Iowa
When will SNAP benefits be released? Iowa HHS provides update on November benefits
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Iowa State star Audi Crooks is providing care packages for local families impacted by the suspension of SNAP during the government shutdown.
The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history ended late Thursday, Nov. 12, and many Iowans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are wondering when they will receive their next payments.
Amid the shutdown, the Trump administration paused SNAP payments on Nov. 1 for approximately 12% of Americans, or 41.7 million people, who rely on cash cards known as Electronic Benefits Transfer to purchase food. States then sued the administration, sparking a back-and-forth in courts before eventually reaching the Supreme Court.
Here’s the latest on SNAP benefits resuming with the government reopening.
When will November SNAP benefits be available in Iowa?
The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the SNAP program, gave the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services the green light to issue full SNAP benefits for November, according to Iowa HHS.
“Benefits are being loaded onto cards now and could be available later today, Thursday, Nov. 13,” according to Iowa HHS’ website. “Iowa HHS anticipates that all SNAP benefits will be issued by Friday, Nov. 14.”
What is the Iowa EBT balance phone number?
Iowans can check their EBT balance by calling 1-800-359-5802 or by logging in to their EBT account online or through the ConnectEBT mobile app.
Who’s eligible for SNAP benefits in Iowa?
To be eligible for SNAP, you must meet the following requirements:
- You must be a U.S. citizen or a non-citizen national of the U.S.
- You must be a resident of Iowa
- You must meet income guidelines for gross and net income limits
- You must provide a Social Security number or proof that you have applied for one
- You must live in a legal SNAP household. This is defined as people who live together, buy food together, and prepare meals together
How much money you receive from SNAP is determined by how much you earn from your job, as well as other income you may receive, such as Social Security. The number of people who live with you also determines how much money you may receive.
How many Iowans have received SNAP benefits this year?
More than 267,000 Iowans received $45 million worth of SNAP benefits in May, according to the USDA.
USA TODAY reporter Mary Walrath-Holdridge contributed to this report.
Cooper Worth is a service/trending reporter for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at cworth@gannett.com or follow him on X @CooperAWorth.