Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued an order pausing nationwide SNAP payments until the federal appeals court decides whether to extend the suspension, affecting millions of low-income Americans who depend on the program.

Emergency Order Halts Full Food Aid Payments

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson issued the emergency order after a lower court required the administration to release full SNAP payments nationwide. The ruling pauses the payments until the federal appeals court decides whether to extend the stay further. Jackson, who oversees emergency matters from Massachusetts, stated that the suspension would remain in effect for 48 hours following the appellate court’s next decision.

The order effectively delays food assistance for millions of Americans, even though some states have already processed full November payments before the ruling was issued.

Trump Administration Argues Overreach Of Emergency Funds

A lower court had given the administration until Friday to issue the payments, but officials appealed, arguing that the ruling required spending beyond what remains in emergency reserves. The administration requested that the appeals court suspend any orders mandating additional spending and instead allow partial, scheduled SNAP disbursements throughout the month.

When the Boston-based appeals court refused to intervene, the administration escalated the case to the Supreme Court, which sided with the government’s plea for temporary relief.

Millions Of Low-Income Americans Affected

The SNAP program—serving roughly one in every eight Americans, most of them low-income households—has been a lifeline for families amid the shutdown. However, the Supreme Court’s order may disrupt assistance for residents in several states that have yet to receive their payments.

Officials in at least half a dozen states confirmed that some recipients had already received their full November benefits earlier in the week, while others may now face delays depending on how long the emergency suspension remains in place.

Uncertain Outlook For Food Assistance Program

The court’s temporary order adds uncertainty to an already volatile situation. If the appeals court does not issue a longer stay, the administration could be required to return to the Supreme Court for further relief.

Legal analysts note that the case underscores the broader strain of the government shutdown on essential welfare programs—and raises new concerns about the administration’s authority to control federal aid distribution during fiscal crises.