Lewis County DSS warns federal shutdown will sharply complicate SNAP, HEAP benefit delivery

Dennis, a Lewis County Department of Social Services staff member, told the Board of Legislators that the federal government shutdown has immediately disrupted regular SNAP issuances and complicated benefit calculations. He said the county serves about 3,000 SNAP recipients (11% of the county population), of whom roughly 25% are children and 28% are senior citizens.

"So right now, no SNAP benefits are currently being issued. Now we're only on day 4," Dennis said, explaining that while a recent federal ruling described a 50% issuance, local practice requires the agency to apply the maximum household benefit, subtract a required 30% income contribution and then prorate, which will produce payments substantially below 50% for many households. He added the minimum benefit under the calculation…