State officials are working to restore full SNAP benefits to millions of people after the long U.S. government shutdown has finally ended

​In guidance issued on Nov. 13, federal officials directed states to pay full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. November benefits have been in limbo since the shutdown began on Oct. 1, leaving millions of low-income households without critical food assistance. More than 11 million adults age 50 and older rely on SNAP. ​

Agriculture secretary Brooke Rollins told Newsmax on Thursday the plan is to “have everyone reapply for their benefits."

People in some U.S. states have started receiving their November SNAP benefits after delays caused by a legal battle over the government shutdown

Here’s what SNAP benefits are, who funds them, the average amount that participants will be missing next month and some food assistance resources.

Food banks and pantries have been experiencing historic demand since SNAP benefits halted on Nov. 1 for many Americans due to the federal government shutdown. That halt affected nearly 42 million Americans, many of whom are older or low-income, and use benefits to help pay for groceries and other essentials.

Iowa households that rely on food assistance will begin receiving their long-delayed November SNAP benefits after Congress ended the 43-day federal government shutdown, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services announced Thursday.