35 States Issue March SNAP Benefits Early
The lingering effects from the partial government shutdown has prompted 35 states and territories to accelerate their food stamp schedules in March.
Feb 19, 2019
WASHINGTON D.C. – The partial government shutdown last month is still producing lingering effects for millions of food stamp beneficiaries. As a result, 35 states and territories will accelerate March food stamp payments.
This will be the second early payment and accelerated schedule from the shutdown. The United States Department of Agriculture, which oversees the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, found a budgetary workaround while the partial shutdown was occurring to keep things moving for the 39 million beneficiaries around the country.
Retailers should have advance notice of their state’s plan so they can best prepare for a new pattern of SNAP shoppers. California will issue benefits on March 1, as opposed to its staggered system between the first and tenth of the month. Florida will issue half of all benefits on March 1 and the other half will follow the normal March schedule. Other states will split benefits in half with two payments.
Some states are already looking ahead. According to CNN, Delaware, Michigan, New Mexico, and North Carolina, have already decided to move up April payments as well.
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