USDA ordered to issue partial November SNAP benefits

Partial benefits of approximately 50% to begin Saturday, Nov. 8

 

LANSING, Mich. – On Tuesday, Nov. 4, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) received communication from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) indicating that FNS will reduce the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) maximum allotments to approximately 50% of the SNAP recipients’ benefit payments for the month of November. SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the month will receive their partial SNAP allotment Saturday, Nov. 8. All other SNAP recipients will receive partial benefits on their normally scheduled date.

 

As a result, MDHHS will begin to issue partial SNAP benefits to recipients Saturday, Nov. 8. MDHHS is told this is due to limited availability of federal funds as a result of the federal government shutdown.

 

The funding for the partial November benefits will come from SNAP contingency funds, which will cover about half of the $9.2 billion that monthly SNAP benefit costs nationally. FNS had previously directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. New SNAP applications will be processed from October and November, however, it is unclear whether applicants will receive November benefits and MDHHS awaits further guidance from the USDA.

 

There remain multiple pending court proceedings that may further impact the provision of November SNAP benefits. If additional court action results in changes to the payment of partial benefits beginning on Saturday, November 8, MDHHS will provide updated information as it becomes available.

 

“We understand and share the disappointment many households feel about receiving only a portion of their November SNAP benefits. These benefits are a vital lifeline for many Michigan families, especially with the rising cost of food,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director of MDHHS. “In addition to SNAP benefits, we encourage those in need to visit local food pantries as needed, which can be found by calling 2-1-1.”

To help feed families amid the federal government shutdown, Governor Whitmer recently announced the State of Michigan will provide $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This critical funding will help feed Michigan residents in all 83 counties and provide food delivery to those who can’t drive to their local food bank.

 

Whitmer also recently led a group of governors in a letter calling on the Trump Administration to prevent disruption to SNAP during the federal government shutdown. Additionally, the Executive Office of the Governor and state departments have helped Michigan residents feed their families by: 

• Continuing Double Up Food Bucks, a program that gives Michigan families money to purchase groceries, including fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Supporting Hunters Feeding Families, a program that helps Michiganders get venison or other fresh game to feed their families.
• Continuing to feed all 1.4 million public school students free breakfast and lunch.

SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or can check MI Bridges for updates.

 

To find additional resources:

•        Dial 2-1-1 or visit www.mi211.org for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
•        Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts. 

• Call the Double Up Food Bucks program hotline at 866-586-2796, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Until Wednesday, Dec. 31, the program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables, will expand access so families can build up savings on their Double Up cards. Find a participating location near you: DoubleUpFoodBucks.org/find-a-location.

 

SNAP in Michigan 

In FY 2024, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335.03 in SNAP benefits per month, which is about $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food.  

 

• 492,225 children benefit from SNAP.

• 38,513 veterans participating in SNAP. 

• 36% SNAP households have older adults. 

• 43% SNAP households have children. 

• 51% households have a person with a disability.  

• 78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income. 

 

In Michigan, more than 9,700 retailers accept SNAP. In 2023, retailers redeemed over $3.6 billion in SNAP.   

 

To be eligible for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable non-citizen status) and must live in Michigan. Eligibility is based on the financial situation of all members of a household. Everyone who lives together, purchases and prepares food together is considered a member of the same household group. In order to determine if a household is eligible for SNAP, MDHHS will review a household’s expenses, assets and income. Expenses include rent, mortgage, utility bills, child support and dependent care expenses. For individuals with a disability or who are at least 60 years old, medical care, medical supplies and health insurance premiums may be included as an expense.