Snap Benefits Will Return But Only By Half

The administration of Donald Trump announced that it will restart benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) but only pay out about half the normal amount for November. According to a government filing, the relevant contingency fund within the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) holds roughly $4.65 billion, while roughly $8 billion is normally required for the monthly food assistance payments. The filing further notes that if that fund is depleted, there will be no remaining cushion for new applicants, disaster assistance, or other emergencies.

This situation arises amid the ongoing federal government shutdown (which began October 1 2025) that has left the federal budget without a full appropriations resolution. The USDA had initially argued it could not legally tap its contingency fund for regular SNAP benefits. Two federal courts (in Massachusetts and Rhode Island) ruled that suspension of SNAP payments was likely unlawful and ordered the administration to use contingency funds.

Because the contingency fund only covers about half of the expected monthly SNAP cost, eligible households are facing a partial payment — meaning 50 % of their usual allotment — and in many states the process will be delayed due to system-changes and state eligibility recalculations. Experts warn that state systems may take a few weeks to several months to adjust and distribute funds. Meanwhile, the administration declined to tap a separate roughly $23–30 billion fund allocated for child-nutrition (school meals etc.), saying it is legally separate and must not be used for SNAP.

Politically, Senate Democrats sought to pass a resolution to ensure full SNAP funding, but Senate Republicans blocked it, labeling it a political maneuver rather than a full appropriations bill. The Trump administration meanwhile posted on social media that full benefits would only be available when the government shutdown is resolved (“…will be given only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government…”).

For households and food-aid organizations, the implications are serious. Roughly 1 in 8 U.S. residents receive SNAP. About 39 % of recipients are children. Food banks report increased demand and warn that they cannot fully substitute for SNAP payments.

Projections

• Short-term impact on households: Many SNAP-eligible households will see half their usual benefit, possibly more if administrative delays affect states. This likely increases food insecurity, especially for children and low-income households.
• State response pressure: Some states may feel compelled to use their own funds or emergency appropriations to make up shortfalls for SNAP or related nutrition programs. The federal government’s refusal to reimburse states could strain state budgets and provoke legal or legislative responses.
• Long-term program risk: If the shutdown persists or recurs, and contingency funds are depleted, SNAP may face a full funding lapse or deeper cuts, which could lead to structural disruptions in the safety net for low-income families.
• Political repercussions: The handling of SNAP may become a key campaign topic, affecting public perception of both parties. With 42 million recipients and children making up a large share, stakeholder advocacy and state-level action may increase.
• Administrative and legal precedent: The court rulings reinforce that SNAP funding may be protected even during shutdowns, but the process (partial payments, delays) sets precedent for how the program will be handled in future fiscal impasses.

References

• “Trump administration says it will pay out only half the monthly SNAP benefits” — Washington Post. The Washington Post
• “Judges order Trump administration to use emergency reserves for SNAP payments during the shutdown” — Associated Press. AP News
• “Senate Republicans strike down Democratic proposal to fully fund SNAP” — The Guardian. The Guardian
• “Trump administration says it won’t tap emergency funds to pay food aid” — Politico. Politico
• “Delays, smaller payments: How SNAP funding will work” — ABC News. ABC News+1
• “Trump: SNAP benefits to begin only when US government opens” — Reuters. Reuters
• Wikipedia: 2025 United States federal government shutdown. Wikipedia