Almost 200,000 Nevada households received partial Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits on Wednesday after a federal funding lapse delayed payments nationwide. The Nevada Division of Social Services transmitted $29 million to more than 196,000 eligible households, following updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The benefits had been paused due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, but a federal court order directed the Trump administration to issue partial payments.
According to Division Administrator Robert Thompson, distributing benefits to recipients’ EBT cards quickly was essential. Under current USDA guidance, SNAP recipients will receive up to 50 percent of their previous benefit amount, depending on household income. Households with no income will receive half of their previously approved SNAP amount, while those with higher incomes will receive a smaller percentage or no benefit at all. Approximately 13,900 previously approved households in Nevada will not receive a partial benefit under the current rules.
Despite projections that it could take days or weeks to update systems and recalculate benefits, Nevada officials completed the transition within hours. All benefits were issued in a single day, rather than being staggered over the first 10 days of the month as usual.
SNAP participants are encouraged to check their balances via ebtEdge or by calling 866-281-2443. Any unspent SNAP benefits issued before the government shutdown remain available. The partial funding comes as state leaders debate solutions to the funding lapse and food banks prepare for increased demand.