đ Share this article SNAP Payments Set to Expire for 41 Million During Continuing Federal Shutdown USDA officials declared this past weekend that SNAP funds from a major federal social assistance programs are not going out in November amid the persistent government funding lapse. Closure Continues For Nearly Four Weeks The funding lapse was in its 25th day when the announcement was made, in response to appeals by more than two hundred Congressional Democrats urging the USDA to access contingency funds to fund November's food assistance. âBottom line, funds are depleted,â the department confirmed. âNow, there will be no benefits issuedâ beginning in November. Widespread Impact More than 41 million individuals rely on these food benefits, as reported by federal data. Various areas, including New Mexico, reliance on the program reaches one-fifth of the population. A memo obtained by journalists showed that the department chose not to tap reserve funds for November food benefits. Legislative Deadlock Lawmakers from both parties remain deadlocked about the way to fund and reopen government operations. Remarks from the head of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities noted that the White House could have acted to prepare in advance to ensure continuous assistance. âIt could have, and should have made moves weeks ago to be prepared to access these resources,â the remarks concluded. âRather, officials could opt out in an effort to gain political advantageâ while GOP lawmakers attempt to push upper chamber Democrats to support legislation that would resume federal functions. States Prepare Executives in two affected states issued emergency declarations recently to make money available for hunger relief in anticipation of food benefits expiring in November.