NY AG Sues USDA Over Illegal SNAP Benefit Suspension

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), charging it with illegal suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

The coalition, which includes 24 other state leaders and the District of Columbia, argues that USDA’s refusal to issue November SNAP payments to more than 40 million Americans violates federal law. The pause is particularly concerning as it impacts nearly three million New Yorkers who rely on these benefits.

Attorney General James emphasizes that USDA is legally required to continue providing SNAP benefits as long as funding is available, and the agency has access to billions in contingency funds designated for such situations. The coalition seeks immediate court intervention to ensure the continuation of life-saving food assistance benefits during the shutdown.

SNAP, the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, aids over 42 million Americans, including children and seniors who make up nearly 60 percent of all recipients. In New York, SNAP serves almost three million individuals, with $650 million in monthly benefits provided last year.

Despite guarantees from USDA to use contingency funds for maintaining SNAP benefits during funding lapses, the administration reversed course on October 24, declaring it would not use these funds to protect families from losing food assistance. The coalition warns that this decision poses catastrophic consequences for millions of families and exacerbates national food insecurity.

On October 10, USDA instructed states to ‘hold’ their payments for November benefits, followed by a formal order suspending benefits effective November 1. This suspension will leave millions at risk of going hungry amidst the ongoing shutdown.

RELATED: James Lawsuit to Block SNAP Benefit Cuts for Immigrants