MI SNAP Benefits Won't Go Out In November, Officials Confirm

Michiganders who receive federal food aid won’t get their November benefits as the ongoing federal shutdown continues, The Department of Agriculture has announced.

The Department of Agriculture posted a notice on its website after the Trump administration said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in contingency funds to keep benefits through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly referred to as SNAP, flowing into November. That program helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries.

“Bottom line, the well has run dry,” the USDA notice says. “At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 01. We are approaching an inflection point for Senate Democrats.”

Nationally, more than 62 percent of nearly 41.7 million SNAP participants are in families with children; 37 percent are in families with members who are older adults or disabled; and more than 38 percent are in working families, according to an analysis by the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.

The analysis of USDA Food and Nutrition Service data by the non-partisan research group that focuses on federal and state policies to reduce poverty and inequality also shows that 1,474,400 Michiganders. That’s 15 percent of the state population (1 in 7) who depend on benefits to keep food on the table.

According to the data, roughly 59 percent are Michigan families with children and 39 percent are families with members who are older adults or disabled. Additionally, more than 46 percent of Michigan SNAP recipients are in working families.

The data also shows most SNAP recipients in Michigan have incomes below the poverty line. The average SNAP benefit was $173 for each household member, per fiscal year 2024, according to the date.

The shutdown, which began Oct. 1, is now the second-longest on record. While the Republican administration took steps leading up to the shutdown to ensure SNAP benefits were paid this month, the cutoff would expand the impact of the impasse to a wider swath of Americans — and some of those most in need — unless a political resolution is found in just a few days.

The prospect of families not receiving food aid has deeply concerned states run by both parties.

Officials in Louisiana, Vermont and Virginia pledged to keep food aid flowing to recipients in their states, even if the federal program is stalled next month because of the government shutdown.

Other states’ attempts to use their own funds to support the program have faced technical hurdles, and it's uncertain if the three new plans can overcome these.

Food Bank Council of Michigan Executive Director Phil Knight said the pause to SNAP benefits will have severely impact households across Michigan.

"SNAP and the charitable food network play very different roles in fighting hunger. SNAP provides monthly support that helps families buy groceries and keeps Michigan’s economy strong. Our network of food banks and pantries are designed to be a supplement to SNAP when benefits fall short or families aren’t eligible," Knight said.

Temporary food assistance for eligible low-income families and individuals is available from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Use MI Bridges to apply for assistance, check your eligibility status and manage your account online.

To find additional resources:

• Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help - Michigan 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services.
• Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts.