Judge Considers Urgent Order to Preserve SNAP Payments Amid Shutdown

UPDATE: A federal judge is weighing an urgent decision that could protect food benefits for millions amid the ongoing government shutdown. On October 5, 2023, District Court Judge Indira Talwani indicated she may order the Trump administration to continue Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments, which support approximately 42 million low-income Americans.

During a hearing in Boston, Judge Talwani expressed strong support for a request from New York Attorney General Letitia James and 24 other Democratic-led states to utilize an emergency fund to keep SNAP benefits flowing. “You are not going to make everyone drop dead because it’s a political game someplace,” Talwani remarked, demonstrating her concern for the human impact of the government’s financial decisions.

The judge underscored the gravity of the situation, questioning the federal government’s assertion that the shutdown does not constitute an emergency. “It’s hard for me to understand that this is not an emergency, when there is no money and a lot of people are needing their SNAP benefits,” she stated emphatically.

This hearing comes just days before the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) plans to suspend SNAP payments due to funding lapses caused by the shutdown. Traditionally, the USDA has drawn from a contingency fund to maintain SNAP benefits during similar situations, but the current administration has not committed to this practice.

Each month, SNAP costs about $8 billion and provides critical assistance to around 1 in 8 Americans. In New York alone, approximately 3 million people rely on SNAP, including 2 million residents in New York City, to purchase essential groceries loaded onto their debit cards.

Judge Talwani suggested that if the federal government cannot fully fund the program, it should consider partial payments to states, affirming that “the steps involve finding an equitable way of reducing benefits.” She emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility, stating, “If you don’t have money, you tighten your belt.”

However, a government attorney warned that implementing partial payments could lead to significant complications, requiring states to recalibrate benefits and potentially delaying access to funds for those in need. It remains unclear how quickly beneficiaries could see funds reloaded onto their cards after a potential ruling.

The urgency of this situation cannot be overstated, as countless families depend on SNAP for basic nutrition. The judge’s decision, expected soon, could have profound implications for millions who are already facing financial strain amid the government shutdown.

Stay tuned for further updates as this critical case develops, impacting the lives of millions of Americans relying on SNAP for their daily sustenance.