After the shutdown ended Nov. 13, SNAP beneficiaries in some states received their full monthly allocations while others received nothing. Some states issued partial payments.

The 42 million Americans relying on food stamps face confusion about when and how much they'll receive. States say it's easier to make full payments quickly than partial ones.

The shutdown wreaked havoc on the nation's safety net programs, with Trump administration initially suspending funding entirely before court orders forced partial restoration.