Overview
- USDA told states to issue roughly 50% of normal November SNAP benefits using about $4.65 billion in contingency funds, with deposits targeted to begin around November 5 after state recalculations.
- Federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordered the government to tap emergency reserves for SNAP, noting November needs exceed $9 billion versus a roughly $6 billion reserve.
- President Donald Trump posted that benefits would be delivered only when the government reopens, casting doubt on the planned partial disbursements despite the court orders.
- States and localities are organizing emergency food distributions; California sued to force ongoing payments and is expediting about $80 million for food banks, while Nevada warned of cuts of 50% or more and delays.
- Existing EBT balances remain usable, with USDA guidance indicating funds typically stay available for up to nine months from the original deposit.