Particle.news
Download on the App Store

USDA Rules Out Contingency Funds, Putting November SNAP Payments in Jeopardy

State agencies warn of suspended deposits absent a funding deal.

Overview

  • An internal USDA memo says the agency will not tap the roughly $6 billion SNAP contingency reserve for regular November benefits, leaving about 42 million people at risk of missing payments.
  • The Food and Nutrition Service has told states to retain November issuance files and delay transmitting EBT records until further notice.
  • Louisiana officials said no new benefits will be added after November 1 unless the federal government reopens, while agencies in Texas, New York, California, Pennsylvania and Washington, D.C., posted public warnings.
  • Senator Josh Hawley introduced emergency legislation to restore SNAP and key farm programs during the shutdown, though no federal funding fix has been enacted.
  • Despite broad warnings, a USDA-published schedule lists Florida SNAP deposit dates throughout November, underscoring confusion for recipients.