SNAP Recipients Could Lose Benefits Next Month Due To Shutdown

More than 200,000 West Virginians who receive benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), may not get those funds in the coming weeks, due to the federal government shutdown.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service has notified regional and state SNAP directors in a letter that there is not enough money on hand to provide benefits past the end of October if the shutdown continues.

“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 reads.

The benefits, which are typically loaded onto EBT cards on the 7th of each month, pay for food purchases for low-income individuals and families. The monthly payments were roughly $170 for each household member – for a total of just over $565 million for 277,400 recipients in West Virginia in 2024, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

Area food banks and meal distribution services that spoke with West Virginia Public Broadcasting say they’ve already seen an uptick in applications and inquiries for food assistance. 

An estimated 16% of state residents receive SNAP benefits – more than half of them in households with children.