Half of usual monthly aid to reach recipients; future months remain uncertain
WASHINGTON — The Trump administration said Monday it will draw on emergency funds from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to cover a portion of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November.
Contingency Fund Released
Roughly $4.65 billion from the USDA’s contingency reserve will go toward SNAP benefits this month, according to federal filings. That amount is expected to cover about 50% of regular monthly disbursements.
An additional $600 million is earmarked for administrative support at the state level and for nutrition aid in U.S. territories, officials said.
SNAP Faces Budget Strain
The SNAP program typically costs between $8 billion and $9 billion per month, serving around 42 million Americans nationwide.
States will receive guidance from the USDA on how to calculate the reduced benefits, but state agencies have cautioned that implementing the changes could take weeks or longer.
Legal Pressure Prompted Move
Until last week, the USDA had insisted it would not tap into the contingency fund, arguing that the reserve was intended for emergencies — not routine benefit payments.
That stance shifted after two federal judges, in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, ordered the administration to act to preserve the SNAP program. The rulings gave the USDA a deadline to respond, prompting Monday’s announcement.
Larger Questions Remain
While the decision temporarily avoids a complete lapse in food assistance, it sets a precedent for how entitlement programs may be handled during prolonged government shutdowns.
It also revives the debate over who bears ultimate responsibility for funding such programs — Congress, which holds the power of the purse, or the executive branch, when forced to act under pressure.
December Outlook Still Bleak
Officials warned this is a stopgap measure, not a long-term solution. If the government shutdown drags into December, the USDA’s contingency fund will be exhausted, and full benefits may not be issued.
That leaves millions of Americans — and the states that administer the program — facing fresh uncertainty in the weeks ahead.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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Why are we giving any benefits to illegals?
The public did not get to vote on this.
Seniors get $25 and illegals get thousands?
Since you ask ~ what I don’t understand the federal judges, in Massachusetts and Rhode Island and other demanding judges aren’t putting pressure on the ones causing ALL the problems; the LWRL Democrats and LWRL Republicans in name only (rhinos) ~ which are probably still receiving their underserved salaries. Why are they not bring them to justice and ‘demand they stop their un American and childish behavior. Actually, I feel very sorry for the left wing radical liberal ~ they are so narrow minded and turned in-onto-themselves; very sad but very true. They need prayer but it hard to do when their behavior is hurting so many Americans.