SNAP benefits are a ‘lifeline’ — especially for people with disabilities

November 12, 2025

Millions of Americans with disabilities who rely on SNAP benefits faced uncertainty during the recent government shutdown as the Trump administration contested benefit disbursements in court. People with disabilities experience food insecurity at roughly double the rate of those without disabilities, with over 20 percent of households containing a disabled person depending on SNAP compared to just 8 percent of other households. Organizations like YAI, which supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities in New York, prepared contingency plans to prevent clients from going hungry, though providing direct cash assistance risks reducing their Supplemental Security Income benefits.

Who is affected

Kajeana Tillman, a 51-year-old woman with a disability living in the Bronx
Approximately 1 in 8 Americans who rely on SNAP (disproportionately people with disabilities)
590 YAI clients with intellectual and developmental disabilities living in their own apartments (85% rely on SNAP)
800 YAI clients living in 24/7 supervised residences
YAI, an agency that supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities
Households containing at least one person with a disability (20.4% rely on SNAP versus 8.3% without)

What action is being taken

The Trump administration is fighting in court to block the disbursement of SNAP benefits during the shutdown
YAI staff are checking in on clients throughout the week and supporting them with tasks like money management, grocery shopping, and medical appointment follow-ups
YAI is prepared to spend up to $150,000 more every month without reimbursement to ensure clients are fed
YAI staff are able to take clients to food banks or buy groceries for them (due to a 2024 Biden administration regulatory change)
Congress is moving toward an agreement that would re-open the government

Why it matters

This situation matters because people with disabilities face significantly higher rates of food insecurity—roughly double that of households without disabled members—and depend heavily on SNAP as a lifeline for basic nutritional needs. The uncertainty around benefit disbursement during the shutdown created intense instability for vulnerable populations who often lack social support networks and face additional barriers to accessing alternative resources. The disruption also highlights how people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, who require substantial support services, have been largely absent from public conversations despite being disproportionately affected. Additionally, the complications around providing assistance due to SSI income restrictions demonstrate how interconnected benefit programs can make emergency support more challenging for this population.

What's next

Congress is moving toward an agreement that would re-open the government. (Note: Tillman received her full SNAP benefit on Wednesday, the day before the article was published, and planned to go food shopping the following day.)

Read full article from source: The 19th