The federal government shutdown has impacted the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and Kentuckians could see funding dry up next month.
Millions of Americans who rely on that assistance could see that disrupted as the USDA has prohibited funding for SNAP benefits in November.
“In a letter, the Trump administration has ordered the federal government not pay out SNAP benefits for November and states to not pay money to the vendors to pay out SNAP benefits for November,” Governor Andy Beshear said Monday.
More than 600,000 Kentuckians who use SNAP benefits would be impacted by the lapse in funding.
“One in eight Kentuckians rely on SNAP, many of which are children and our must vulnerable,” Beshear said.
Beshear said once the federal government reopens, Kentucky will begin processing benefits once federal funding returns.
Beshear said the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program has also been impacted by the shutdown.
“Kentucky has not received funding for the month of November from the federal government for TANF due to the shutdown,” he said, adding that Kentucky will use state funds to cover the program through November. If the shutdown lasts longer than that, he said its unlikely the state can cover the cost.
For Kentuckians receiving SNAP benefits, click here for updates from the Department of Community Based Services’ website or its Self-Service Portal account.
Source: WHAS11
You must be logged in to post a comment.