SNAP Benefits: A Partial Victory for Recipients Amid Government Shutdown

In a surprising turn of events, people relying on SNAP benefits will get more money this November than first thought.

The Mistake and Its Impact

The USDA figured out a mistake in their calculations. They initially planned to cut benefits by half. But now, they're only reducing them by 35%. This means eligible folks will receive up to 65% of their usual benefits.

Government Shutdown: The Longest in U.S. History

The government shutdown is now the longest in U.S. history. It's been going on for 37 days. Because of this, SNAP payments were at risk. But a court order forced the USDA to use emergency funds. This ensured that benefits would still go out, even if they were reduced.

The Justice Department's Admission

The Justice Department admitted the error after reviewing the numbers. They updated states with new instructions on how to calculate the adjusted benefits. This back-and-forth shows how messy the situation is. It also highlights the struggles of people depending on these benefits.

Funding and the Shutdown's Impact

Initially, the USDA planned to use $4.6 billion from reserve funds. They said this would cover half of the benefits for eligible households. But with the new calculations, more money will go to those in need. This is a small win, but the shutdown's impact is still significant.

The Broader Picture

The government shutdown is causing a lot of problems. It's affecting many programs and services. SNAP benefits are just one example. The situation shows how important it is to have stable government funding. People's lives depend on it.