Archive · 28 Nov 2025
SNAP Benefits in US News
SNAP is a program that helps low-income people buy food.
It's been in the news because of a recent government shutdown that temporarily stopped benefits.
There's also a new law called the One Big Beautiful Bill that changes who can get SNAP benefits, making it harder for some people.
Recently, a group of attorneys general sued the US Department of Agriculture because they think the new rules unfairly cut off benefits for some immigrants, like refugees and people granted asylum.
The lawsuit wants to stop these new rules from being put into effect.
SNAP benefits temporarily lapsed during the US government shutdown and were reinstated on November 12.
The One Big Beautiful Bill introduced changes to SNAP eligibility, including expanded work requirements.
21 attorneys general filed a lawsuit against the USDA over guidance restricting SNAP benefits for certain immigrants.
The lawsuit argues that the USDA's guidance violates the law by making some immigrants permanently ineligible for benefits.
The attorneys general are asking a federal judge in Oregon to suspend the implementation of the USDA's guidance.
- Who
- Low-income individuals and families, immigrants, attorneys general from 21 states
- What
- Changes and controversies surrounding SNAP benefits
- When
- Recent government shutdown, July 2025 changes, October 31 USDA guidance, ongoing lawsuit
- Where
- United States, with specific focus on states involved in the lawsuit
- Why
- Government shutdown, changes in eligibility under the One Big Beautiful Bill, lawsuit against USDA's guidance
- Program Name
- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)
- Administration
- US Department of Agriculture and state social service agencies
- Recent Shutdown Impact
- Benefits lapsed during the US government shutdown, reinstated on November 12
- One Big Beautiful Bill
- Changes to SNAP eligibility, including expanded work requirements
- Lawsuit
- 21 attorneys general sued USDA over guidance restricting SNAP benefits for immigrants
- States Involved in Lawsuit
- New York, Washington, DC, Oregon, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin
- USDA Guidance Date
- October 31