The Trump administration has announced substantial cuts to food stamp benefits for November in response to a federal court ruling and the ongoing government shutdown. Eligible households will now receive only half of their regular Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Reduced Benefits Amid Government Shutdown
As part of their decision, the administration plans to allocate $4.65 billion from SNAP’s contingency fund. This amount will cover 50% of the benefits for November’s recipients. Additionally, the remaining $600 million will be dedicated to state administrative costs and nutritional assistance for territories like Puerto Rico and American Samoa.
Judicial Oversight and Administration Choices
Last week, a federal judge in Rhode Island mandated the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to either provide full benefits or partial ones using the contingency fund. Despite this judicial order, the administration opted not to withdraw $4 billion from other funding sources that could cover the full benefits.
Approximately 42 million Americans rely on SNAP, with benefits averaging just over $350 per month as of May. The decision to cut benefits has caused significant anxiety among recipients, many of whom are now turning to food pantries.
Impact on SNAP Recipients
Payments began to be disrupted on Saturday, and many recipients may not receive their benefits for weeks or even months. USDA representatives have indicated that states need to adjust their systems to accommodate the new allotments, potentially leading to payment delays and errors.
State Response and Administrative Hurdles
- States halted the issuance of November benefits following a USDA directive on October 10.
- The USDA cited the federal government shutdown, which commenced on October 1, as the reason for the funding shortfall.
- States must send information to vendors each month to load funds onto recipients’ benefit cards, a process that requires significant lead time.
USDA officials expressed concerns over the complexity of reprogramming state systems, some of which are outdated. Patrick Penn, a USDA official, highlighted the uncertainty surrounding how effectively states can adapt to these changes without causing further delays.
Legal Actions and Ongoing Challenges
The halt in benefits has led to a coalition of Democratic attorneys general and governors from 25 states to file a lawsuit in Boston. In addition, a group of advocacy organizations has taken action in Rhode Island challenging the administration’s approach to SNAP benefits.
Skye Perryman, president and CEO of Democracy Forward, underscored the urgency of securing full benefits for those who depend on SNAP. She stated that legal action may be necessary to ensure compliance with Congressional mandates for nutritional assistance.
Future Directions
President Donald Trump has publicly expressed his desire to see benefits resume. He instructed legal advisers to explore options for expediting the funding process. However, he acknowledged that even with immediate guidance, delays may still occur as states work to reinstate benefits.
