Government Shutdown Stalls SNAP Benefits: Millions Left in Limbo as Supreme Court Temporarily Halts Funding
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A Supreme Court ruling has thrown a wrench into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for millions of Americans, leaving them uncertain about their food assistance benefits as the government shutdown continues. The court has temporarily halted a lower court order requiring the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP for November by Friday, citing concerns that allocating $4 billion from contingency funds could jeopardize other essential programs. This means that some states may proceed with full payments if their systems are ready, while others are preparing to distribute partial benefits using contingency funds. According to the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, New York has begun issuing full benefits to eligible households, and several other states, including California, Kansas, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin, have started issuing monthly benefits. SNAP serves low-income households whose income is under 130% of the federal poverty line, benefiting 42 million Americans, including children, seniors, and working-class families. However, under the Trump administration's previous plan, only around $4.65 billion of contingency funds would be used, covering roughly 50-65% of typical payments, and no funds remain for new applicants or emergencies. The Trump administration maintains that the government's remaining $23 billion in funds is sufficient to support both the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) nutrition program and SNAP for the month. The court's temporary halt on funding has left millions of Americans in limbo, awaiting clarification on their food assistance benefits. Key Facts: - 42 million Americans rely on SNAP for food assistance - $4.6 billion in contingency funds are available, covering roughly 50-65% of typical payments - The Trump administration maintains that $23 billion in remaining funds is sufficient to support both WIC and SNAP for the month
