SNAP Benefits

Following court orders to resume payments, the U.S. Department of Agriculture said it will use $4.65 billion in contingency funds to cover roughly half of November’s SNAP benefits — but the money could take weeks or months to reach recipients.

Even as Kentuckians brace for delayed or reduced SNAP payments amid the ongoing federal shutdown, new federal rules are taking effect that expand who must meet work and reporting requirements to keep their benefits. Starting Nov. 1, most adults ages 18 to 64 — including veterans, the homeless, and former foster youth — must now document at least 80 hours of work or job training each month.

The order ensures that funding for the SNAP program continues to be available despite the shutdown.

Food banks are already feeling the pressure.

Nearly 40% of the 42 million SNAP recipients nationwide are children 17 and younger, according to the USDA. About 20% are seniors.