by Boston, Massachusetts – The Trump administration faces a 48-hour deadline to make full SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefit payments for November, following a ruling from the First Circuit Court of Appeals that denied the administration’s request for a stay late Sunday. The decision comes amid ongoing disputes over the funding of food assistance during the federal shutdown.
Court Denies Stay, Orders Immediate SNAP Payments
The U.S. Supreme Court had previously issued a temporary administrative stay to give the First Circuit time to review the government’s appeal. Once that ruling was made, the Supreme Court imposed a 48-hour deadline requiring the administration to disburse full benefits to recipients across the country.
The First Circuit rejected the administration’s argument, ruling that the government “failed to show it is entitled to the extraordinary relief of a stay.” The court added that officials “have not made a strong showing that [they are] likely to succeed on the merits,” and emphasized that a delay could cause “enormous injury to individuals around the country.”
The ruling means that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) must move quickly to release November SNAP payments to 42 million Americans who rely on the program to afford groceries.
Why It Matters
The SNAP program provides monthly assistance to low- and no-income Americans, ensuring access to essential food items. However, November’s benefits were thrown into uncertainty due to the government shutdown and a lack of a funding agreement from Congress, which allocates money for the program.
On October 24, the USDA announced that it would not fund November benefits, prompting a lawsuit from a coalition of nonprofits, local governments, a union, and a food retailer. The group sought to compel the government to release emergency funds that Congress had previously set aside for such situations.
A district court then ordered the government to issue full benefits by November 3 or at least partial payments by November 5. When the USDA missed that deadline, the court demanded full payments, a decision the administration tried—but failed—to delay through appeal.
Government Pushback and USDA Response
In its appeal, the administration argued that it should not be forced to divert funds from Child Nutrition Programs (CNP) to cover the SNAP shortfall, claiming the district court exceeded its authority.
However, the First Circuit’s denial noted that while the government’s concern about depleting CNP funding was valid, it did not outweigh the “widespread harm” that withholding SNAP payments would cause.
The court stated, “We cannot conclude that the district court abused its discretion in determining that the overwhelming evidence of widespread harm… outweighed the potential monetary harm to the government and CNP months into the future.”
Shortly after the decision, the USDA circulated a memo to state SNAP administrators, instructing them to reverse any actions taken to release full payments. The memo, signed by Patrick Penn, the USDA’s Deputy Undersecretary, warned:
“To the extent States sent full SNAP payment files for November 2025, this was unauthorized. Accordingly, States must immediately undo any steps taken to issue full SNAP benefits for November 2025.”
The memo further cautioned that failure to comply could lead to the cancellation of the Federal share of State administrative costs and make states liable for any overpayments.
States Push Ahead Despite Legal Uncertainty
Despite the federal directive, several states have reportedly moved forward with benefit payments, seeking to prevent disruptions for millions of households relying on food assistance. As winter approaches, many advocacy groups have called the court’s decision a “vital victory for struggling families.”
What Happens Next
The administration now has less than two days to distribute full SNAP benefits, as mandated by the Supreme Court’s 48-hour deadline. Legal analysts suggest that while the government could still seek further appeals, the courts have made it clear that immediate relief for families takes priority over bureaucratic delays.
Do you agree with the court’s decision to force immediate SNAP payments? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments below!
