RALEIGH, N.C. — The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) says it was forced to pause the distribution of full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits following a late-night U.S. Supreme Court decision on Friday granting the Trump Administration’s appeal to temporarily halt the payments.

Earlier that day, NCDHHS had already issued partial November benefits — about 65% of the normal amount — to more than 586,000 households across the state. Officials planned to send the remaining funds over the weekend until the ruling stopped the effort.

Governor Josh Stein called the situation “political chaos,” saying families should not have to worry about putting food on the table. He urged federal leaders to resolve the issue quickly and restore full benefits.

NCDHHS Secretary Dev Sangvai said the agency is ready to issue full payments once federal clarity is restored, noting that thousands of households received $16 or less on their EBT cards and some received no benefits at all.

Governor Stein also announced that private partners have joined the state’s efforts to support local food banks, totaling nearly $22 million in donations.

NCDHHS continues to communicate directly with affected residents and is providing guidance for families in need. Residents can check their EBT balances using the ebtEDGE app, at ebtEDGE.com, or by calling 1-888-622-7328. Those seeking food assistance can call 2-1-1 or visit the NCDHHS website for local food pantry resources.