Approximately 42 million Americans depending on food assistance to make ends meet are getting a clearer picture of what their benefits will look like in November. The Trump administration announced on Monday that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will receive partial funding next month, following court orders directing the use of emergency funds to continue aid distribution.

While this development offers some relief, officials caution that it may take weeks or even months before these benefits reach recipients. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which manages SNAP, has indicated that beneficiaries should anticipate receiving only about half of their usual monthly allotments. This reduction is due to the emergency fund’s insufficient capacity to fully cover the typical benefit amounts.

In November, SNAP benefits will be partially funded, but the timeline for delivery remains uncertain. Why the delay?