The Mississippi Department of Human Services made a new announcement about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Now, people with disbursement dates through Nov. 21 can expect a partial payment.
Last week, MDHS announced that full payments were coming in November. The website with that announcement has since been edited but still has a Nov. 13 date. According to the newest release, partial payments are still being sent out with the full amount expected to be paid “as soon as possible.”
Earlier in the month, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and Trump administration partially funded SNAP benefits during the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
Those disbursements had been sent in many states, and the legal battle over whether the federal government had to fully fund the program was still being played out when the government reopened.
All SNAP benefits in November are meant to be fully funded for the 42 million Americans that rely on them for help affording healthy food.
Here’s what we know about when SNAP benefits could be issued, who gets them in Mississippi and how to find a food bank if you still need help before the rest of your benefits are disbursed.
When will I get my SNAP benefits?
The newest guidance from MDHS was issued Tuesday, Nov. 18. It says clients with issuance dates from Nov. 14-21 will get “up to 65% of their November SNAP benefit amount based on household size and circumstance on their regularly scheduled issuance date.”
The remaining benefits balance will be sent “separately and as soon as possible,” according to the release.
Previously, MDHS said Nov. 14 and Nov. 21 issue dates were scheduled to get the full amounts on the regular date. The state was reportedly scheduled to start issuing the rest of the full amount for benefits as soon as possible for people with issue dates from Nov. 1-13.
All December benefits are set to go out on time, according to MDHS.
How many people in Mississippi get SNAP?
About 385,000 people or 13% of the state got food stamps each month in 2024, according to the Center on Budget and Priorities.
About 39% of recipients have income at or below 50% of the poverty line. Another 14% have income that’s 51% to 100% of the poverty line, and about 47% have income that’s at or more than the poverty line, according to CBPP analysis for USDA data.
More: Will SNAP recipients need to reapply? Here’s what we know.
How can I find a food bank near me?
MDHS provided links to three major food banks that help support communities across the Magnolia State:
Bonnie Bolden is the Deep South Connect reporter for Mississippi with Gannett/USA Today. Email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Mississippi issues partial SNAP benefits, says full amount coming ASAP
