Federal judges have ordered the Trump administration to fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November, just one day before they were set to expire. The U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts ruled that the administration has until Monday to indicate whether it will partially or fully fund November's benefits.
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of Democrat-led states, including Illinois, which argued that the federal government had access to $3 billion in SNAP contingency reserve funds to use during a shutdown. The Trump administration had claimed that using such funding was unlawful.
President Donald Trump suggested on social media that the government would comply with the court rulings, but emphasized that benefits would not come quickly and might be delayed by the logistics of loading funds onto prepaid cards used for purchasing groceries. Trump also stated that even if he received immediate guidance from the courts, it would still be delayed while states receive the necessary funding.
The USDA had previously informed recipients and state agencies that it wouldn't have enough money to pay for SNAP in November if the government shutdown continues. However, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul welcomed the ruling, saying "Today's order acknowledges, once again, that the rule of law and separation of powers still matter."
Recipients are expressing concern over the uncertainty surrounding when they will receive their benefits. One woman who receives SNAP food assistance in Chicago said she is worried about the timeline for aid distribution, adding that there isn't a definitive date for her to receive her benefits.
The Trump administration has the option to appeal the ruling, which could further prolong uncertainty about the distribution of SNAP benefits. Meanwhile, states are working together to address the crisis, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signing an executive order directing $20 million to support food banks and other states using state money to fill the gap.
As Thanksgiving approaches, recipients like Natasha McClendon, who relies on SNAP for groceries, are looking for ways to prepare without the roughly $1,100 her family typically receives each month. McClendon expressed concern that a potential appeal or further government action could exacerbate the problem, saying "The longer the shutdown goes, the more problem it's gonna cause."
The ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by a coalition of Democrat-led states, including Illinois, which argued that the federal government had access to $3 billion in SNAP contingency reserve funds to use during a shutdown. The Trump administration had claimed that using such funding was unlawful.
President Donald Trump suggested on social media that the government would comply with the court rulings, but emphasized that benefits would not come quickly and might be delayed by the logistics of loading funds onto prepaid cards used for purchasing groceries. Trump also stated that even if he received immediate guidance from the courts, it would still be delayed while states receive the necessary funding.
The USDA had previously informed recipients and state agencies that it wouldn't have enough money to pay for SNAP in November if the government shutdown continues. However, Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul welcomed the ruling, saying "Today's order acknowledges, once again, that the rule of law and separation of powers still matter."
Recipients are expressing concern over the uncertainty surrounding when they will receive their benefits. One woman who receives SNAP food assistance in Chicago said she is worried about the timeline for aid distribution, adding that there isn't a definitive date for her to receive her benefits.
The Trump administration has the option to appeal the ruling, which could further prolong uncertainty about the distribution of SNAP benefits. Meanwhile, states are working together to address the crisis, with Illinois Governor JB Pritzker signing an executive order directing $20 million to support food banks and other states using state money to fill the gap.
As Thanksgiving approaches, recipients like Natasha McClendon, who relies on SNAP for groceries, are looking for ways to prepare without the roughly $1,100 her family typically receives each month. McClendon expressed concern that a potential appeal or further government action could exacerbate the problem, saying "The longer the shutdown goes, the more problem it's gonna cause."
Timing is everything when it comes to SNAP benefits... The clock is ticking! 
As the saying goes, "Delay is may be" - and for recipients of this vital program, every day counts. It's not just about getting by until Thanksgiving, but making ends meet all month long. 
. Govt got served for holding up food for low-income fams. Let's hope Nov benefits get distributed ASAP 
. Don't wanna see people struggling on Thanksgiving 
oh man, this is so frustrating for people who rely on SNAP benefits 
i mean, come on, $3 billion in contingency reserve funds? that's like, a lot of money 
they're already struggling to make ends meet, and now they don't know when they'll get their next $1,100 
i'm sure there are ways to streamline the process and get funds to people ASAP 
It's not fair that people have to worry about when they'll receive their aid, and states like Illinois are trying their best to help out with $20 million for food banks... that's really cool 
. Fingers crossed the Trump admin appeals, so we can move forward and get this sorted! 
The drama around SNAP benefits is getting real! I'm not surprised to see the Trump admin trying to weasel out of funding for November. Meanwhile, Illinois is like, "Hey, we've got this!" 
Signing that executive order to support food banks? 
That's more than just a PR move - it shows states are taking action. But, what about Natasha McClendon and her fam? 
Let's keep our fingers crossed that benefits get distributed ASAP!
Can you believe this? The Trump administration is still trying to pull some kinda masterplan here but all they're doing is causing uncertainty for people who already can't afford food 
like Natasha McClendon and others. It's not just about the money, it's about dignity too. They should've had their act together by now... I mean what's next? 
. However, the Trump administration's decision to appeal the ruling is a concerning development that could further prolong the uncertainty for recipients like McClendon 
The Trump administration was trying to pull a fast one on people who need food assistance? That's just not cool. I guess the courts had to step in and say, "Hey, no way." 
I mean, we're talking about people who are struggling to make ends meet. The Trump administration could have been more transparent and proactive from the start. But now that it's too late, at least this ruling is a step in the right direction.
. I mean, think about it - millions of people are counting on these benefits to get them through the month, and now they're just left wondering when they'll actually get their cash 
. I'm all for states having some autonomy, but come on, using $3 billion in contingency reserve funds is like, literally common sense 
.
. It's not about the partisan bickering; it's about human beings trying to survive and thrive 
. I'm glad Illinois is taking the lead on supporting food banks and other states are stepping up too 
.
the gov't is literally putting people's plates away because of some drama over funds... i feel bad for all those families who are counting on their SNAP benefits to get through the month, and now they're stuck in limbo. thank goodness some states are stepping up to help, like illinois governor JB pritzker signing an executive order to support food banks - that's what we need more of: leaders taking action