Overview
- Roughly 42 million people did not receive November 1 SNAP payments after USDA said funding had run out during the prolonged shutdown.
- Federal judges John J. McConnell Jr. in Rhode Island and Indira Talwani in Massachusetts ordered the administration to use contingency funds and report plans to the courts on Monday.
- McConnell directed a full November disbursement by end of day Monday or, at minimum, a partial payment by Wednesday, while Talwani said the suspension is likely unlawful and sought an update on reduced versus full funding.
- Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said benefits could restart as soon as Wednesday, but officials caution that legal constraints, limited reserves and technical processing will delay delivery for many recipients.
- USDA’s contingency reserve is about $5.25 billion versus roughly $9–$9.2 billion needed for a full month, leaving food banks facing surging demand as states roll out temporary assistance and prepare for continued strain.