News

We are continuing to monitor the release of SNAP benefits as we mark day 36 of the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. 

As indicated in its court filing, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has release brief guidance to states, including reduced SNAP allotment tables. Of course, the release of the federal contingency funding is only a partial and temporary solution, and now with the rollout falling to states, many are indicating it may take days or even weeks for individuals to receive benefits. 

You can take action today and tell your members of Congress to provide sustainable funding to cover all SNAP benefits: Urge Congress to Fund SNAP

Latest Update (11/7, 5:00 pm)

It is now being widely reported that the USDA is working to pay 100% of November SNAP payments.  Multiple news outlets have begun reporting the Administration is working to pay full November benefits, with Politico reporting  that “later today” it (USDA) will “complete the processes necessary” to make funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program available."

Simultaneously, the Administration has appealed the Rhode Island District Court ruling requiring full payment using specific funds.  The Justice Department noted in its appeal that  “a single district judge has devised his own solution: ordering USDA to cover the SNAP shortfall by transferring billions of dollars that were appropriated for different, equally critical food-security programs —and to do so within just one business day (i.e., by today).” It appears the Administration has its own plans to fully fund the November payments.

Given members have already been logging partial payment schedules over the next several days, these developments may mean those scheduled payments are likely to change.  We will look for further updates from the Department of Human Services and share that information accordingly. 

Below is the information currently listed on the DHS SNAP Federal Impact Center:

This month, the Trump Administration has decided to provide significantly reduced November benefits. SNAP customers will at most receive 50% of their normal benefit.  In many cases, the federal government will be paying far less than 50% of the normal benefit to customers and many customers who rely on SNAP benefits to put food on their tables will not be receiving any SNAP benefits at all for November.

It will be several days, if not a week or more, before any reduced federal payments will be available on Link cards under the federal plan.

SNAP is 100% federally funded, and the Trump Administration dramatically delaying, reducing, or completely eliminating payments affects all 1.9 million recipients in Illinois.  The State does not have the budgetary ability to replace these vital resources.  Benefits left on cards from previous months can still be used.

We understand that the uncertainty around SNAP benefits is deeply concerning for families across Illinois. IDHS is committed to keeping families informed and supported as this situation continues to evolve.