SNAP Benefits Could Resume This Week Following Court Orders

Emergency Food Aid in Motion
Millions of Americans relying on SNAP benefits may soon see relief after a temporary halt due to the ongoing federal shutdown. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said Sunday that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments could restart as early as Wednesday. The update follows rulings from federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ordering the administration to use emergency funds to continue the food assistance program.

More than 42 million Americans depend on SNAP to put food on the table. The program was slated to stop disbursing benefits on Nov. 1, but the court’s directive has put the payments back in motion.

Court Orders and Administration Response
Judge Jack McConnell of Rhode Island ordered emergency funds be used “as soon as possible,” while Judge Indira Talwani in Boston gave the administration until Monday to confirm whether at least partial November benefits will be funded.

The administration has decided not to appeal the ruling. On CNN’s State of the Union, Bessent stressed that officials are working quickly: “There’s a process that has to be followed. So, we’ve got to figure out what the process is.” He added that securing funds by midweek “could be” possible.

President Signals Support
President Donald Trump also addressed the issue Friday, saying the government is “exploring its options” to restart the aid. He emphasized on Truth Social that he does not want Americans to go hungry during the shutdown, placing blame on Democrats for not reopening the government.

As the administration works through legal and logistical steps, families across the country are hopeful that food assistance will resume within days.