Overview
- States were told the maximum SNAP allotment will be reduced by about 50% this month, with some households seeing larger cuts based on income.
- Two federal judges directed the administration to use emergency reserves, and officials say roughly $4.6–$4.65 billion will be deployed, far short of a full month’s needs.
- State agencies report operational hurdles including complex recalculations, system recoding, and an EBT vendor serving many states rejecting some October applications over reimbursement uncertainty.
- Minnesota, Nevada and Montana officials say there is no clear payout timeline, with Montana warning benefits may not load for weeks and Minnesota cautioning some October filers could find no expected funds.
- Local responses are ramping up as San Diego County urged USDA to release funds, Utah Senate Democrats sought a state backstop using rainy-day money, and food banks in Florida and Colorado reported surging demand.