TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — Florida SNAP recipients are close to losing their November benefits as the government shutdown continues into its 24th day Friday.
Without federal funding, USDA would not have the resources to assist those eligible for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is administered at the state level.
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October’s SNAP benefits continued as usual, but November’s benefits are now in jeopardy.
“If the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for November will not be issued until federal funding is restored.”
Recipients may receive notification of the amount of benefits they are eligible for, but the benefits will not appear on their EBT cards until the shutdown is lifted, the Florida Department of Children and Families said.
EBT cardholders can continue to check their balances at ebtEDGE.com.
The department said applications for SNAP benefits are still being accepted and will be processed even if benefits have not yet been distributed.
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“If an individual has already submitted an application or renewal, there is no need to reapply; doing so will slow down the processing of benefits,” a spokesperson for the Department of Children and Families told 8 On Your Side.
SNAP benefits will no longer be available, but Florida’s Medicaid and Temporary Cash Assistance will not be affected by the closure.
“The department is closely monitoring the federal government shutdown and is committed to resuming benefits as quickly as possible once funding is restored,” the spokesperson said.
