Overview
- USDA says November’s pause caused by the 43‑day federal shutdown ends with December deposits after President Donald Trump signed the funding law on November 12.
- The agency published state‑by‑state December calendars, with variations including Florida paying across December 1–28 by case digits and New Jersey depositing over the first five days, except Warren County on December 1.
- New York State pays by case‑number digit, while New York City follows a separate 13‑day schedule; Illinois timing depends on when households enrolled; Texas splits timing by certification date and EDG number; California pays over the first 10 days by case digit.
- Illinois joined more than 20 attorneys general led by Oregon in suing in federal court to block the guidance, arguing it unlawfully cuts off some refugees, asylees and other humanitarian entrants, even after gaining permanent residency.
- Plaintiffs say USDA denied the usual 120‑day implementation window and warn the changes, including an 80‑hours‑per‑month work, volunteering or training requirement for most adults 18–64 with specified exemptions, will raise costs and increase food insecurity.