Is it legal to withhold SNAP benefits during government shutdown? What we know

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A potential government shutdown could affect SNAP benefits for nearly 1.5 million people in Ohio.

The government has reserve funds and the legal authority to continue distributing SNAP payments in November despite a shutdown.

In Ohio, 62% of households receiving SNAP benefits had children and 43% included older or disabled members in 2024.

Nearly 1.5 million people in Ohio could be affected if SNAP benefits don't go out on Nov. 1 because of the government shutdown, which is one of the longest ever .

Can the government legally withhold SNAP benefits during a shutdown? Here's what we know.

Is it legal for the government to withhold SNAP benefits from recipients?

According to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities President Sharon Parrott , a f ormer