Federal Court Orders Full November SNAP Benefits Amid Legal Challenge
A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to distribute full November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, ensuring food aid reaches millions of Americans despite the ongoing government shutdown. The ruling prompted immediate action by several states to release funds to eligible households.
The administration quickly appealed to a federal court, arguing that the judiciary cannot require spending money that Congress has not appropriated. Meanwhile, states including California, Kansas, and Wisconsin began issuing payments within hours. In Wisconsin, over $104 million was disbursed to 337,000 households, while New York and Massachusetts expect full benefits by the weekend.
The legal dispute has created uncertainty for SNAP recipients, who rely on the program for essential nutrition. Jasmen Youngbey, a New Jersey mother, said her account showed zero balance earlier in the day but reflected the full benefit later following state action.
The Trump administration maintains that the court’s order violates the separation of powers and called the injunction “unprecedented.” The outcome of the appeals process will determine how quickly and reliably millions of families receive their food aid this month.
