Key Takeaways:

• Nearly 42 million Americans, including 16 million children, missed SNAP benefits.
• The Trump administration says “the courts” block use of $6 billion in emergency funds.
• Two federal judges ruled the government must tap those funds to pay SNAP benefits.
• Lawmakers and the White House could restore benefits within days if they agree.

SNAP Benefits Are Waiting on Legal Approval

Millions of families count on SNAP benefits each month. These benefits help them buy groceries. Yet, during the government shutdown, payments stopped. On Saturday, 42 million people missed their food aid. Suddenly, grocery budgets vanished for households across the country. Children, seniors, and people with disabilities saw empty pantries. In response, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent blamed “the courts” for the delay. He said the administration needs a legal pathway to release $6 billion set aside for emergencies. However, federal judges have already ordered the White House to tap that same fund.

How SNAP Benefits Funding Works

Under normal conditions, a pool of money supports food aid programs. In 2018, lawmakers set aside about $6 billion in a contingency fund for SNAP benefits. This fund exists precisely to cover gaps during delays. For example, if Congress doesn’t pass a budget, the U.S. Department of Agriculture can use those dollars to send out food stamps. According to an Agriculture Department memo from September 30th, the money remains available. Therefore, SNAP benefits could continue for two or three weeks without interruption. Despite this option, the Trump administration has not used the contingency fund.

What the Courts Have Said on SNAP Benefits

Contrary to the administration’s claim, two federal judges already ruled in favor of releasing the funds. In Massachusetts, a judge called the halt in SNAP benefits unlawful. The court ordered the government to use the emergency fund to resume payments. Similarly, a judge in Rhode Island reached the same conclusion. These decisions leave no legal barrier to tapping the money. Yet on Sunday, Secretary Bessent told reporters he was unsure how to proceed. He suggested the administration might appeal or seek further guidance. Meanwhile, families wait and struggle to put food on the table.

Why the Delay?

Bessent pointed to conflicting court opinions. He claimed President Trump tweeted that two courts issued opposing rulings. However, no such conflict exists. Both courts agreed the government must pay SNAP benefits. Additionally, the administration has used alternate funds to pay active military members. This shows they know how to work around a funding gap. Yet when it comes to SNAP benefits, they remain stuck. Furthermore, Bessent said Democrats should end their “civil war” and reopen the government. In effect, he shifted blame away from the White House. Of course, many lawmakers argue the shutdown itself causes the problem.

What Comes Next for SNAP Benefits

As pressure mounts, two paths could restore SNAP benefits. First, the administration could tap the $6 billion contingency fund. That action requires only a directive inside the executive branch. Second, lawmakers in Congress could pass a stopgap spending bill. Either route may allow benefits to resume by Wednesday. CNN anchor Jake Tapper pressed Bessent on live television. He asked whether the White House would appeal the court orders. Bessent admitted he still needed to “figure out the process.” Ultimately, however, the courts have already ruled. Families now await swift action.

In the meantime, food banks and charities brace for more demand. Many community groups are stepping up to fill the gap. They worry they cannot handle months of lost SNAP benefits. For those relying on food stamps, every day counts. Therefore, stakeholders on both sides face growing frustration. People expect clear leadership and a quick fix. Otherwise, hunger will deepen across the nation.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can SNAP benefits return so quickly?

The government already has $6 billion set aside for emergencies. A simple executive action could release that money. Courts have ordered the administration to do exactly that.

Why did the Trump administration halt SNAP benefits?

Officials link the freeze to the government shutdown. They claim legal uncertainty prevents them from using emergency funds.

What did the courts decide about SNAP benefits?

Judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island both ruled the government must tap the contingency fund to cover SNAP benefits.

Will the shutdown end this week?

It depends on political negotiations and the White House’s willingness to follow court orders. If leaders act fast, benefits could resume by midweek.