NGA was recently notified that USDA reversed its earlier instructions to the states and has directed states to transmit October SNAP benefit files to state EBT vendors so that benefits will be available to SNAP recipients on October 1st. USDA had previously instructed states in letter sent Friday, September 18th to not transmit October benefits.
USDA’s letter does warn the states that should Congress fail to pass appropriations by October 1, the Agency may be forced to take additional action, including de-authorizing SNAP retailers, to prevent funds that have not been appropriated from being spent.
NGA has been in contact with Congressional leadership offices and is urging Congress to quickly fund the government before midnight on September 30th.
