Millions of Americans who depend on SNAP benefits may soon receive long-awaited relief after weeks of uncertainty. The recent government shutdown left around 42 million people unsure when their food aid would return, forcing families and seniors to stretch every dollar.
But a major federal court ruling has now ordered immediate action, pushing officials to release emergency payments without further delay. That means benefits could be refilled much sooner than expected, possibly as early as next week.
A court order brings long-awaited relief
The shutdown has been more than just a political standoff; it’s been a real-life crisis for millions of families, seniors, and individuals who depend on SNAP to put food on the table. Food banks have been overwhelmed, states have declared emergencies, and the National Guard has even stepped in to help distribute food in some areas. The anxiety has been palpable, with many wondering how long they could stretch their last benefits.
But on Friday, a federal judge in Rhode Island stepped in, ordering the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) to use emergency funds to issue owed SNAP payments “as soon as possible.” This ruling was a direct response to the growing hardship and the urgent need for action.
Officials signal payments could start this week
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent appeared on CNN’s State of the Union and offered a glimmer of hope: partial payments could start arriving in SNAP accounts as early as Wednesday. While there are still some legal and logistical steps to be worked through, Bessent emphasized that President Trump’s administration does not plan to appeal the court’s decision. Instead, they’re seeking further guidance from the courts to ensure everything is done by the book.
“There’s a process that has to be followed. So, we got to figure out what the process is,” Bessent explained. But he was clear about the administration’s intent: “President Trump wants to make sure that people get their food benefits.”
Source: CNN / TikTok
Benefits could arrive almost instantly
Republican Congressman Bryan Steil from Wisconsin reassured the public that the restoration of benefits will be “near instantaneous” once the government gives the green light. While there may be a day or two of delay as the funds are processed, the expectation is that accounts will be refilled rapidly.
This is possible because the USDA has about $6 billion in contingency funds set aside for emergencies like this. US District Judge John McConnell made it clear in his ruling that these funds are “appropriated funds that are without a doubt necessary to carry out the program’s operation.”
Also read: SNAP pause in November: Where to turn for extra food help
Why were payments delayed for so long
The USDA had previously resisted using its emergency funds, citing concerns about reimbursement and blaming the shutdown on political gridlock. Some states, facing the prospect of not being reimbursed, said they simply couldn’t afford to cover the costs of SNAP benefits upfront. As Maryland Governor Wes Moore put it, “We cannot use capital that is destined and intended for bridging federal reimbursement when the federal government says, ‘You’re getting nothing.’”
But with the court’s ruling, the USDA is now required to act, regardless of the ongoing shutdown.
What SNAP recipients should do now
1. Check Your Account Regularly: Payments could start arriving as soon as Wednesday, but it may take a day or two for the funds to show up, depending on your state and your bank.
2. Stay Informed: The situation is evolving quickly. The Trump administration has been ordered to provide an update on SNAP payments by Monday at noon (ET), so more information should be available soon.
3. Reach Out for Help if Needed: If you’re running low on food, don’t hesitate to contact your local food bank or community organization. Many are ramping up support during this crisis.
"There could be no greater necessity than the prohibition across the board of funds for the program’s operations. There is no doubt, and it is beyond argument, that irreparable harm will begin to occur if it hasn’t already occurred in the terror it has caused some people about the availability of funding for food for their family"
Read next:
- Millions set to receive up to $5,100 in Social Security this November—even after the shutdown
- Lawmakers push new bill to keep SNAP payments flowing through November
- DoorDash launches massive effort helping millions hit by SNAP benefit freeze
Have you been affected by the SNAP payment delays? How have you and your loved ones been coping during the shutdown? Do you have tips or resources to share with others in our community?
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