PHOENIX — Those receiving SNAP benefits will not receive their money in November, the Arizona Department of Economic Security announced Thursday.
A DES spokesperson says the decision to halt payments came from an order from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Payments will not be made until further notice.
The department says approved SNAP participants will not be able to collect November benefits until federal funding is released to the states.
DES will continue to accept and process applications for SNAP, according to a DES spokesperson.
The funding lapse means that thousands of Arizonans who depend on SNAP, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, will face a gap in their benefits.
Also in November, a new federal work requirement will take effect, and many Arizonans could lose access to the program.
Under the new rules, able-bodied adults must work or take part in an approved program at least 80 hours a month to keep their food benefits beyond three months.
That change, combined with a potential funding lapse, has food banks across Arizona bracing for even more demand.
DES officials say more information will be provided as the situation develops.
