Nearly two million Pennsylvanians will not receive their Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits next month due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services announced on Friday (October 17) that benefits will be suspended until the shutdown ends and federal funds are released to the state. This decision follows the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) confirmation that SNAP funds are running low, affecting over 42 million Americans nationwide.
Despite the current hold on benefits, new SNAP program requirements are set to take effect on November 1. These requirements include work, education, or volunteering obligations for some recipients to maintain eligibility. The USDA has instructed state agencies to delay sending eligibility files to Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) vendors, which further complicates the distribution of November benefits.
According to the Food and Nutrition Service, SNAP is a federally funded program administered by the USDA. Its operations are dependent on annual appropriations by Congress. Without a continuing resolution or full-year appropriations, funding lapses, leading to the current suspension of benefits.
In response to the situation, the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services advises those in need of food assistance to call 2-1-1 or visit feedingpa.org. The department is working to keep recipients informed about the evolving situation.
The shutdown, which began on October 1, 2025, has sparked discussions about the need to shift SNAP from discretionary to mandatory funding to prevent future disruptions. As the shutdown continues, the impact on Pennsylvania and other states remains significant, with millions relying on SNAP for essential food assistance.