SNAP Benefits Could Resume by Wednesday as Court Orders Trump Administration to Act

WASHINGTON — Millions of American families relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may soon see relief. Federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island ruled last week that the Trump administration must use existing contingency funds to issue at least partial food aid payments as the government shutdown extends into its 33rd day — now the second-longest in U.S. history.

Court Orders Partial SNAP Payments

The rulings, issued on October 31, direct the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to deploy $5.25 billion in contingency funds to provide partial November SNAP benefits. Judges also left open the option for the administration to tap certain discretionary funds to cover the benefits in full.

The courts have given federal agencies a limited number of days to report back on their actions.

During an appearance on CNN’s State of the Union on Sunday, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the administration would comply with the orders. When asked if payments could begin by Wednesday, Bessent replied, “Could be.” He confirmed that the administration will not appeal the rulings.

Shutdown Nears Historic Length

At 33 days, this shutdown is now just two days shy of the record 35-day shutdown that took place between December 2018 and January 2019 — also under President Trump’s first term. If the current impasse continues beyond Election Day, November 4, it will become the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.

Social Security Payments Unaffected

Despite the funding freeze, Social Security payments — including retirement, disability, and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) — continue without interruption. These programs are considered mandatory spending under federal law, meaning their funding is not tied to congressional appropriations.

Local Social Security offices remain open, though certain administrative services are limited until the shutdown ends.

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