Kansas SNAP users to receive full November benefits

TOPEKA, Kan. (KQTV) -- Governor Laura Kelly announced the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has begun processing November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.

The process to get benefits added to Kansas Benefits Cards (also called EBT cards) is underway, and beneficiaries should have access to their benefits by the end of day on Friday, Nov. 7, according to a news release.

"Kansans can rest assured that we are moving quickly to disperse full November SNAP benefits," said Gov. Kelly. "I'm pleased that these benefits will be issued in full and I hope that it is a sign that the shutdown will end soon, so Kansas families do not go through this uncertainty again in December."

The process includes the distribution of more than $31.6 million to approximately 86,000 Kansas households.

All Kansas beneficiaries will receive benefits on Nov. 7, instead of the typical monthly issuances that are staggered over 10 days according to last name.

"This is great news for the thousands of Kansans who rely on this assistance to help put nutritious food on their tables," DCF Secretary Laura Howard said.

On Oct. 28, Gov. Kelly joined a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture for unlawfully suspending the SNAP program.

The issuance of full November SNAP benefits comes after a federal judge ruled Thursday, Nov. 6, that the federal government must fully fund SNAP for the month.

Prior to the ruling, November benefits were expected to be partial payments based on updated guidance and a reduction table from the USDA.

The USDA sent its first guidance on Tuesday, Nov. 4, followed by updated guidance for partial payments on Wednesday, Nov. 5.