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    • What to Know about the Shutdown and SNAP

    Right now, DTA and SNAP are operating normally. However, what happens if the shutdown does not end by Oct. 31:

    • If the shutdown does not end or funding is not released by October 31 , November SNAP benefits issued on Nov. 1 will be delayed. In Massachusetts, SNAP is issued on 10 days between Nov. 1 and Nov. 14th. SNAP issued on a rolling basis from Nov. 2 through 14th will be delayed if funds are not released as we get into early November. 
    • A delay in SNAP benefits would be unprecedented and cause a massive amount of harm for residents and the economy. 
    • DTA won’t be able to issue SNAP for applications that are approved until funding is provided.
      • DTA still has to process new applications, and approved applications are approved retroactively – do not delay applying! 
    • Once the shutdown is resolved, any delayed SNAP benefits should be reinstated retroactively. While retroactive reinstatement will help and is critical, a delayed payment will not make up for the human and economic harms that occur during a delay. 

    What needs to happen for November SNAP to go out on time? 3 options:

    • Congress resolves the shutdown. 
    • USDA releases the funds it has for SNAP, either voluntarily or because a court has ordered it to. 
    • If USDA fails to act and/or if the court does not act very quickly to provide SNAP benefits, Governor Healey and the Massachusetts legislature should quickly provide state funds (for example, from the “rainy day” fund). 

      What can you do?

      • Call Governor Healey and your state legislators, and urge them, in the absence of federal action, to provide state SNAP until the federal government fully funds SNAP or the government reopens. 
      • Ask retailers and businesses – and family and friends in states with Republican Governors – to urge their lawmakers to urge USDA to quickly release the contingency funds. 
      • Connect with local retailers and local emergency food (food bank in your area/etc) to provide/share information about local support and make sure retailer staff are prepared.   

      If there is a November issuance delay:

      • Encourage people to state legislators and Gov. Healy’s office and urge the state to provide state SNAP until the federal government fully funds SNAP or the government reopens. 
      • Affirm how unacceptable, difficult, and, for some, traumatic the SNAP delay is. 
      • Share resources and up to date information so people have facts they can act on. Make sure households know:
        • They can spend any SNAP that remains on their EBT card. Those funds from October or earlier will still be available. 
        • When the delay is over SNAP will be issued retroactively. 
        • If their DTA SNAP case is open, they should not reapply. Reapplying will not fix the delay issue. 
        • They must complete any Interim Reports or Recertifications due (even though benefits are delayed). 
      • Share emergency food resources (below), while also recognizing that food pantries and emergency food cannot fix the many and significant harms of delayed SNAP.  

      Resources

      For up to date shutdown information on healthcare, immigration, housing, and more see MassLegalServices.org/Shutdown.