Millions of households are bracing for reduced food assistance this month as the federal government prepares to issue only partial SNAP benefits during the ongoing shutdown. According to a filing in federal court, the administration will draw down the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program’s contingency fund — but it won’t be enough to fully cover benefits for November.
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Half Benefits, Federal Fund Nearly Empty
In a declaration submitted to a federal judge, USDA official Patrick Penn confirmed the agency will exhaust its $4.6 billion SNAP contingency reserve to fund roughly 50% of eligible households’ normal monthly benefits. Full November benefits would require approximately $9 billion in federal funding.
More than 42 million Americans rely on SNAP to buy food, and without congressional funding, SNAP officially ran out of money at the start of the month. States administer SNAP, but the federal government controls the dollars — meaning families nationwide are now directly feeling the impact of the shutdown.
The administration signaled states will receive guidance to calculate reduced payments, allowing them to begin disbursements. However, it warned that changes to state systems could trigger significant delays, ranging from weeks to months in some states.
Court Orders Force Action
This action follows a court order requiring the government to use contingency funds to avoid a complete cutoff in benefits. Judges overseeing lawsuits in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ruled the contingency fund must be deployed, rejecting earlier arguments that the money could not legally be used.
Judge John McConnell ordered that the government must use the fund — and ideally find additional money to fully support families — and ensure payments are not delayed beyond Wednesday.
Legal advocacy group Democracy Forward said it is exploring options to pursue full benefit payments, calling it unacceptable that millions had to turn to the courts for food assistance.
Political Pressure Mounts
Senator Amy Klobuchar criticized the administration for doing “the bare minimum,” arguing that additional resources should be shifted to prevent hunger. She emphasized that the authority exists to move funds from other programs to fully support recipients.
The USDA previously warned states that benefits would not be issued November 1 if no funding deal was reached. With the shutdown stretching into its 34th day, states and advocacy groups acted urgently — with some planning temporary measures to help residents.
What SNAP Households Should Expect
- Partial November benefits — roughly 50% of normal allotments
- Potential delays depending on state technology updates
- Uncertainty until a federal funding agreement is reached
Local SNAP agencies and EBT portals will be the best source for real-time updates, but uncertainty will remain until Congress acts or the administration shifts additional funds.
A Crisis for Families Already on the Edge
For millions, SNAP isn’t supplemental — it’s essential. With one in eight Americans depending on food assistance, any reduction has immediate consequences. Grocery budgets are already stretched, and food prices remain elevated. This partial payout underscores how fragile safety-net programs become during political gridlock.
The contingency fund has bought time, but not a solution. Advocates stress that stable access to food shouldn’t hinge on court orders or emergency reserves — yet that’s the reality this month for families across the country.