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
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.
At this time, DHS believes that 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
We’re making a toolkit you can use to help share information about how the federal government shutdown affects DHS benefit programs. This toolkit will include messages, graphics, and resources you can use to help spread the word in your community. Thank you for your patience and for helping us keep Pennsylvanians informed!