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By Gina Hill | Alaska Headline Living | November 2025
Amid the longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history, a federal judge demanded full SNAP payments for the roughly 42 million Americans relying on them, but the Supreme Court of the United States temporarily blocked the mandate following an appeal by the Donald Trump administration, leaving benefit disbursements in limbo.
With the federal government shutdown showing no signs of immediate resolution, one of the most urgent flashpoints is the struggle over food‑aid payments through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Here’s how the events unfolded, what the authorities have done, and what this means for families across the country.
👉🏿 The Judicial Trigger
On November 6, 2025, U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. of Rhode Island issued an order requiring the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fully fund the November SNAP benefits for about 42 million participants by the end of the week, arguing that partial payments or delays would inflict “irreparable harm.” SCOTUSblog
The judge held that the administration should tap all legally available contingency funds rather than leave families uncertain.
The Administration’s Response
Earlier, the USDA had notified states that no November benefits would be issued unless new funding arrived, citing the shutdown and lack of appropriations. Subsequently, the Trump administration filed court documents stating it would use about $4.65 billion from SNAP’s contingency fund to issue partial benefits, covering roughly half of the typical full allotment, while declining to tap other funds meant for child nutrition programs.
Supreme Court Steps In
In the face of the judge’s November 6 order, the administration appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit. When that court did not immediately halt the judge’s order, the USDA sought emergency relief from the Supreme Court. Late Friday, Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued an administrative stay, effectively pausing the lower court’s directive to make full payments until the appeals court can act. In practical terms: while the judge had ordered full payment, the stay allows the administration to continue with the prior partial‑funding approach pending further review. SCOTUSblog
What the USDA Says
On its official website, the Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) clarified:
“FNS is working towards implementing November 2025 full benefit issuances in compliance with the November 6, 2025, order from the District Court of Rhode Island. Later today, FNS will complete the processes necessary to make funds available to support your subsequent transmittal of full issuance files to your EBT processor.” USDA Food and Nutrition Service
However, this statement comes with caveats, and the full issuance remains subject to the appeals court outcome.
Why It Matters
- SNAP benefits typically cost between $8.5 billion and $9 billion per month for the current cohort of about 42 million participants.
- Because of the shutdown and absence of new appropriations for fiscal 2026, the USDA argues its contingency fund is the only available vehicle, but also claims that reserve may not lawfully cover regular monthly benefits. Center on Budget and Policy Priorities
- The resulting legal tug‑of‑war has triggered uncertainty for states, beneficiaries, and food‑aid organizations alike. Some states began issuing full benefits after the lower‑court order, others prepared for delays or partial payments. opb
What It Means for You
- If you rely on SNAP: While there is a court ruling in your favor, currently the full payment is not guaranteed until the appeals process concludes—so you may see a delay or reduced benefit.
- If you’re a state administrator or non‑profit: Be prepared for a shifting landscape of state‑by‑state variation as guidance and funding wrangles continue.
- If you’re in Alaska (or another remote/ high‑cost area): The timespan for state systems to transmit files and distribute benefits may be longer, increasing the urgency of backup plans (local food banks, emergency aid, etc.).
In short: the judicial branch has ordered full SNAP benefit payments; the administration has appealed and obtained a temporary stay from the Supreme Court; and millions of Americans remain in limbo as states and the USDA navigate what comes next.
