Will the federal government shutdown impact my WIC & SNAP benefits?

The federal government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025 is creating uncertainty around the funding for WIC and SNAP, vital food and health assistance programs that help millions of qualifying New Yorkers. In New York State, an estimated 2.8 million low-income New Yorkers receive SNAP benefits and roughly 442,000 women and children relying on WIC.

• The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) is a USDA-administered program providing nutrition assistance, breastfeeding support, counseling, and health referrals to pregnant individuals, postpartum mothers (up to 6 months, breastfeeding mothers (up to 12 months), infants and children under age 5, and primary caregivers (e.g., dads, grandparents, foster parents).
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) provides monthly food benefits via EBT cards to eligible low-income households. Eligibility varies by income level and household composition.

Read the information below to understand how your benefits may be impacted by the federal government shutdown.

Will my WIC benefits be affected by the government shutdown?

As of now, the federal government shutdown is not expected to impact WIC operations in New York State. However, the federal landscape is changing rapidly and it is possible that your WIC benefits may be impacted if the government shutdown continues indefinitely. A few things to keep in mind:

• WIC families will be able to continue to use the WIC benefits they have and keep their WIC appointments.
• Individuals can continue to apply for WIC if eligible.
• WIC recipients can re-apply if WIC benefits are expiring.
• WIC recipients should continue to meet all requirements such as recertifying, reporting changes, and responding to requests from local WIC program.
• WIC-approved stores are expected to continue to accept WIC benefits and WIC offices are expected to remain open for business as usual.

Visit the Department of Health’s website for updates on the WIC program here: https://www.health.ny.gov/prevention/nutrition/wic/faqs.htm#federal_shutdown

What is happening to SNAP benefits during the shutdown?

• November SNAP benefits are at risk for millions of Americans due to exhausted federal funds and lack of sufficient state funds, including New Yorkers.
• The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the federal agency in charge of SNAP, has not authorized states to send payment files to EBT processors.
• Beginning November 1, 2025, SNAP recipients will not receive their benefits on their Electronic Benefits (EBT) cards if the federal government does not allow New York State to release the funds.
• Recipients will be able to access any unused benefits issued in October 2025.
• Public Assistance (cash) benefits are not affected by the federal government shutdown. They will continue to be issued to all eligible households.

What should SNAP recipients or applicants do next?

• Prepare for delays or interruptions in November benefits.
• By November 1, 2025, the Office of Temporary & Disability Assistance (OTDA), which oversees SNAP benefits in the state,  will notify SNAP recipients about the status of their November benefits on the OTDA website, NYC ACCESS HRA, myBenefits, the ebtEDGE app, and through text message.
• In NYC, SNAP recipients can contact the Human Resources Administration (HRA) through the DSS OneNumber at 718-557-1399 or contact 311 to get information about their SNAP benefits.
• Recipients should continue to meet all SNAP requirements, including recertifications, periodic reports, and reporting changes.
• Individuals should continue applying for SNAP as HRA is still accepting and processing applications. Applicants approved for SNAP after November 1^st may not receive benefits until the shutdown ends.
• Seek out local food banks and free food resources.
  • FoodHelpNY: locate the closest food bank to you in NYC
  • Find Your Regional Food Bank: locate the regional food bank and Emergency Food Relief Organizations (EFRO) in your area.
  • The Food Pantries Food Connect Map: find local food pantries, community meals, mobile food resources and more.
  • Resources for Working Families: discover nutrition programs and resources that can help you feed your family.
  • Double Up Food Bucks: get help stretching your food dollars and accessing fresh produce.
  • Hunger Free America: find food assistance anywhere.

For free legal help, call Legal Services NYC at 917-661-4500 Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Learn more about our intake process here.

* The information does not constitute legal advice. You should always consult an attorney regarding your matter. Legal help subject to capacity and location.