As the government shutdown reaches nearly record-breaking length, Oklahomans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to purchase food are still without aid from the government.
The well ran dry on Nov. 1, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the Oklahoma Department of Human Services declared benefits are suspended for the time being. However, many factors are at play that could divert funds into SNAP sometime soon.
Here’s what you need to know before entering the grocery line.
More: Families, retirees using food pantry worry about future as SNAP funding is uncertain
Trump announces 50% payments for SNAP recipients
According to reports from USA TODAY, the Trump administration will be sending partial payments for the month of November to roughly 42 million Americans currently receiving SNAP benefits.
The government released this information in a filing with a federal court on Monday, Nov. 3.
The administration said it would “fulfill its obligation to expend” funds during an emergency, using a reserve to cover “50% of eligible households’ current allotments.”
Did SNAP, food stamps go out for November?
No. Americans who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will go without their benefits starting on Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown, according to a new message from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
“Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued on November 1,” the USDA message reads, in part.
The USDA notified the Oklahoma Department of Human Services that over 684,600 Oklahomans who rely on SNAP to receive benefits will not receive payments in November.
“This is a constantly evolving situation, unfortunately,” Carrie Snodgrass with OKDHS shared on Monday morning. Because of the constant evolution, Snodgrass notes that information could come out at any time that changes the order of operations.
Can I use last month’s money on my EBT card?
Yes. Each month, though SNAP benefits are loaded onto an EBT card, the prior month’s benefits remain, yet won’t be replenished for November. This means all benefits you received in October will carry over. OKDHS advises families to budget carefully and plan to prepare for an extended shutdown.
If you are looking for your SNAP benefit balance on your EBT card, Snodgrass advises recipients to check their ConnectEBT app. This is the only app that OKDHS uses to show recipients’ balances.
It is currently unclear how long funds will remain in balance, e.g., if September funds will be able to be used in November.
OKDHS encourages SNAP households to protect their funds from fraud by locking their cards when not in use, as electronically stolen benefits will not be refunded.
If you are looking for food assistance programs in addition to SNAP, call 211 or visit their website to find more information.
Where to get food in Oklahoma City?
Food banks, pantries and kitchens are providing food throughout the metro. Here is a map of locations in the Oklahoma City metro:
The story continues after the map.
Is the Human Services office open?
The Oklahoma Department of Human Services office will remain open.
Is WIC affected by the shutdown?
According to the Oklahoma Department of Human Services, Oklahoma WIC is operating as usual. There is currently no indication that Medicaid or TANF benefit programs are affected.
How is Congress working to reopen the government?
According to USA TODAY, several measures from both Republicans and Democrats, including bills that would pay federal workers and save safety-net programs from running out of money even as the government stays shuttered, have failed. In the meantime, attorneys general and governors from 25 Democrat-led states filed a lawsuit on Oct. 28 in an attempt to force the Trump administration to fund the program.
What is SNAP?
SNAP, often referred to as “food stamps,” is a U.S. federal program designed to help low-income individuals and families afford nutritious food. This is through an EBT card (Electronic Benefits Transfer) that can be used to buy groceries at authorized retailers, including supermarkets and convenience stores.
Contributions: Samantha Neely, USA TODAY Network – Florida
This story may be updated to reflect ongoing changes.
This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Are food stamps coming in November? Can I still use EBT card? Updates
