SNAP Benefits Delayed by At Least a Week in Indiana

The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) has announced that partial SNAP benefits for November 2023 will experience a delay of at least one week. This decision affects approximately 274,000 SNAP households across the state. The delay is attributed to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) recalculating the partial benefits, which normally begin distribution on the fifth of the month.

The urgency of this situation arises from a recent court ruling that mandated the Trump administration to distribute remaining SNAP funds during the ongoing federal government shutdown. Unlike other welfare programs such as Social Security and Medicare, SNAP is not classified as “mandatory spending” and relies on the budget process for funding. As a result, additional funding for the program will not be available until Congress passes a new budget.

In a statement, the FSSA provided insight into the recalculation process: “Under the new guidance, each household’s benefit must be recalculated using a revised formula. The USDA has reduced the federally determined maximum allotment for a household by 50%. SNAP calculations assume that households spend 30% of their net income on food. Therefore, SNAP benefits are determined by subtracting 30% of the household’s net income from the federally determined maximum allotment.”

The FSSA emphasized their commitment to resolving the issue quickly, stating, “We understand the urgency of this situation and are working swiftly to complete the recalculations and resume benefit issuance as soon as possible.” In light of the delay, residents of Indiana who require immediate food assistance are encouraged to contact 211 or reach out to their local food banks.

As the situation evolves, it is important for affected individuals to stay informed and seek assistance as needed. The FSSA is collaborating with local organizations to ensure that those in need have access to food resources during this challenging time.