Texas Alerts: Potential Federal Shutdown May Impact November SNAP Benefits

Texas officials have begun to alert residents about potential disruptions to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits scheduled for November. This warning comes as the risk of a federal government shutdown looms, possibly affecting millions of residents who depend on these essential funds.
Impact of Potential Federal Shutdown on SNAP Benefits
As of October 27, if the federal shutdown continues, more than 3.5 million Texans may face a loss of over $614 million in SNAP benefits. This situation could put significant strain on families, particularly 1.7 million children who rely on these benefits for their nutritional needs.
Official Notices and Funding Status
The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) has warned state agencies that payments for November could be halted if appropriations are not restored. Currently, funding for SNAP is secure through October. The FNS stated, “If the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation.”
Details on SNAP Benefit Disbursement
For many Texans, SNAP benefits are deposited onto Lone Star Cards, which can be used at grocery stores. Monthly payments generally range from $200 to $400, depending on household size, with the average payment around $379, based on August data.
Historical Context of Government Shutdowns
The current shutdown began at midnight on October 1, after lawmakers failed to meet their funding deadline. The last significant shutdown occurred from late 2018 into early 2019 and lasted 35 days, illustrating the potential for prolonged disruptions.
Other Assistance Programs Remaining Unaffected
At this moment, other assistance programs are not facing similar threats from the shutdown. These programs include:
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
- Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)
- Medicaid
- Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP)
The Texas Health and Human Services Department, which oversees the SNAP program, encourages participants to visit their website for further updates and information related to their benefits.