments.
- The USDA raised SNAP benefits to 65% of typical amounts after initially planning for 50%.
- Payments for a family of four in contiguous states have increased from $497 to $646.
- The benefit reductions are temporary until the shutdown ends and full funding resumes.
- The exact timing for SNAP payments is still uncertain, but partial payments will occur.
