Summary
SNAP benefits, which help 42 million Americans buy food, are delayed due to a government shutdown that prevents regular funding. Federal judges have mandated limited funding from emergency resources to continue the program. Some states have begun issuing delayed payments using these funds.
Key Facts
- SNAP benefits offer food assistance to 42 million Americans.
- The current U.S. government shutdown, lasting 36 days, is the longest on record.
- The shutdown started because Democrats and Republicans could not agree on a government funding bill.
- SNAP funding ran out in October due to the shutdown, leading to delays.
- Federal judges ruled that the government must use emergency funds to keep partially funding SNAP.
- States issue SNAP payments monthly using electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards.
- Payments are currently delayed for November, but some states like Nevada and Louisiana have begun distributing them.
- The timing of SNAP payments varies by state, based on each state's rules and population size.
