Summary
The federal government shutdown has led to delays and reductions in SNAP benefits for more than 42 million Americans. Courts have ordered the government to continue funding SNAP partially using emergency funds, but full payments' timing and sources remain uncertain. Some states have already distributed SNAP benefits for November, while others are working to release funds.
Key Facts
- Over 42 million Americans rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
- The ongoing federal government shutdown has caused delays and reduced payments in SNAP benefits.
- The shutdown began due to a disagreement between Democrats and Republicans over a government funding bill.
- Courts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordered the federal government to use emergency funds to continue partially paying SNAP benefits.
- As of November 7, Alaska, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin have distributed SNAP benefits.
- States like Massachusetts and North Carolina expect to distribute benefits by next week.
- SNAP benefits are loaded onto electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which recipients use like debit cards at authorized stores.
