State officials are working to restore full SNAP food benefits to millions of people after the longest US government shutdown ended, though some may wait up to a week for delayed aid, officials said Thursday.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) serves about 42 million people, or one in eight Americans, in lower-income households. About two-thirds of states had issued only partial benefits or none before the shutdown ended, according to an Associated Press tally.
West Virginia, which had not issued benefits, expects full November payments by Friday, Governor Patrick Morrisey said. Illinois, which issued partial benefits, said it will restore full payments by November 20. Colorado switched to full benefits, with funds available as soon as Thursday.
Missouri, which issued partial payments Tuesday, is awaiting USDA guidance to issue remaining benefits. The USDA said funds could be available within 24 hours of the government reopening, but did not specify when they would reach beneficiaries' cards.
Some families faced hardship. Lee Harris of North Little Rock, Arkansas, said his family missed a SNAP payment this week after his spouse was laid off. They received help from his temple and food left by a mover, but faced uncertainty. “Not knowing a definite end, I don’t know how much I need to stretch what I have in our pantry,” Harris said.
The legislation to reopen the government provides full SNAP benefits for November and the rest of the fiscal year through September. Some states had used their own funds to provide direct aid during the shutdown.
