Pennsylvania has announced that, due to the federal government shutdown, it cannot distribute November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments. Since SNAP is funded by the federal government, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) cannot issue new benefit payments for anyone until the shutdown ends or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows predesignated SNAP contingency funds to be used.

SNAP is the nation’s largest anti-hunger program, providing nine meals for every one food banks can provide. Without it, families, seniors, veterans, children, and individuals with disabilities across the Commonwealth will face impossible choices and hardships, including whether to pay for healthcare or buy groceries.

Two million hardworking Pennsylvanians struggling to make ends meet will be cut off from $366 million in monthly benefits. Specifically in the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank’s service area, this will jeopardize the health and well-being of over 390,000 neighbors, many of whom are children and senior citizens. In fact, nearly 80% of SNAP participants live in families with children, seniors, or people with disabilities.

Our Food Bank firmly believes no one should go hungry and will do all we can to help. Our resources are already strained due to the ongoing hunger crisis. We are experiencing a surge in demand for our services as funding and resources for critical organizations like ours have decreased. In addition, the ongoing state budget impasse has paused essential funding that enables us to provide fresh produce, dairy, and protein to families while supporting Pennsylvania farmers.

The charitable food network was not designed to replace federal food assistance. Our Food Bank and partner agencies are committed to providing food to our neighbors in need, but we cannot do this work alone. Use your voice to urge lawmakers to protect food and critical nutrition programs like SNAP. Learn how you can advocate, volunteer, donate, or partner with us.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, the Food Bank is here to help. Find food near you by using the Find Food Map on our website.

We realize the shutdown and other recent changes to SNAP may be overwhelming. Find answers to frequently asked questions below. You can also learn more about recent changes to SNAP eligibility requirements and find resources to help by visiting our SNAP Changes page.

FAQ’s

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) has announced that, due to the federal government shutdown, it cannot distribute November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments.

SNAP payments cannot resume until the federal government shutdown ends or the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) allows predesignated SNAP contingency funds to be used. Once federal funding is available, it could take up to 10 days for PA DHS to issue benefits. PA DHS will notify recipients when SNAP payments can resume.

Any unspent money on your EBT card from previous months is still available to use in November and after. Benefits do not expire if the card is used at least once every nine months. However, no November payment will be loaded due to the federal government shutdown.

It is important that SNAP recipients continue to report any changes in income, contact information, and household members to the County Assistance Office and submit any semi-annual reviews or renewals during the shutdown.

IMPORTANT: Most SNAP participants between ages 18-64 must still submit paperwork to comply with work requirements to protect their benefits – even while benefits are paused. New federal rules require many recipients to report work, training hours, schooling or volunteer participation to avoid an interruption of benefits. Read more about new eligibility requirements.

The federal government will determine if retroactive payments will be made. There is currently no confirmation on whether SNAP payments will be backfilled when payments resume.

DHS will never ask for your pin and you should never share it with anyone. Remain alert for potential scams and never share personal information. Any social media platform asking you to sign up to receive instant cash is fake. Report suspicious calls or scams to the Department of Human Services fraud tip line at 1-844-347-8477.

DHS will continue to process applications for SNAP and other benefits during the shutdown. No benefits will be paid until funds are available. Call or text APPLY to the Central PA Food Bank’s SNAP Helpline at 1-877-999-5964 for SNAP application assistance. Learn more about recent changes to SNAP.

Under new federal rules, to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits certain people will need to meet certain SNAP requirements, including reporting work, volunteer participation, schooling or training hours. Read more about new SNAP requirements.

If you or someone you know needs assistance, the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank is open and here to help. Find food near you by using the Find Food Map on our website at org/find-help/find-food. For emergency food assistance, contact us at 717-564-1700.

We understand that the shutdown and recent changes to SNAP may be overwhelming. Our SNAP team is ready to help you understand the new rules and if they apply to you. Please call our helpline at 1-877-999-5964 with questions or for SNAP application assistance.

As we face the results of the government shutdown and a growing hunger crisis, your support is more important. Donate, volunteer, partner with us, or advocate for the protection of food and critical nutrition programs like SNAP to your lawmakers.

Use this form to contact your members of Congress today and urge them to ensure that November SNAP payments are made without interruption.