If the government shutdown continues, people who rely on SNAP and WIC may not receive their full food benefits starting November 1, 2025.

SNAP is the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as food stamps. It provides food benefits to low-income families to supplement their grocery budget so they can afford the nutritious food essential to health and well-being. WIC is the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children. It’s a short-term program that safeguards the health of low-income women, infants, and children up to age 5 by providing food, nutrition education, and healthcare referrals.

For families already stretched thin, this lapse in benefits could mean impossible choices between food, rent, medicine, utilities, and more. People with disabilities already face higher rates of poverty and food insecurity, putting them more at risk.

Food is not optional. Every person deserves food security, not fear.

What is The Arc doing to protect SNAP and WIC benefits? The Arc is calling on state and federal policymakers to protect people with disabilities and low-income families from losing access to food. Here’s what’s happening, what you can do, and what policymakers must do now.

How Will the Government Shutdown Affect SNAP and WIC Benefits in November?

• Will SNAP benefits be delayed during the government shutdown? Unless the shutdown ends soon, many people may not receive their full monthly SNAP benefits starting November 1st.
• Will WIC benefits still be available in November? Some states may run out of WIC funding in early November. How long benefits last will depend on your state’s remaining funds.
• What do beneficiaries need to know about new SNAP work requirements? Millions of people applying for or renewing SNAP will face new work requirements, known as “time limits,” starting in November.
• Can food banks replace lost SNAP benefits? Food banks and local charities are already stretched thin and cannot replace SNAP, especially as demand for food assistance increases around the holidays. For every meal a food bank provides, SNAP provides nine.

What Can Policymakers Do to Protect SNAP and WIC During the Shutdown?

• What actions should the Administration take right now?
  • Use available resources to pay SNAP and WIC benefits in November. If full benefits cannot be funded, issue partial benefits.
  • Immediately release SNAP’s contingency funds (about $6 billion) to help states pay benefits.
  • Use any available legal authority to increase SNAP and WIC funding.
  • Give states clear guidance to continue processing applications and keep benefits ready to go.
• What steps should Congress take to prevent food benefit cuts?
  • Reverse harmful cuts to SNAP.
  • Roll back expanded work requirements passed in the reconciliation bill that threaten people with disabilities, older adults, and parents.
  • Restore funding for other programs that help feed communities, including the Emergency Food Assistance Program, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program, and the Local Food for Schools Program.
• How can states keep SNAP and WIC running?
  • Use state emergency funds to cover temporary SNAP or WIC gaps.
    • Example: Colorado approved $7.5 million to keep benefits flowing.
    • Example: Nevada tapped its disaster relief account to cover WIC payments.
  • Send clear, accessible notices to all beneficiaries about what to expect.
  • Continue processing applications and protect residents from utility shutoffs and evictions.

What Should SNAP and WIC Recipients Do if the Government Shutdown Continues?

• Are my October SNAP benefits safe? Yes, October SNAP benefits have been funded and loaded to EBT cards. You can keep using your card as usual. These benefits will not expire at the end of the month.
• What will happen to my SNAP benefits in November? If the shutdown continues, new benefits will come later than usual. Once the government reopens, missed payments will be reimbursed.
  • You will not lose benefits permanently due to the shutdown. A delay is not the same as being cut off. Keep your contact information up to date so you receive notices.
• Can I apply or renew SNAP or WIC during the shutdown? If you’re applying or recertifying, you should submit your application as soon as possible. Even if processing is delayed, applying now ensures your case moves forward quickly when the shutdown ends.
  • If you applied for or were approved for SNAP benefits in October, you might experience delays receiving retroactive benefits for October 2025. This will vary depending on the state you live in.
• How can people with disabilities qualify for exemptions from SNAP work rules? Keep an eye out for a notice from your state’s SNAP office about new work requirements. If you have a disability, you may qualify for an exemption from the work requirement. Contact your SNAP caseworker or state office with any questions.
• How can I protect my SNAP or WIC benefits? Visit your local SNAP office website and sign up for updates. Make sure your state’s SNAP program has your correct mailing address, phone number, and email. You can find your state’s SNAP office here: https://www.fns.usda.gov/snap/state-directory

Where Can I Find Food Assistance or Local Resources Near Me?

• FindHelp: Locate food banks, housing, financial assistance, and more.
• FoodFinder: Find food pantries near you.
• USDA National Hunger Hotline: Call 1-866-3-HUNGRY or 1-877-8-HAMBRE (7 a.m. – 10 p.m. ET) or text FOOD to 914-342-7744.
• FullCart: Sign up for free food delivered to your home (please note that there’s a waitlist for this service).
• 211: Call 211 or visit 211.org for local help with food, housing, utilities, and more.

Why Do SNAP and WIC Delays Matter for People with Disabilities and Families?

SNAP feeds about 42 million people (one in eight Americans), including 16 million children, 8 million older adults, and more than 4 million people with disabilities. WIC supports nearly 7 million pregnant and postpartum women, infants, and young children. Even short disruptions can harm child nutrition and development.

November is always a critical month for families preparing for colder weather and the holidays. Losing food assistance now could push millions deeper into poverty.

Food is not optional. It is dignity, stability, and survival.

Quick Answers About SNAP and WIC During the Government Shutdown

• Will SNAP benefits be delayed? Yes, starting November 1 if the shutdown continues.
• Are WIC benefits safe? Some states may run out of funding in early November.
• Will benefits be reimbursed later? Yes, once the shutdown ends.
• Who is most affected? Low-income families, people with disabilities, and older adults.
• What should I do? Apply or renew now, stay informed through your state SNAP office, and seek local food resources if needed.

Written by: Darcy Milburn, Director of Social Security & Healthcare Policy at The Arc of the United States