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US to Issue Partial Food Aid Benefits Amid Ongoing Shutdown

2025-11-03

The BareStory

The Trump administration will provide 50% of the normal November payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) after its funding lapsed during an ongoing partial government shutdown, which on Monday entered its 34th day. The decision, which affects approximately 42 million Americans, followed rulings from two federal judges that ordered the administration to continue funding the food aid program.

To make the payments, the administration stated in a court filing that it will use the entirety of a SNAP contingency fund of about $4.6 billion. The full cost of November benefits is estimated to be around $9 billion. According to a filing from a U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) official, the administration declined a judge’s suggestion to use funds from the Child Nutrition Program to cover the shortfall, stating those funds must be kept available for their intended purpose.

The funding impasse continues as the Senate has not scheduled a vote on a House-passed measure to fund the government. President Trump has blamed Democrats for the shutdown and has called on the Senate to eliminate the 60-vote filibuster rule. House Speaker Mike Johnson said the easiest path to restoring full benefits is for Democrats to vote to reopen the government. Democrats are reportedly seeking an extension of Affordable Care Act tax credits as a condition for their support.

Officials have warned that distributing the reduced benefits could be subject to lengthy delays. A government statement said it could take states from several weeks to months to recode their eligibility systems. The administration noted in a court filing that using the entire contingency fund will leave no reserves for new November applicants or disaster relief. Separately, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that airport delays have occurred and are "going to get worse" as the shutdown continues.

Left Perspective

  • The administration is providing partial aid despite the funding impasse.
  • Democrats are responsible for the shutdown and the halt in funding.
  • The administration is protecting other essential nutrition programs.

Right Perspective

  • A broader political dispute is the root cause of the shutdown.
  • The administration was compelled by the courts to provide aid.
  • The administration's solution is inadequate and creates further risks.

How it may affect me

As a U.S. reader:

• Around 42 million Americans are set to receive only 50% of their expected November food aid benefits due to a funding lapse.

• The distribution of these reduced food aid benefits may be delayed for weeks or months as states need time to recode their payment systems.

• The SNAP contingency fund will be depleted, leaving no reserves for new food aid applicants in November or for any new disaster relief efforts.

• Travelers may experience worsening airport delays as the government shutdown continues, according to the Transportation Secretary.

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