Copyright M Live Michigan
LANSING, MI — SNAP benefits will begin being distributed to Michigan residents on Saturday, Nov. 8, state officials announced Wednesday afternoon. All recipients who normally receive their benefits on the third, fifth or seventh of the moth will receive this month’s partial benefits on Saturday. All other recipients will receive partial benefits on their normally scheduled date, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced in a news release. MDHHS officials stated that they received communication from USDA officials on Tuesday, Nov. 4, indicating that maximum SNAP allotments would be reduced to approximately 50% of of SNAP recipients’ benefit payments for November. The limited availability of federal funds for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program is a result of the federal government shutdown, officials stated. The USDA had previously directed MDHHS to hold November SNAP issuance and ongoing benefits until further notice due to the shutdown. “We understand and share the disappointment many households feel about receiving only a portion of their November SNAP benefits,” said MDHHS Director Elizabeth Hertel. “These benefits are a vital lifeline for many Michigan families, especially with the rising cost of food. “In addition to SNAP benefits, we encourage those in need to visit local food pantries as needed, which can be found by calling 2-1-1.” The funding for the partial November benefits will come from SNAP contingency funds, which will cover about half of the $9.2 billion that monthly SNAP benefit costs nationally. Roughly 42 million Americans — including 1.4 million Michiganders — depend on SNAP benefits to feed their families. That equates to one in eight Americans and 13% of Michigan households. According to last year’s numbers, the average eligible household in Michigan received $335 in monthly SNAP benefits. New SNAP applications will be processed from October and November, however, it is unclear whether applicants will receive November benefits and MDHHS awaits further guidance from the USDA. President Donald Trump’s administration had initially attempted to suspend SNAP during the shutdown, but federal judges in Massachusetts and Rhode Island issued separate rulings Friday, Oct. 31, mandating the administration continue funding the program using contingency funds. Trump’s administration agreed to cooperate with the rulings on Monday, Nov. 3. There remain multiple pending court proceedings that may further impact the provision of November SNAP benefits, MDHHS officials said. If additional court action results in changes to the payment of partial benefits beginning on Saturday, Nov. 8, MDHHS will provide updated information as it becomes available. SNAP recipients are encouraged to reach out to their local MDHHS office with any questions regarding SNAP benefits or can check MI Bridges for updates. To help feed families amid the federal shutdown, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer also recently announced the state will provide $4.5 million to the Food Bank Council of Michigan. This funding aims to help feed Michigan residents in all 83 counties and provide food delivery to those who can’t drive to their local food bank. To find additional resources: Dial 2-1-1 or visit mi211.org for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services. Visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts. Call the Double Up Food Bucks program hotline at 866-586-2796, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Until Wednesday, Dec. 31, the program, which matches SNAP purchases of fruits and vegetables, will expand access so families can build up savings on their Double Up cards. Click here to find a participating location near you. More data on SNAP in Michigan In the 2024 fiscal year, the average SNAP household in Michigan received $335 in SNAP benefits per month, which equates to $173 per person per month or $5.68 per person per day. 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 children benefit from SNAP. 38,513 veterans participate in SNAP. 36% SNAP households have older adults. 43% SNAP households have children. 51% households have a person with a disability. 78% of SNAP households include someone with earned income. In Michigan, more than 9,700 retailers accept SNAP. And in 2023, retailers redeemed over $3.6 billion in SNAP. 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.
