What happens to my SNAP benefits during government shutdown?
People relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), don't have to worry due to the federal shutdown — yet.
Due to a lapse in funding, the law requires federal agencies to furlough their "non-excepted" employees. Excepted employees, which include those who work to protect life and property, stay on the job but don't get paid until after the shutdown ends.
The White House Office of Management and Budget begins the process with instructions to agencies that a lapse in appropriations has occurred and they should initiate orderly shutdown activities. That memo went out Tuesday evening.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates that roughly 750,000 federal employees could be furloughed each day of the shutdown, with the total daily cost of their compensation at roughly $400 million.
But those programs that rely on mandatory spending generally continue during a shutdown. Social Security payments still go out. Seniors relying on Medicare coverage can still see their doctors and health care providers can be reimbursed.
Veteran health care also continues during a shutdown. Veterans Affairs medical centers and outpatient clinics will be open, and VA benefits will continue to be processed and delivered. Burials will continue at VA national cemeteries.
And SNAP recipients are also expected to receive their October payments.
But future payments could be a concern if the shutdown continues.
October benefits are obligated in September, the Food Research & Action Center explained, meaning they were accounted for prior to the shutdown.
However, that isn't the same for November's benefits as the center fears for delays or entire interruptions.
"If a shutdown extends beyond mid-October, USDA could technically tap its contingency reserve funding to cover SNAP costs. Under the prior administration, this reserve stood at $6 billion, but it is unclear how much remains available or whether the current administration would choose to use it," the center wrote.
A SNAP team at the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts has been fielding calls and emails, Director Andrew Morehouse said.
"We're available to help people if they can't get through to (the Department of Transitional Assistance), to try to make sure that they can meet the requirements to get the benefits they need," he said.
The Associated Press contributed to this reporting.
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