Archive · 4 Nov 2025
US to Partially Fund SNAP Benefits Amid Government Shutdown
Imagine the government is like a family that has stopped getting its allowance, so it doesn't have enough money to pay for everything.
One important bill is for food for lots of families, called SNAP.
The government was going to stop paying for it, but some wise people (judges) said that wasn't fair and they had to use some special savings money.
So, the government said they would use some of the savings, but it's only half of what families need to buy food this month.
This is happening because the leaders can't agree on how to get more money for the government, especially about helping people pay for doctor visits.
Other programs that help moms, babies, and young children are also running out of money.
The White House informed a judge that over 42 million Americans will receive only half of their usual food stamp (SNAP) payments for November.
This partial funding comes from a $4.65 billion emergency fund, as ordered by federal courts.
The government shutdown has stretched to 36 days, impacting various public services and programs.
Democrats are criticizing the administration's decision to provide only partial funding for SNAP benefits.
The shutdown continues due to a disagreement between Democrats and Republicans over healthcare subsidies for the Affordable Care Act.
- Who
- The Trump administration, Agriculture Department (USDA), federal judges, SNAP recipients, Senate Democrat Patty Murray, Republicans, Democrats.
- What
- The Trump administration will partially fund SNAP benefits for November using a $4.65 billion emergency fund due to the government shutdown. This means over 42 million Americans will receive only 50% of their usual food aid.
- When
- Monday, November 3rd. The government shutdown is in its 36th day. The partial payments are for November SNAP benefits.
- Where
- Washington D.C. (White House, court filings by USDA).
- Why
- To prevent Americans from going hungry during the shutdown, following court orders that questioned the legality of withholding benefits. The shutdown is extended due to a dispute over healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
Trump Administration
Federal Judges/Democrats
Funding SNAP Benefits
Trump Administration
The Trump administration announced it will partially fund SNAP benefits for November using a contingency fund, after initially claiming it lacked the legal authority to use emergency funds.
Federal Judges/Democrats
Federal judges ruled that the administration's plan to withhold SNAP benefits was likely unlawful and ordered the use of contingency funds. Democrats argue the administration should have paid SNAP benefits all along and that partial funding is not acceptable.
Cause of Government Shutdown
Trump Administration
Republicans, led by President Trump, insist the government must reopen before any negotiations take place.
Federal Judges/Democrats
Democrats refuse to pass a stopgap spending bill unless Republicans agree to extend healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare).
- Program Affected
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), WIC, Head Start
- Funding Amount for SNAP
- $4.65 billion from contingency fund (partial payment)
- November SNAP Allotments
- 50% of eligible households' allotments
- Total SNAP Cost (November)
- Estimated $9 billion
- SNAP Recipients
- Over 42 million Americans
- Government Shutdown Duration
- 36 days (as of Monday, Nov 3)
- Healthcare Subsidies
- Affects over 20 million Americans
Sources
Trump Seeks To 'Weaponise Hunger' In Shutdown: Top Democrat
US government shutdown extends into 6th week as Trump pushes Republicans to change Senate rules
Why the Next Seven Days Are Critical for Trump and United States
Trump Administration To Provide Half Of SNAP Benefits In November Amid Government Shutdown
Trump administration to cover half of SNAP benefits in November amid shutdown
For first time in long US government shutdown, hints of progress toward reopening
Trump administration to partially fund SNAP benefits amid govt shutdown
