The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) instructed states, including Texas, to postpone November payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The directive affects millions of Texans who rely on the benefits for food assistance.
The USDA cited insufficient funds due to the ongoing federal government shutdown as the reason for the delay. More than 42 million Americans depend on SNAP, and the funding lapse has disrupted the program’s operations.
According to a USDA letter, the delay is necessary to maintain flexibility until additional funding becomes available.
The agency has not specified when the funds will be released, leaving uncertainty for beneficiaries across the country.
In Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) confirmed adjustments in work requirements to comply with federal guidance following the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill. The changes align with efforts to manage limited resources during the shutdown.