Trump Administration Cuts November Food Stamp Benefits by Half
The Trump administration recently confirmed a significant change to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for November. Due to a government shutdown, eligible households will receive only half of their usual food stamp benefits. This decision taps into the program’s contingency fund.
Details of the SNAP Benefit Changes
The administration will allocate $4.65 billion from SNAP’s contingency fund to cover 50% of the benefits for November. An additional $600 million will assist with state administrative costs and aid for Puerto Rico and American Samoa. This move follows a federal court ruling that urged the administration to provide either full or partial benefits.
Impact on Recipients
Consumers impacted by this cut began missing their benefits as of October 28, 2023. The average food stamp benefit for eligible households hovers around $350 each month, with approximately 42 million Americans relying on SNAP for nutritional assistance.
- Half of usual food stamp benefits for November.
- $4.65 billion from contingency fund allocated for beneficiaries.
- Most recipients may experience delays in receiving payments.
Legal and Administrative Challenges
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has indicated that informing states about these partial payments will happen soon. However, adjusting state systems for these reduced allotments may cause further delays. Patrick Penn, a USDA official, expressed concerns about how varying state systems might handle these adjustments, estimating delays in some regions might last weeks or even months.
Responses to the Decision
President Trump has indicated a desire for benefits to resume promptly. He mentioned on social media that legal guidance is needed for funding SNAP benefits quickly. Meanwhile, a coalition of attorneys general and other groups have mobilized lawsuits to challenge the administration’s decision and ensure that SNAP beneficiaries receive their full entitlements.
Future Implications
This decision to halt benefits could have long-lasting effects on food security for millions of Americans. Advocacy groups continue to press for immediate resolutions, emphasizing the critical nature of nutritional assistance, especially for vulnerable populations. As litigation continues, stakeholders are closely monitoring the administration’s next steps to resolve this pressing issue.
