North Carolina pauses SNAP distribution amid shutdown dispute after U.S. Supreme Court halts full payments

The U.S. Supreme Court on Friday night temporarily blocked a lower court order that required the federal government to fully fund Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments during the ongoing government shutdown — a decision that immediately affected plans to restore full benefits for hundreds of thousands of North Carolina households.

Earlier in the day, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) had begun issuing partial November SNAP benefits, following federal guidance that directed states to distribute only about 65 percent of the normal maximum allotment due to funding limits.

When a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to release full payments by Friday, North Carolina officials said they were prepared to process the remaining benefits over the weekend.

However, after the administration appealed to block the order, Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson granted an emergency request late Friday evening to pause the ruling.

Jackson, who oversees emergency petitions from the Boston-based appellate circuit, temporarily halted the requirement for full benefit distribution while the appeals court considers whether to issue a longer stay.

Her order will remain in effect until 48 hours after the appeals court rules, allowing the administration time to return to the high court if necessary.

The decision means that while some residents in other states may have already received full SNAP benefits for November, North Carolina’s rollout of remaining payments has been paused.

“This is about a basic necessity — food — being caught in the middle of political chaos,” said Governor Josh Stein in a press release issued Saturday.

“The hard-working people and families who rely on SNAP benefits deserve certainty, not confusion about whether they’ll be able to put meals on the table this weekend and the rest of the month,” Stein said.

“I am urging for a swift resolution by the courts and some humanity from the Trump administration so North Carolina families can receive the support they need,” Stein said.

Stein noted the state is also working with private partners to support local food banks, with total assistance reaching nearly $22 million.

North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai said the department stands ready to issue full benefits as soon as federal authorities give approval.

“Our department stands ready to issue full benefits to the North Carolinians who depend on SNAP to feed their families and buy nutritious groceries — all we need is clarity from the federal government,” Sangvai said.

“While partial payments were distributed on Friday based on USDA guidance, they fall far short of what people need. With more than 190,000 households receiving $16 or less, and some receiving no benefits at all, this reduction hits working families the hardest,” Sangavi said.

“We continue to urge federal leaders to come together and restore stability for the people who are paying the price for this inaction,” Sangavi said.

NCDHHS reported that more than 586,000 households statewide received reduced November benefits Friday morning.

Those who typically receive the maximum allotment saw a 35 percent cut, while households with smaller benefits experienced even larger reductions. Thousands of families received no aid at all under the current federal formula.

The department said it worked “around the clock” this week to issue payments as quickly as possible and is providing updates on its website dedicated to the federal government shutdown.

SNAP recipients are urged to continue checking their balances via the ebtEDGE app, the website ebtEDGE.com, or by calling 1-888-622-7328. Any funds already loaded onto EBT cards remain available for use.

Residents who rely on SNAP are encouraged to continue applying for and renewing their benefits, as county Departments of Social Services remain open and processing applications. Those in immediate need of food can dial 2-1-1 to be connected with local food resources or visit the NCDHHS food access website to locate nearby food pantries.

Sangvai said the department remains committed to ensuring families get the help they need once the courts and federal agencies resolve the dispute.

“The need is great, and the uncertainty is unacceptable,” Sangvai said. “We are ready to act the moment we are allowed to do so.”

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