The U.S. Congress’s failure to pass a budget has caused the federal government to shut down.
That means that as of October 16, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government provides funding for SNAP, and we are unable to begin the 2025-26 LIHEAP season.
At this time, the federal government shutdown is not impacting Medical Assistance (Medicaid) or cash benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Pennsylvania is participating in one of two similar but separate lawsuits asking federal judges to require the USDA to fund SNAP benefits in November. Pennsylvania’s lawsuit is a multi-state filing that includes 24 other states and the District of Columbia. In both lawsuits, the judges ruled against the USDA, saying it must at least partially fund SNAP for November.
However, the guidance Pennsylvania and other states received from the USDA on how to issue partial payments instructed states to follow a process that is incredibly complex and unnecessarily time-consuming and that would significantly delay the issuance of benefits. By the USDA’s own admission, it could take at least “several weeks” to distribute partial benefits because of the bureaucratic hurdles set up by USDA. In response, Pennsylvania has written to the USDA to propose a faster, more efficient process that can get benefits out quicker to SNAP recipients.
As of 11/5/25, we are waiting to hear back from the USDA and hope to be able to issue benefits soon.
SNAP benefits are fully funded by the federal government. On October 1, 2025, federal funding for SNAP expired. This means SNAP benefits are not currently available in any state. SNAP benefits, including November benefits, cannot be paid until the federal government provides funding.
At this time, we do not know when SNAP payments will resume. When Congress passes funding to reopen the federal government and fully fund SNAP, DHS will work to issue benefits as quickly as possible.
The federal government will determine if retroactive payments will be made.
We do not know at this time, but DHS will work with the federal government to issue benefits as quickly as possible.
DHS is unable to issue any SNAP benefits – including emergency benefits – until the federal government provides funding. For immediate help during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate pa-navigate.org/ to help find food and other resources. Local help is also available by calling 211 or visiting www.pa211.org
You are still responsible for completing renewals, responding to any request for information from DHS, and reporting any changes to your income, contact information, or the people living in your home during the shutdown.
Despite a pause in payments, SNAP recipients are still required to meet new reporting requirements mandated by the federal government as part of Congressional Republicans’ Budget Bill that was signed by President Trump. These new requirements take effect November 1. For most, this means they must report their monthly work, schooling, or volunteer participation to DHS.
On Friday, October 24, the USDA shared that SNAP recipients who have funds on their EBT cards will be able to spend these benefits after November 1. At this time, you will still be able to use EBT cards if you have benefits available from previous months. SNAP benefits will remain on your EBT card as long as you use the card at least once every nine months. DHS strongly encourages SNAP recipients to keep their card locked with the ConnectEBT app or website to protect their benefits when the card is not in use.
EBT card users must also remain diligent and inspect point-of-sale machines before swiping their card to avoid skimming incidents where benefits can be stolen electronically. More information on SNAP scams and theft at www.dhs.pa.gov/scams.
Yes, these rules are still in place. Changes mandated by Congressional Republicans’ Budget Bill take effect November 1, 2025, and require more SNAP recipients to report their work, schooling, or volunteer participation to DHS in order to remain eligible for SNAP. Despite the shutdown and a pause to SNAP, these new requirements must still be met.
Yes – DHS will continue to process applications and determine eligibility. However, benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends.
For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate pa-navigate.org/ to help find food and other resources. Local help is also available by visiting www.pa211.org. Pennsylvanians can also visit www.feedingpa.org to find local food banks and other food assistance programs.
Shutdown Toolkit
You can use this toolkit to share information about how the federal government shutdown impacts DHS benefit programs. We will continue to update this toolkit with messages, graphics, and resources to help you spread the word in your community. Thank you for helping us keep Pennsylvanians informed!
Social Media Posts
Post text:
Because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified states that it will not fund November SNAP benefits. The 2025-26 LIHEAP season is also delayed until federal funding is received. More information about the shutdown and what it means for SNAP recipients is available at www.dhs.pa.gov/shutdownFAQs.
For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate to help find food and other resources. Local help is also available by visiting www.pa211.org. Pennsylvanians can also visit www.feedingpa.org to find local food banks and other food assistance programs. Many electric and gas companies offer utility assistance programs for qualifying customers, so Pennsylvanians can contact their utilities or visit the PA PUC’s utility assistance website for more information.
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SNAP is paused during the federal government shutdown, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t apply!
Applying for SNAP during the shutdown is the fastest way for us to get you your benefits as soon as possible once the shutdown is over. Don’t wait, or you might miss benefits you are eligible for! -> dhs.pa.gov/COMPASS
Right-click the image and select "Save Image As..." to download it to your computer.
Post text:
Due to the federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government provides funding for SNAP, and we are unable to begin the 2025-26 LIHEAP season.
For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate at pa-navigate.org to help find resources. Local help is also available by visiting pa211.org. For utility assistance, Pennsylvanians can search “utility assistance” at puc.pa.gov or contact their utility companies directly to see what programs are available.
Learn more at dhs.pa.gov/shutdownFAQs
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Post Text
The U.S. Congress’s failure to pass a budget has caused the federal government to shut down. SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government provides funding for SNAP. Get answers to frequently asked questions and learn more: dhs.pa.gov/shutdownFAQs
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No Pennsylvanian should go hungry. If you are able, please consider donating food or volunteer time to your local food pantry. We’re all in this together. Let’s work together to help our neighbors in need. Find your local food pantry: feedingpa.org
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