Supreme Court Halts Full SNAP Benefits Amid Government Shutdown

The U.S. Supreme Court temporarily granted the Trump administration's request to block full SNAP food benefits during the government shutdown, even as residents in some states had already begun receiving them. The high court decision late Friday gave a lower court time to consider a more lasting pause. The move may add to confusion, though, since the government said it was sending states money on Friday to fully fund SNAP at the same time it appealed the order to pay for them. According to court documents, U.S. District Judge John McConnell Jr. issued a decision Thursday afternoon to fully restart the country's largest anti-hunger program. Shortly after, states started to announce they'd be issuing full SNAP benefits. Some people woke up Friday with the money already on the debit-like EBT cards they use to buy groceries. The number of recipients who received the benefits before the Supreme Court's intervention is unclear. "This decision will allow the lower court to consider the merits of the administration's appeal and provide a more lasting resolution to this issue," said a spokesperson for the Department of Justice. However, the move has sparked concerns among advocates for the poor, who fear that the delay will cause undue hardship for those who rely on the program. SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a critical lifeline for millions of low-income individuals and families. The program provides essential food assistance to those who struggle to make ends meet. The government shutdown, which began in October, had already caused a disruption in SNAP benefits, leaving many recipients without access to food. The Trump administration's appeal of the lower court's decision is part of a broader effort to limit the program's scope and funding. Critics argue that the administration's actions will exacerbate food insecurity and worsen the economic struggles of vulnerable populations. As the Supreme Court's decision takes effect, states will be forced to pause the distribution of full SNAP benefits. The impact on recipients will depend on the duration of the pause and the availability of alternative assistance programs. Advocates are urging Congress to pass legislation that would restore full funding for SNAP and prevent further disruptions to the program. The Supreme Court's decision is a temporary reprieve for the Trump administration, but the long-term outcome remains uncertain. A lower court will now consider the administration's appeal, and a final decision is expected in the coming weeks. In the meantime, recipients of SNAP benefits will continue to face uncertainty and hardship.