The federal government shutdown is now in its fourth week, with no clear end in sight. As we explained earlier, Congress has not passed a funding bill, leaving millions of people without access to critical programs.
SNAP and WIC
- On October 22, at least 25 states announced that November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be paid if the shutdown continues. Many people with disabilities rely on SNAP for food, which makes this an urgent threat to our community.
- The Administration has authorized tariff revenue to continue Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children benefits for now. It has also stated that it will not use the 6 billion dollars in reserve funds at the U.S. Department of Agriculture to pay SNAP for November.
- Some states are using emergency funds to cover November SNAP benefits, including California, Colorado, Louisiana, and Virginia. However, not all states – including Florida – are doing this.
Energy assistance
- As colder weather arrives, some states have delayed the start of the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program that helps with home heating costs. Some states may still have funds available. Contact your state social services department to learn what is available where you live.
Housing assistance
- Housing assistance payments for current Section 8 voucher holders are expected to continue until November. New Section 8 vouchers will not be issued. If the shutdown lasts and begins to affect housing assistance payments, some landlords may need to cover expenses out of pocket, which can lead to foreclosure and greater housing instability.
Other impacts
- People may see delays in processing administrative requests, disability benefits applications, and casework.
- Even if a deal is reached by the end of October, November benefits will likely be delayed because federal agencies will need time to distribute funds to states.
What you can do if your benefits are interrupted
- Find a local food pantry at feedingamerica.org.
- Seek help from local churches, charities, and organizations such as Kelly’s Kitchen. Kelly’s Kitchen also hosts the Food Security Network to locate food banks, food pantries, soup kitchens, rural farms, urban farms, and food justice organizations.
- If your energy assistance is interrupted, contact your electric, gas, or oil provider, explain the situation, and ask about payment arrangements or assistance.
- Ask other companies you use, such as your bank, internet, and cell phone provider, about short term flexibility in bill payments.
- If you receive public assistance, Amazon offers a 50 percent discount on Prime through the Amazon Access Program that may help reduce food costs.
- DoorDash has launched an emergency food response. It will waive merchant fees for Project DASH partners, cover delivery and service fees for about 300,000 orders for SNAP recipients, and donate directly to local food banks.
Community conversation
Thursday, October 30 at 3:00 p.m. Eastern
The National Council on Independent Living will host a virtual Community Conversation about how the shutdown is affecting programs like SNAP, how to find food resources, and how Centers for Independent Living can assist people with disabilities who are experiencing food insecurity. ASL and CART will be provided. Click here to register for the Community Conversation.
Take action
Millions of people nationwide, including about 3 million people in Florida, are at risk of losing SNAP on November 1. Hunger is preventable. USDA has the authority to ensure SNAP continues on time without interruption.
- Contact Congress and urge immediate action to protect SNAP.
- Share this message with your community and on social media.