Summary
The Trump administration has informed Democratic-led states that SNAP funds might be delayed due to a legal conflict over the benefit amounts. U.S. District Judge McConnell ordered full SNAP payments, but the Supreme Court has temporarily blocked this. States requesting full benefits need to resubmit requests at a reduced rate to access available funds.
Key Facts
- SNAP is a program that helps about 42 million Americans with low or no income.
- The Trump administration initially planned to pay only 65% of usual SNAP benefits due to funding issues.
- A court ruling required the administration to pay full benefits, but the Supreme Court has stopped this for now.
- Some states have tried to request full benefits, but the system can only process payments for 65% of the requested amount.
- States must resubmit their payment requests at 65% to receive any funds from the USDA.
- The ongoing government shutdown has delayed regular SNAP payments.
- The shutdown began on October 1 and is the longest in U.S. history.
- If Congress passes a funding deal, the USDA can resume regular payments and release remaining funds.
