If you are impacted by the government shutdown or SNAP payment halt, help is available at your local food bank.

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Feeding PA Statement on the SNAP Payment Halt

As Pennsylvania nears its fifth month without a state budget and faces the impacts of a federal government shutdown, millions of hardworking Pennsylvanians are living with growing uncertainty about how they will put food on the table.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) announced that starting October 16, 2025, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits cannot be paid to Pennsylvania residents until the federal government shutdown ends. With $366 million in monthly benefits for two million Pennsylvanians in jeopardy, Pennsylvania’s charitable food network is preparing for an unprecedented surge in need.

SNAP is the largest anti-hunger program in Pennsylvania, providing nine meals for every one meal that our charitable food network provides. A lapse in benefits could leave an enormous gap that Pennsylvania’s already strained charitable food system simply cannot fill alone.

This crisis comes at a time when food banks are already under immense pressure from the compounding challenges of rising demand and reduced resources. Food insecurity in Pennsylvania has risen by more than 40% in the past two years, with 1.7 million people struggling to access enough food even before recent significant changes to SNAP and federal employee paycheck disruptions.

At the same time, food banks are operating with fewer resources. Over the past nine months, the federal government has cut $13 million in food purchasing programs and canceled $6 million of TEFAP food shipments in Pennsylvania. In addition, Pennsylvania is the only state without an enacted state budget. The ongoing state budget impasse has halted critical funding through programs like the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS), which help food banks purchase fresh produce, dairy, and protein for their communities.

Despite these extraordinary challenges, Feeding Pennsylvania remains steadfast in our mission to ensure access to nutritious food for every Pennsylvanian. We will remain in close communication with state, federal, and community partners to monitor the situation, advocate for swift action, and keep the public informed. Our resilient network of food banks, pantries and meal programs are trusted community resources during times of disruption—they will continue to do everything possible to meet rising demand and ensure no one faces hunger alone.

Community support is more critical now than ever. If you are able, please consider donating funds to your local food bank.

Resources for SNAP recipients

(updated 10/22/2025)

Where to find food near you

SNAP Payment halt faqs

  • What is happening to SNAP benefits?
    • Starting October 16, SNAP benefits will not be paid to Pennsylvania residents until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to PA.
    • This means that November benefits will not be paid, and anyone determined to be eligible on or after October 16 will not receive their pro-rated October benefits, which would normally be included with their November payment.
  • When will SNAP benefit payments resume?
    • At this time, DHS does not know when SNAP payments will resume. When Congress passes funding to reopen the federal government and fully fund SNAP, DHS will work with the USDA to issue benefits as quickly as possible. This could take up to 10 days after the government reopens.
    • DHS will notify SNAP recipients when payments can resume, and they will let you know when to expect SNAP payments.
  • Can I spend SNAP money that is already loaded on my EBT card?
    • We believe that SNAP recipients with unspent funds on their EBT cards will still be able to use these funds. Benefits do not expire if cards are used at least once every nine months.
    • In anticipation of a delay in November SNAP payments, you may want to consider using any accrued SNAP benefits to purchase shelf stable foods to be prepared to get through the duration of the federal shutdown.
  • Will SNAP payments be backfilled?
    • We do not know when SNAP payments will resume. When Congress passes funding to reopen the federal government and fully fund SNAP, DHS will work with the USDA to issue benefits as quickly as possible.
  • What do I need to do to ensure I stay eligible for SNAP during the shutdown?
    • If you are currently receiving SNAP, you are still responsible for completing renewals and reporting any changes to your income, contact information, or the people living in your home during the shutdown.
    • SNAP recipients should also remember changes mandated by the federal government that will take effect November 1 and report their work, schooling, or volunteer participation to DHS. More information about these changes is available at www.dhs.pa.gov/work.
  • Is DHS still processing in-progress SNAP applications and accepting new applications?
    • Yes. DHS will continue to process applications for SNAP and other benefits during the shutdown. Recipients should continue to report case changes, submit any semi-annual reviews or renewals they receive during this period, and update their cases to not risk an interruption of their benefits in the future

New Federal SNAP Work Requirements as of November 1, 2025

  • Under these new federal rules, to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits certain people will have to meet SNAP work requirements that include working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) AND report that they are meeting these work requirements. 
  • The expanded work requirements will apply to you if you:
    • Are between 18-64 year old;
    • Do not have a dependent child under 14 years old; and
    • Are considered physically and mentally able to work.
    • Being a veteran or a current of former foster youth age 18-24 will no longer be an exemption.
  • If SNAP recipients are not meeting this requirement, they will be limited to three months of SNAP benefits for a three-year period.

Where to get SNAP information or assistance

For questions about or assistance with your SNAP benefits, the Department of Human Services Helpline, toll-free, at 1-800-692-7462 (1-800-451-5886 for individuals with hearing impairments) or your county assistance office.

Additional Resources