NC families starting to see partial SNAP benefits back on their cards, AG Jackson says

RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) -- Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in North Carolina began receiving payments on their EBT cards Friday morning, covering roughly 50% of their benefits, Attorney General Jeff Jackson said Friday.

Some eligible recipients could receive up to 65% of their benefits, as of 5 a.m. Friday, he said during a news conference at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, there are 1.4 million SNAP recipients in North Carolina, including 580,000 children. Usually, money is added on the first of the month.

This development stems from a lawsuit filed by Jackson, along with 22 other states, against the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to protect SNAP food assistance benefits.

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

Earlier this week, in response to the lawsuit, the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it would allocate $4.65 billion in emergency funds to cover about half of the federal SNAP program for November. Jackson said that while the remedy is still under negotiation, they are pushing for full payment.

"Whereas some other states are having more difficulty with processing, NCDHHS has been working around the clock and was able to get those payments out as of today," Jackson said. "There was a brief interruption in service for a few days, but people are now seeing funds on their EBT cards."

The USDA is notifying states that it is working toward paying November SNAP benefits in full, complying with a federal judge's order.

In a news release, NCDHHS acknowledged receiving notice from USDA, writing:

"The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services received notice Friday afternoon that the United States Department of Agriculture will fully fund November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. While NCDHHS works with federal partners to get the remainder of November processed, beneficiaries could see the additional funds on their EBT cards possibly as soon as this weekend."

It comes just hours after recipients received the partial benefits on their EBT cards.

"Some folks are seeing up to 65% payment on their (EBT) card, depending on their overall eligibility. But the average that folks are seeing right now is a 50% payment," said North Carolina Attorney General Jeff Jackson Friday morning.

Last week, ABC11 met with Julie Rappleyea, a Durham SNAP recipient who cares for two children, before the freeze went into effect. On Friday afternoon, she shared plans to go to the grocery store now that funds have been loaded onto her EBT card.

"I'm just grateful for anything that was sent. You know, something's better than nothing. So I was relieved knowing that we at least have enough for food for the next couple of weeks," said Rappleyea.

Eshawney Gaston, a SNAP recipient and mother of three who is set to welcome her fourth child, reacted to the partial funds.

"Relief because it is something. Frustration because it's not the full amount," said Gaston.

Typically, SNAP benefits are applied on the first of the month. According to NCDHHS, more than 60% of beneficiaries had $25 or less on their accounts at the beginning of November.

"My kids have medical conditions where they really have to eat specific (food). Trying to make sure they get the food that they need, the most nutrition that they can get," said Gaston, who is a temp worker.

She's been relying in part on food banks during the first week of the month.

"Our partners were reporting before the shutdown they're seeing anywhere between 20 and 60% increases month over month. Now we have our federal employees who have not received paychecks that may be accessing the system for the first time," said Amy Beros, President and CEO of the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina.

Gaston said she believes the funding freezes strengthen calls for living wages and stronger employee protections.

"There is no reason why our workers should be struggling the way they are. No reason why we shouldn't have healthcare (or) child care. Food is a basic necessity. That's something that we shouldn't have to struggle or ask about. We should just be able to get that," said Gaston.

Meanwhile, in Orange County, emergency funds have already been approved to support the community, as many residents faced uncertainty about their benefits at the end of October.

SEE ALSO: NC Attorney General thinking about additional action as Trump threatens not to release SNAP funds

What's next?

A federal judge criticized the Trump administration for not acting swiftly enough to secure funding for the program. The USDA has been ordered to tap into a contingency fund to ensure full payments to states by the end of Friday.

Then, Trump asked the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday to issue an emergency stay of a judge's ruling Thursday ordering the administration to fully fund the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.

The administration said it is unable to further fund SNAP because they had to save additional funds for child nutritional programs.

SEE ALSO: Heart to Home Meals launches initiative to provide free meals to those who lost SNAP benefits