The Alabama Department of Human Resources announced last week that it will issue full November benefits to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients after receiving word from the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service that the federal government has reopened, according to a news release.

“State agencies must take immediate steps to ensure households receive their full November allotments promptly,” the notice said.

Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey said the disruption highlighted the impact of the federal shutdown on SNAP recipients in the state.

“It is about time Congress did their job to reopen the federal government. In Alabama, SNAP recipients were some of the most impacted during the shutdown period, and I am pleased that DHR will work to quickly provide normal, full benefits,” Ivey said in the release. “Our state government in Alabama, as well as our local governments, do not operate in such a reckless way, and I hope Congress has learned from their failure to meet their responsibility to the people across the country.”

Last week, DHR began transmitting the necessary files to the Electronic Benefit Transfer card vendor to place allotments on cards for clients whose regular issuance dates have passed and for November-approved applicants. Benefits are expected to be available Tuesday after file processing is completed, provided there are no unforeseen issues. Clients with issuance dates of Nov. 14 or later will receive benefits on their normal schedule.

“DHR is thrilled to be able to provide full benefits to SNAP recipients and help get food on the table for these Alabama families, especially in time to prepare for the upcoming holidays,” said DHR Commissioner Nancy Buckner. “The DHR SNAP team began processing files shortly after receiving the FNS notification; as a matter of fact, some clients should already see benefits on their cards. I am especially thankful to all the persons and entities that donated food and money to the many organizations across our state that stepped up to distribute food during this difficult time.”

The department encourages anyone who wants to apply for SNAP to contact their local county DHR office for assistance.

This action also serves as official notice under 7 CFR 273.12(e)(1) that the suspension of clients’ benefits has been lifted, per a USDA/FNS memo dated Nov. 13.