Why do federal government shutdowns affect SNAP food benefits?
SNAP benefits are paid for by the federal government through the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). If the federal government shuts down, the USDA may not send the money to states, which could delay or stop your monthly food benefits. You get your SNAP benefits on an Oregon EBT card.
Will my October SNAP benefits be affected by the government shutdown?
No, your October 2025 SNAP benefits will not be affected by the shutdown. October benefits for ongoing participants were sent as usual and on time. People approved for SNAP during October will receive their benefits for the month.
How will the shutdown affect my November SNAP benefits?
On Oct. 10, 2025, the federal government warned that there might not be enough funding to pay November SNAP benefits if Congress doesn’t pass a funding agreement that President Trump will approve by midnight on October 31. This means the federal government might not release November food benefits. We will update you at oregon.gov/odhs as we learn more.
Will the shutdown affect other ODHS benefits or services in November?
No, as of Oct. 20, 2025, no other ODHS benefits or services will be impacted. Only SNAP food benefits may be delayed in November. You will still get all other benefits and services as usual.
How can I prepare for the shutdown to affect my benefits?
Here’s what you can do:
- Check your EBT balance. Any unused SNAP benefits will stay available after Nov. 1, 2025.
- Know where you can find emergency food if needed.
- Keep following all SNAP rules.
- Follow ODHS updates through our communication channels.
If SNAP benefits are delayed, ODHS will announce it through the media and our websites. We will not send a letter. For fast updates, sign up for a ONE Online account or download the Oregon ONE Mobile app.
How do I get updates about my SNAP benefits quickly?
For updates during a shutdown, you will hear from ODHS through media, our official channels, and partners. We will not send letters. For the fastest updates, create a ONE Online account or use the Oregon ONE Mobile app.
Can I apply for SNAP during the shutdown if I don’t already get benefits?
Yes. You can apply for SNAP benefits online, by phone, in person, or by mail. Visit benefits.oregon.gov to learn more about how to apply. If you are approved for SNAP during the shutdown, you may not get your food benefits until the shutdown ends.
Are there any restrictions on using SNAP during a shutdown?
No, your Oregon EBT card will work as usual, and you can use it at any store or farmers market that accepts it. You can check your balance by:
- Looking at your last receipt.
- Calling customer service at 888-997-4447.
- Checking online through your EBT account.
- Using the ebtEDGE mobile app.
Will my Oregon EBT card still work in November?
To the best of our knowledge right now, your Oregon EBT card will still work in November. If the shutdown continues into November, you won’t get your November food benefits, but any unused food benefits from earlier months will still be available. If you get cash benefits, they will be added to your EBT card as usual.
Electronic benefit theft is on the rise nationwide. Be sure to follow these tips for protecting your Oregon EBT card and benefits.
When will November SNAP benefits be issued?
We don’t know the exact date yet. It depends on when the federal government sends the money and how fast the system can process it. This has never happened before with SNAP, and there are worries that the system could slow down or crash if benefits are sent out to everyone nationwide at once. ODHS will share updates as soon as we know more.
- If the shutdown ends before November 1, benefits will be issued as usual.
- If the shutdown ends after November 1, benefits may be delayed but will be paid retroactively (you will get the amount you missed). Once the shutdown ends, benefits will return to the regular schedule.
Do I still have to meet SNAP requirements during the shutdown?
Yes, you still need to follow all SNAP rules, like completing your renewal, submitting reports, and telling ODHS about any changes.
What if I need to renew my SNAP benefits and haven’t turned in my renewal?
It’s important to submit your renewal right away. You can submit your renewal online, in person, by mail, or by fax. Find all options at benefits.oregon.gov.
Does the shutdown affect Summer EBT benefits?
No, Summer EBT benefits will not be affected by the shutdown. Families have 122 days to use those benefits from the day they show up on your EBT card. For more information, visit the Oregon Summer EBT webpage.
Does the shutdown affect free school meals?
No, school meals will still be available in November. Many Oregon schools are part of the Community Eligibility Program (CEP), which lets them offer free meals to all students. Families should check with their school to see if they need to fill out an application.
Will the shutdown affect other food programs for seniors and people with disabilities?
No. Only SNAP is affected by the shutdown. Other food programs for older adults and people with disabilities are still running. For example, Meals on Wheels is still available.
To learn about other food programs, you can visit this website.
More ways to get help
The Aging and Disability Resource Connection (ADRC) can help connect you to more food programs. These programs are supported by the federal Older Americans Act.
The ODHS Office of Aging and People with Disabilities (APD) gives funding to local Area Agencies on Aging (AAA). These agencies provide meals in group settings and also deliver meals to people’s homes. All meals meet nutrition standards. You can learn more here.
Some agencies also provide food boxes through a special food program.
Medicaid Home Delivered Meals
If you get Medicaid long-term care and you cannot leave your home without help, cannot cook meals, and do not have anyone to help you, you may qualify for Medicaid-funded home-delivered meals. This program gives one full, healthy meal per day to people who qualify.