SNAP Payments Expected to Resume Nov. 8

Dear Neighbor,

I want to make sure you are aware of an urgent development that will affect 1.4 million Michiganders who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

SNAP benefits were initially paused on Nov. 1 because of the ongoing federal government shutdown. However, on Oct. 31, two federal courts ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to restart SNAP using contingency funds. The USDA said it would issue only 50 to 65% of normal payments.

A third court ruling on Nov. 6 ordered the USDA to issue full benefits to SNAP recipients.

As a result, Michiganders who normally receive SNAP on the third, fifth or seventh of the month will now receive their full SNAP payments on Saturday, Nov. 8. Future payments are expected to follow the regular schedule for now, but funding remains uncertain because the USDA relies on limited contingency dollars.

The only long-term solution is for Congress to end the shutdown and fully restore SNAP funding.

In Michigan, nearly 1.4 million people rely on SNAP, including 492,000 children, 38,500 veterans, and hundreds of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities.

This shutdown uncertainty comes at a time when grocery prices are rising and families are already stretched thin. Most SNAP households are working adults, but their wages simply aren’t enough to cover basic needs without assistance. On average, SNAP provides $335 per month per household — totaling nearly $300 million each month flowing into Michigan’s grocery stores, farmers markets and local businesses. Without it, families will likely face the impossible choice between food, medicine, rent or utilities.

House Democrats are moving forward with legislation to fight to protect Michigan families, including the following proposals:

• Securing Fresh Food Access: A proposal to create a $600 million emergency supplemental fund for food assistance SNAP recipients.
• Keeping Food Banks Stocked: A proposed additional $12.5 million to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
• Keeping Food on the Table: A proposed additional $12.5 million for local food pantries.
• Calling for Federal Action: Resolutions urging the U.S. President, Congressional Republicans and the (USDA) to end the shutdown and guarantee uninterrupted SNAP benefits.

In order for these proposals to move forward, Michigan House Republicans will need to work with House Democrats to keep meals on Michigan tables.

If your household is impacted, please know that help is available:

• Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help – Michigan 2-1-1 for confidential referrals to local food programs and services.
• Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and hunger relief efforts.
• Check your MI Bridges account for the latest updates on SNAP benefits.

Michigan families work hard, play by the rules and deserve the dignity of knowing they can put food on the table. I will keep fighting to make sure Washington lives up to that promise.

Sincerely,

Tyrone Carter
State Representative
House District 1