Overview
- Roughly 42 million people saw November SNAP deposits lapse on Saturday because of the government shutdown, leaving cards without new funds.
- Rhode Island Chief Judge John J. McConnell Jr. ordered either full November payments by the end of Monday or a partial payout using all available contingency funds by Wednesday, with a compliance report due by noon Monday.
- Massachusetts Judge Indira Talwani separately concluded the suspension is likely unlawful and directed the government to report Monday whether it will fully or partially fund November benefits.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said payments could resume as soon as Wednesday and indicated the administration will not appeal, though only about $5.25–$6 billion is available against an estimated $8–$9+ billion monthly need and processing could delay deposits.
- States and communities are deploying stopgaps, including Virginia’s state-funded VENA reloads beginning this week and expanded food distributions by food banks and local businesses facing surging demand.