New Jersey officials are warning that a prolonged federal government shutdown could soon affect how and when thousands of families receive food assistance.
The state’s Department of Human Services said this week it was told by federal agencies that November SNAP benefits might not be distributed on time if the gridlock in Washington continues.
It’s also unclear whether benefits already added to Families First EBT cards before Oct. 31 will stay available after Nov. 1, according to the agency’s Division of Family Development.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, helps hundreds of thousands of New Jersey residents—from parents with young kids to seniors and people with disabilities—put food on the table each month.
Other programs run by the same division aren’t expected to be interrupted. That includes Work First New Jersey, which provides cash assistance, and the Child Care Assistance Program, which helps families cover daycare costs. Officials say child support collections and payments will also continue normally.
For now, the state is advising residents who rely on SNAP to plan ahead and keep an eye on their EBT balance as November approaches. Updates will be posted on the Department of Human Services website if the shutdown stretches on.
Here’s the current maximum monthly benefit, which increased slightly on Oct. 1:
- One person: $298
- Two people: $546
- Three people: $785
- Four people: $994
- Five people: $1,183
State leaders say they’re monitoring the situation closely but can’t guarantee that benefits won’t be delayed if the shutdown lasts into next month.
Residents looking for updates or local food support can visit nj.gov/humanservices or contact their county welfare agency.
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
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