Full SNAP Benefits Released to Some States After Court Ruling

Full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits began being distributed to recipients in several U.S. states today, following a court order requiring the Trump administration to fund the monthly payments despite the ongoing government shutdown.

A judge had mandated the administration provide full benefits by Friday, but after an appeals court declined to suspend that order, the administration appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court. Several states acted swiftly to comply with the ruling. Wisconsin disbursed over $104 million to approximately 337,000 households starting at midnight, according to a spokesperson for Governor Tony Evers. Oregon Governor Tina Kotek stated that state employees “worked through the night” to ensure benefits were available to families. Hawaii also quickly processed payments, anticipating a potential pause from a higher court. This comes as millions of Americans rely on SNAP to afford groceries, and disruptions to the program can create significant hardship.

California, Washington state, Kansas, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania also reported issuing full SNAP benefits today, while others anticipate full payments over the weekend or early next week. Some states, including Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, and North Dakota, distributed partial payments. Delaware’s Governor Matt Meyer authorized state funds for weekly relief payments to SNAP recipients. “Not everybody has cash to pull out and say, ‘OK, I’m going to go and get this,’ especially with the cost of food right now,” said Jasmen Youngbey, a SNAP recipient in Newark, New Jersey, before receiving her benefits. You can find more information about SNAP eligibility requirements on the USDA website.

The legal battle stems from the Trump administration’s initial decision to halt November SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown. Judges ruled against this, citing an emergency reserve fund of over $4.6 billion that could be used to cover the roughly $8.5 to $9 billion monthly cost. Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued to the Supreme Court that the judge’s order “makes a mockery of the separation of powers,” and that states were attempting to deplete available funds before appeals could be filed. The administration is seeking a stay of the court order while the case proceeds.

Officials indicated they are awaiting further guidance from the federal government, and the Supreme Court is expected to consider the administration’s request for a stay in the coming days.