Federal shutdown could impact November SNAP benefits
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MEMPHIS, Tenn. – At least one Mid-South state is pausing November SNAP benefits as the government shutdown enters its third week.
Mississippi is placing “issuance files” on hold as federal funding begins to run out, a spokesman told FOX13.
As soon as Congress restores federal funding, he said Mississippi is “ready to act immediately.”
In the meantime, spokespeople for Tennessee and Arkansas said the departments are waiting on guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“(Arkansas Department of Health) projects that we will be able to offer services and food benefits through early November, thanks to the recent additional reallocation of funds received this week,” wrote a spokeswoman for the Arkansas Department of Health.
A spokeswoman for the Tennessee Department of Human Services told FOX13 the department is closely monitoring the situation but had no definitive details.
In September alone, more than 152,000 people in Shelby County relied on SNAP benefits.
“It’s no way you’re going to survive without eating,” said Tiana Taylor, an Imogene Heights resident. “It’s no way.”
“This is very concerning,” said Dr. Elena Delavega, a social work professor for the University of Memphis. “There are a lot of things that are concerning about SNAP.”
She told FOX13 the federal government is putting a greater responsibility on states to fund the program.
“That is going to put a lot of pressure on the states,” she said. “That pressure is going to be a pressure to eliminate this many people as possible from the rolls.”
New work requirements
There are also new permanent work requirements going into place for some SNAP recipients.
Able-bodied adults without children:
- Must prove they are working eighty hours a month OR
- Must prove they are getting an education OR
- Must prove they are in a training program
You may be exempt if:
- You are unable to work due to a physical or mental disability
- You are pregnant
- You live in an area with high unemployment rates
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