Headline: SNAP Benefits Set to Resume Within 24 Hours as Government Reopens
After weeks of disruption, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is poised for a rapid restart. The U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that states will receive funding to begin issuing full SNAP benefits within 24 hours of the federal funding bill being signed, restoring support to roughly 42 million low-income Americans and easing strain on families and retailers heading into the holiday period.
The resumption returns SNAP to its standard budget following legal disputes over payment obligations during the shutdown. Benefits were first interrupted on November 1, pushing food banks, municipalities, and state agencies to manage a surge in demand. A federal court allowed USDA to use contingency funds to cover up to 65% of typical disbursements, even as the administration contested rulings that would have required full payments. While the federal funds are slated to flow quickly, some states may experience short-term administrative delays as EBT systems are reactivated and payment calendars are reset.
A swift restoration of SNAP could provide a near-term lift to consumer spending, particularly among households with the highest propensity to spend. For grocers, big-box retailers, and payments providers processing EBT transactions, the return of full benefits should stabilize traffic and sales, helping offset the shutdown’s drag on grocery and essentials demand.
Key Points: – Full SNAP benefits are expected to restart within 24 hours of the funding bill being signed – Approximately 42 million Americans will see food assistance restored – During the shutdown, courts allowed USDA to issue up to 65% of payments via contingency funds – Some states may face temporary delays as EBT systems and payment schedules are reactivated – The restart is likely to bolster grocery demand and support near-term retail sales – Retailers and payments providers should see steadier transaction volumes as benefits resume
