Americans could experience a surge of credit card debt in November as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits end for tens of millions of people.

The government shutdown has halted payments for the month of November, causing more than 40 million Americans to do without the food benefits upon which they rely. This could trigger many to turn to credit cards instead to cover their food necessities, creating an uptick of debt in the process, experts say.

Why It Matters

About 42 million Americans rely on SNAP to help pay for food every month. The payments help low-income people and families buy food at their local grocery stores with an EBT card that can be used on qualifying items.

Without the SNAP benefits covering food essentials, some will likely turn to credit c

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