Federal appeal halts distribution of remaining SNAP benefits in North Carolina

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Due to a White House decision to appeal a court order, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) cannot issue full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November.

Late Friday night, a Supreme Court justice temporarily paused a lower court's ruling requiring the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP for the month of November by the end of the day Friday.

After issuing partial benefits earlier that morning, NCDHHS initially planned to distribute the remaining benefits over the weekend. However, this effort was halted due to the court decision.

In response, Governor Josh Stein issued this statement:

"This is about a basic necessity - food - being caught in the middle of political chaos. The hard-working people and families who rely on SNAP benefits deserve certainty, not confusion about whether they'll be able to put meals on the table this weekend and the rest of the month. I am urging for a swift resolution by the courts and some humanity from the Trump administration so North Carolina families can receive the support they need."

NCDHHS Secretary Sangvai also issued a statement:

"Our department stands ready to issue full benefits to the North Carolinians who depend on SNAP to feed their families and buy nutritious groceries - all we need is clarity from the Federal government," said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "While partial payments were distributed on Friday based on USDA guidance, they fall far short of what people need. With more than 190,000 households receiving $16 or less, and some receiving no benefits at all, this reduction hits working families the hardest. We continue to urge federal leaders to come together and restore stability for the people who are paying the price for this inaction."

Following initial guidance from the United State Department of Agriculture (USDA), NCDHHS distributed roughly half of the November benefits on Friday. Some eligible NC recipients received up to 65% of their benefits, Attorney General Jeff Jackson said.

In total, about 190,000 North Carolina households received $16 or less on their EBT cards on Friday, according to the NCDHHS.

WATCH: AG Jeff Jackson gives update to lawsuit on SNAP benefits

Note: Featured video is from a previous report.