SNAP payment delays continue, Ohioans expected to get November benefits this week

Millions of Americans who rely on food assistance are experiencing delays in receiving their November benefits, even after the Trump administration directed states last week to resume full payments following the government shutdown (Source: “States warn of processing delays for November SNAP payments,” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Nov. 18).
 
“As soon as President Trump signed the bill to reopen the government, money was flowing to states,” a U.S. Department of Agriculture spokesperson told Axios last Friday. “USDA stands ready to provide technical assistance if states are struggling to get benefits to families.”
 
The USDA previously said most states would receive funds “within 24 hours” of the shutdown’s end, according to Politico. The agency also confirmed last week that a planned reduction to maximum November allotments was no longer in effect.
 
Sixteen states and Washington, D.C., have already disbursed their full November benefits, Axios reported. Before the federal directive, several states — including New York, Delaware, Rhode Island, Virginia and Maryland — used state funds to keep benefits flowing. Others acted under court orders requiring the Trump administration to resume payments.
 
According to reporting from Axios, states have provided different timelines for when the remaining benefits will be issued, with Ohio indicating that benefits will be distributed this week.