Overview
- Two federal judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts directed the administration to use contingency funds to keep SNAP running and to report back by Monday on how it will cover November payments.
- The orders came after USDA moved to freeze benefits on Nov. 1, producing an immediate lapse for many recipients because state EBT systems could not reload accounts in time.
- Available contingency funds are estimated at roughly $5–6 billion versus about $8–9 billion needed for a full month, raising the prospect of delayed or partial payments even if reserves are released.
- The White House says it lacks legal authority to use certain reserves but said it will seek court guidance on funding options, while the judges pressed the government to identify additional lawful sources.
- Governors and food banks announced emergency measures to blunt the shortfall, warning demand is surging and that state aid and private relief cannot replace federal benefits at national scale.