Federal officials have warned that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits could face delays if the ongoing government shutdown continues into November.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, has confirmed that funding is secured for October benefits. However, in a letter sent to states this week, the USDA instructed agencies to hold off submitting November issuance files until further notice, citing uncertainty about available funds.

If the shutdown continues without a spending agreement, the agency said there may not be sufficient funding to distribute November benefits to the more than 42 million Americans who rely on the program each month.

In Texas, the Health and Human Services Commission has been notified by federal officials to delay issuing November SNAP benefits while waiting for additional guidance, according to reports from Click2Houston and other outlets.

The USDA has emphasized that no one will lose eligibility due to the shutdown, but delays in disbursement could occur if the funding lapse is not resolved soon.

SNAP, formerly known as the food stamp program, provides monthly benefits to help low-income households purchase groceries. The program is jointly administered by federal and state agencies, which means the timing of benefits can vary from state to state.

The agency has not announced a timeline for when November benefits will be approved or released.