Governor Josh Shapiro announced on November 3, 2023, that his administration will expedite the issuance of November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to Pennsylvanians who have not received their payments. This action follows a federal court ruling requiring the Trump administration to release 100 percent of SNAP funds to all recipients nationwide.
As of Friday afternoon, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) confirmed that payments were actively being processed and loaded onto recipients’ electronic benefits transfer (EBT) cards. Approximately $100 million in benefits have been allocated to the state’s SNAP vendor, ensuring that vital assistance reaches those in need.
During a press conference in Philadelphia, Shapiro expressed his commitment to supporting nearly 2 million families, seniors, and children who rely on SNAP to secure essential food supplies. He stated, “Despite the daily chaos and confusion from the Trump Administration around SNAP, my administration is working quickly to get payments moving for nearly 2 million families, seniors, and children who rely on SNAP to help put food on the table.”
SNAP benefits are typically distributed to eligible recipients within the first ten business days of each month. The Shapiro administration reported that, as of Friday evening, it expects to have issued benefits to those who usually receive them during the initial seven days.
DHS Secretary Val Arkoosh highlighted the collaborative efforts of local food banks and pantries. “I want to thank our food banks, food pantries, and every Pennsylvanian who has stepped up in some way to support our neighbors and communities,” she stated. “I am relieved we can issue November benefits, but there is still more work to do to ensure stability for December and beyond.”
In parallel, residents in other states began receiving their full SNAP food aid as the appeals court upheld an order for the Trump administration to fund these benefits, even amid the ongoing U.S. government shutdown. A judge had set a deadline for the administration to fulfill these payments, leading to the rapid action observed in multiple states.
The Trump administration requested the appeals court to stay any orders that would require it to exceed spending limits set by a contingency fund, favoring instead a continuation of planned partial SNAP payments. When the appeals court declined this request, the administration sought intervention from the U.S. Supreme Court, with that request still pending as of late Friday.
As Pennsylvania moves forward with its SNAP disbursement, the focus remains on ensuring that all eligible recipients can access the support they need during this critical time.
