In Georgia, recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) (SNAP) are sounding the alarm that they may not receive their November benefits unless the federal government reopens and funding is secured. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
Despite the state reporting a large budget surplus (around $14.6 billion), there is currently no emergency state fund to back up delayed or missing SNAP benefits. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
One recipient, Brenda Caslin, shared that her benefits were hacked last year (losing over $1,000 across five months) and now she’s worried about missing the next round of payments — adding worry about food pantries running dry before Thanksgiving if benefits are delayed. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
The federal United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent a letter on October 10 instructing regional SNAP directors to hold the November issuance files until further notice, because of the ongoing government funding uncertainty. WSB-TV Channel 2 – Atlanta
State legislators say they are working on legislation to ensure long-term funding for replacement or delayed benefits. Meanwhile, SNAP recipients worry that without action, November’s benefit payments might not arrive at all.
(Photo by Scott Heins/Getty Images)
No comments