(LOOTPRESS) – The Trump administration has warned state governments that there will be “insufficient funds” to pay full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the ongoing federal government shutdown extends past October, Axios reported.
According to a letter sent to state agencies and obtained by Axios, Ronald Ward, the acting associate administrator of SNAP, said the program currently has enough funding to operate only through the end of this month.
“As stated in our lapse of appropriation correspondence dated October 1, 2025, SNAP has funding available for benefits and operations through the month of October,” Ward wrote.
“However, if the current lapse in appropriations continues, there will be insufficient funds to pay full November SNAP benefits for approximately 42 million individuals across the Nation.”
The letter directs states to hold off on processing benefits for November until further notice.
“Considering the operational issues and constraints that exist in automated systems, and in the interest of preserving maximum flexibility, we are forced to direct States to hold their November issuance files and delay transmission to State EBT vendors,” the letter stated.
A person familiar with the matter told Axios that loading benefits onto cards before funding is appropriated could violate the Antideficiency Act, which bars federal agencies from spending money not yet approved by Congress.
Axios reported that the warning marks the latest sign of strain from the prolonged government shutdown.
A senior administration official told Axios the White House blames Democrats for the stalemate.
“This is on the Democrats — they chose to shut down the government,” the official said. “If they want these benefits to continue, they should join Republicans in voting to open the government next week.”
