November’s SNAP benefits will be cut less severely than initially expected. The U.S. Department of Agriculture revised its guidance, stating that SNAP benefits this month will be cut by 35% rather than the 50% initially announced.
The change comes as the agency works to comply with a federal court order requiring it to access SNAP’s $5.25 billion contingency fund during the government shutdown.
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The new figures show that a family of four in the lower 48% will get roughly $646 this month, according to NBC News.
The Agriculture Department didn’t clarify what caused the revision. A Justice Department filing on Wednesday stated there had been an “error.” It said they quickly corrected it “as soon as it was discovered.”
When benefits could arrive
The USDA said it’s moving as fast as possible to issue those partial payments. However, anti-hunger groups warned the decision could leave some families without enough to eat. They also said some states could be left without funds for new applicants or emergency aid.
It’s unclear when those payments will arrive. States will have to recalibrate their systems, and the administration warns it could take weeks or months in some places.
On Monday, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said it will take “several weeks to execute partial payments.” She added that when the government reopens, “FULL benefits can get to families without delay.”
