Households in Utah will still have access to their remaining balances in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) despite the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Utah Department of Workforce Services confirmed that balances from previous months can be utilized for purchases after November 1, 2023.
Initially, the department indicated that the shutdown would halt new SNAP benefits starting on October 31. As a result, there was concern among recipients regarding their ability to access food assistance. However, the department reassured the public through social media that existing balances can still be used. “If you have a balance in your SNAP account from a prior month, you will be able to use your card to make purchases after November 1,” the department stated.
While the ability to use saved balances is confirmed, the Utah Department of Workforce Services has clarified that no new payments will be processed during November. This situation affects approximately 85,000 families in Utah who rely on SNAP to purchase food.
The state’s response comes as part of ongoing discussions about potential measures that could provide additional support to families if the federal shutdown persists. Some state lawmakers have proposed using local funds to bridge the gap and ensure food assistance continues for vulnerable populations.
As the government shutdown continues, concerns about food security grow, especially for those relying on federal aid. SNAP serves as a critical lifeline for many Utah residents, highlighting the importance of ongoing discussions around state support and funding.
In summary, while Utah households can use their existing SNAP balances after November 1, the lack of new payments raises significant concerns. The Utah Department of Workforce Services continues to monitor the situation and communicate updates to the public as they arise.
