Because of the ongoing federal shutdown, the US Department of Agriculture is accelerating the February disbursement of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The Tompkins County Department of Social Services indicates that this applies to anyone with an open case.
Department officials acknowledge that this is a stressful situation for SNAP recipients, and remind them that it will be important to budget these early benefits, since the additional money on their card represents their February benefits. There will be no additional benefits issued in February.
Currently, nothing else about SNAP has changed due to the federal government shutdown. All program requirements remain in place.
Tompkins County DSS is continuing to take new applications for benefits, and has been instructed to continue to process them in the normal manner. Although no more information is yet available regarding the status of March benefits, the Department will receive more direction in the coming weeks.
For any ongoing concerns, please contact Tompkins County DSS at 274-5680.