Copyright M Live Michigan
LANSING, MI — Michiganders who receive SNAP benefits will now receive their full allotments in the month of November. One day after announcing that recipients would receive partial SNAP benefits in November, state officials have announced they have directed Michigan’s SNAP EBT vendor to begin issuing full benefits to recipients as soon as funding is received. The change in direction stems from a federal court order issued by U.S. District Judge John McConnell of Rhode Island on Thursday, Nov. 6. McConnell ordered the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Service Thursday to issue full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for 42 million Americans who rely on them by no later than Friday, Nov. 7. In his ruling, the judge stated that the USDA had initially failed to consider the practical consequences associated with its decision to only partially fund SNAP. McConnell stated that USDA officials knew there would be a long delay in paying out partial SNAP payments and that they failed to consider the harm that would have on those who rely on SNAP benefits. “We applaud Judge McConnell’s ruling requiring FNS to issue full SNAP benefits for November,” said Elizabeth Hertel, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services director. “Many Michigan families depend on SNAP to help put nutritious food on the table and today’s ruling ensures they won’t be left wondering how they will feed their children — especially with the upcoming holiday season.” Absent a successful appeal by the USDA, SNAP recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the month should receive their full SNAP allotment within 48 hours of MDHHS receiving the funds, according to the MDHHS. All other SNAP recipients will receive their full benefit payments on their normally scheduled date, state officials said. Approximately 1.4 million Michiganders, accounting for 13% of households in the state, depend on SNAP benefits to feed their families. According to last year’s numbers, the average eligible household in Michigan received $335 in monthly SNAP benefits. Households with very low incomes receive more SNAP benefits than households closer to the poverty line because they need more help affording nutritious food. 492,225 Michigan children benefit from SNAP. 38,513 veterans in Michigan participate in SNAP. 36% of SNAP households in Michigan have older adults. 43% of SNAP households in Michigan have children. 51% of SNAP households in Michigan have a person with a disability. 78% of SNAP households in Michigan include someone with earned income. To be eligible for SNAP in Michigan, applicants must be a U.S. citizen (or acceptable non-citizen status) and must live in Michigan. Eligibility is based on the financial situation of all members of a household. Everyone who lives together, purchases and prepares food together is considered a member of the same household group.
