Overview
- After judges in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordered the use of contingency funds, USDA told a federal court it will provide up to 65% of typical November SNAP benefits, revising an initial 50% estimate the Justice Department called an error.
- Exact payout timing varies by state as agencies reprogram systems, with Louisiana targeting loads as soon as Friday, North Carolina and Connecticut pointing to next week, and others warning of delays.
- Contingency reserves of roughly $4.6–$6 billion cannot cover a full month of benefits for the nearly 42 million recipients, and USDA says the funds will be depleted to deliver reduced payments.
- Under federal reduction rules, many households will see cuts larger than 35% in dollar terms, some larger families could receive nothing for November, and one- or two-person households may get a $16 minimum.
- States report heavy operational burdens and likely delays—Pennsylvania estimates 10,000 staff hours and up to two weeks for system changes—while cities and food banks roll out emergency aid that leaders say cannot replace full SNAP funding.