The Trump administration says full SNAP benefits should begin flowing again within 24 hours of the government reopening, offering long-awaited relief to nearly 42 million low-income Americans hit by the shutdown. USDA spokesperson Alec Varsamis said most states will receive funds to distribute benefits almost immediately once President Donald Trump signs the House-approved funding deal, expected Wednesday night. The agreement restores the program to its normal budget after weeks of legal battles over whether the administration was required to pay full benefits during the shutdown.
SNAP payments were disrupted for the first time on November 1, forcing food banks, cities and state agencies to deal with a surge in demand during the run-up to the holiday season. A federal judge recently ordered USDA to use contingency funds to issue up to 65% of payments, but the administration appealed separate rulings requiring full benefits. Anti-hunger groups warn that, even after the government reopens, some states may face administrative delays because their usual payment systems were paused during the shutdown.
Info comes via a Politico report.
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A rapid restart of SNAP benefits could deliver a short-term bump to U.S. consumer spending, particularly in lower-income households where marginal propensity to consume is highest. The return of full payments may stabilise grocery and essentials demand into the holiday period, supporting near-term retail sales after several weeks of shutdown-induced drag.