Full food assistance benefits are now being issued to recipients after a software glitch delayed the payments for a week, announced the Mississippi Department of Human Services Friday.

“Clients can expect their total benefit balance to be available as soon as today,” the agency said in a press release.

The slowdown was the result of a software system issue. December benefits are expected to be issued on time.

The nation’s largest food assistance program was paused beginning in November after the federal government said it would not use emergency funds to pay for the program, even though benefits have continued to flow to states in past shutdowns.

Confusion ensued after more than a dozen states sued the Trump administration for its refusal to issue benefits. Mississippi said it would be

See Full Page