The Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR) announced on Thursday that they've received notification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) that the federal government had reopened and stated, "State agencies must take immediate steps to ensure households receive their full November allotments promptly."
DHR is transmitting the necessary files to the Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card vendor to begin placing allotments on cards whose regular issuance date has passed and to November-approved applicants.
"It is about time Congress did their job to reopen the federal government. In Alabama, SNAP recipients were some of the most impacted during the shutdown period, and I am pleased that DHR will work to quickly provide normal, full benefits," said Governor Kay Ivey. "Our state government in Alabama, as well as our local governments, do not operate in such a reckless way, and I hope Congress has learned from their failure to meet their responsibility to the people across the country."
According to DHR, benefits should be available on Thursday after processing of the files is completed, provided there are no unforeseen problems. Recipients whose issuance date is November 14 or later should receive benefits on their regular issuance day of the month.
"DHR is thrilled to be able to provide full benefits to SNAP recipients and help get food on the table for these Alabama families, especially in time to prepare for the upcoming holidays. The DHR SNAP team began processing files shortly after receiving the FNS notification; as a matter of fact, some clients should already see benefits on their cards," DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner said. "I am especially thankful to all the persons and entities that donated food and money to the many organizations across our state that stepped up to distribute food during this difficult time."
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