I’m sure you have already heard about the SNAP in the U.S. that helps millions of people buy food. The thing about this benefit is that the money was sent to beneficiaries’ EBT cards, which work like a debit card. However, many people have recently experienced some delays when receiving their money. Why did this happen? Well, we are here to tell you every single detail about it. So, let’s find out more about why this situation is happening.
SNAP payment delays
On October 31, just a few hours before the government shutdown, two federal judges ordered the SNAP to continue functioning since this program helps about 1 out of 8 people in the U.S. to buy food.
But the confusion started earlier. When the government shut down on October 1, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which manages SNAP, said it would use emergency money to keep payments going. Later, they announced that this emergency money had run out, which left states unsure about how they would send out November benefits.
Court decisions and funding problems
A judge in Rhode Island ordered the USDA to use a $5 billion emergency fund to keep SNAP active. However, the program needed about $8 billion per month! Some Democratic governors and state attorneys asked to use an additional fund of $23 billion, but the judges let the government decide what to do.
How SNAP payments work in states
Even though the money is approved, it doesn’t mean the money will immediately show up on the cards because reloading an EBT card can take between 1 and 2 weeks. What’s more, each state has its own payment schedule, for example:
- Arizona spreads payments throughout the month based on the first letter of the recipient’s last name.
- Connecticut sends all benefits during the first few days of the month.
This is why some people will receive the money before others.
Risk of partial payments
If the government only uses the $5 billion fund, it’s possible that some families will only receive partial payments. This has never happened before, and recalculating new benefit amounts for every single household could take several weeks and would require changes to computer systems in all states.
The USDA has not confirmed yet if the states would keep their frequent schedules or if they will adjust them once the funds are ready. Keeping the usual schedule might drain the small fund too quickly, but changing the schedule could slow payments even more.
What can families do while they wait?
For families depending on SNAP the most important things to do are:
- Being prepared for possible delays.
- Checking the balance on the EBT card regularly.
- Staying updated through the state’s SNAP office or website.
Although judges helped keep the program alive, the money can arrive late or in partial amounts. This is why SNAP beneficiaries should pay attention to what is going on and expect any possible delay, so that they can plan their budget and have food while they wait.
To sum up
As the government prepares its next move, staying informed is the best way to stay prepared. Check your state’s SNAP updates, keep an eye on your EBT card, and know that behind the scenes, judges, states, and agencies are fighting to keep this vital program moving forward.
In the middle of all this uncertainty, there is still hope: SNAP continues to stand as a powerful safety net, and millions of families will feel its support again once the funding flows smoothly. For now, patience and information are your strongest tools—and brighter clarity is on the way.