Federal government shutdown and SNAP food benefits: FAQ
Federal government shutdown and SNAP food benefit
SNAP benefits for November will not be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past October 27.
TEXAS - With the federal government shut down, the Texas Health and Human Services Commission is monitoring how it may impact your benefits.
SNAP benefits for November won’t be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27.
- WIC benefits are not affected currently.
- TANF benefits are not affected currently.
- Medicaid is not affected currently.
- CHIP is not affected currently.
Will I still get my SNAP food benefits in November if the federal government is shut down?
SNAP benefits for November will not be issued if the federal government shutdown continues past Oct. 27. HHSC will issue SNAP benefits as soon as it receives new federal guidance. HHSC will continue to monitor the situation.
How will I know when SNAP benefits will be issued again if they stop?
Updates will be posted on the Your Texas Benefits website, Your Texas Benefits mobile app, and on the Texas Health and Human Services website. You can also call 2-1-1 to get the latest information. After choosing a language, select Option 1 to find resources and help in your community.
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North Texas Food Bank
What they're saying:
The North Texas Food Bank says without people receiving SNAP benefits, they expect an influx of people at their food pantries, and this just adds on more pressure to make sure there's enough food for everyone in need.
As the government shutdown enters its fourth week, more government assistance programs are feeling the impact.
On Friday, the U.S. Department of Agriculture sent a letter to state agencies alerting them that if the government shutdown continues past October 27, there will not be enough funds to pay for November's Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, better known as SNAP. The program provides help for 42 million people across the country.
Clarissa Clark is the government affairs officer for the North Texas Food Bank. She says they knew a shutdown was a possibility, so the food bank planned ahead.
"They pay a month ahead. So, payments in October were paid in September to the states," said Clark. "Luckily, we purchased our USDA food through December in September, so we will get our food."
The North Texas Food Bank covers 12 counties and has 500 agency partners that help distribute food to those in need. She anticipates every area will see an increase of people if snap benefit payments don't come in November.
"It's going to just put more pressure on our agency partners who are already seeing big increases because of the high cost of living," said Clark.
General Questions
What will happen to my benefits if the federal government shutdown continues into December?
HHSC will continue to monitor the situation.
Will I be able to apply for benefits or check my benefit status on YourTexasBenefits.com during the federal government shutdown?
Yes, you can continue to apply for benefits and view your case information.
Do I still need to report changes and renew my benefits if they are not being issued?
Yes, continue to report changes and follow instructions and deadlines for renewing benefits.
Government shutdown: SNAP benefits could run out in November, Rollins says
SNAP benefits may be at risk if the shutdown continues into November, meaning food assistance could disappear for about 40 million people.
Will HHSC offices be closed during the federal government shutdown?
No, HHSC offices will be open during normal business hours from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Can I still call 2-1-1 for help during the federal government shutdown?
Yes, 2-1-1 will continue to provide help to Texans in need.
The Source: Information in this article is from the Texas Health and Human Services website.