What happened during past shutdowns? In 2018 and 2019, the government shut down for 35 days. That was the longest shutdown ever. During that time, 38 million people kept getting their SNAP benefits. The government used backup money to keep benefits going. But if that shutdown had kept going, the backup money would have run out.
Here is what you should do right now:
- • Keep using your benefits like normal. All the rules are still the same.
- • If you need to renew your benefits, do it right away. Do not wait.
- • Make sure your local SNAP office has your correct phone number and address.
- • You can apply online, by mail, by fax, or in person at your local office.
Your local social services office is still open during the shutdown. You can go there if you have questions or problems with your benefits. They can help you with applications and other SNAP needs.
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For example, New York State has confirmed that its Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance is processing applications through its mybenefits.ny.gov website.
The government shut down on October 1, 2025. Millions of people are asking: Will I still get my food stamps? The good news is yes, you will get your benefits this month.
SNAP benefits will keep coming in October just like normal. Your EBT card will work the same way it always does. You can buy food at stores and farmers markets without any problems.
Why are benefits still coming? The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and states already sent all the payment information to the EBT card companies back in September. This means your October money is safe and ready to go. You will get your benefits on your normal day, just like always.
Your EBT card works the same during the shutdown. You can check how much money you have by going to ebtEDGE.com or calling 1-888-328-6399. The money on your card stays there for 274 days after you get it.
But there could be trouble ahead. If the shutdown keeps going past October, November benefits might be late or might not come at all. The government has not told states what to do about November yet. The Food Research and Action Center has warned that delays are possible if the USDA cannot process the files on time.
The middle of October is very important. That is when states usually start working on November payments. If the shutdown is still happening then, there could be big problems getting benefits out on time.
What happened during past shutdowns? In 2018 and 2019, the government shut down for 35 days. That was the longest shutdown ever. During that time, 38 million people kept getting their SNAP benefits. The government used backup money to keep benefits going. But if that shutdown had kept going, the backup money would have run out.
Right now, you should keep using your benefits like normal. All the rules are still the same. If you need to renew your benefits, do it right away. Do not wait. You can apply online, by mail, by fax, or in person at your local office.
Make sure your local SNAP office has your correct phone number and address. This way they can tell you right away if anything changes.
Keep checking your state’s SNAP website for news. Things could change, and you want to know as soon as possible if something affects your benefits.
More than 40 million Americans get SNAP benefits. These benefits help families buy food when money is tight. For many people, SNAP makes the difference between having enough food or going hungry.
The shutdown affects many government workers too. About 400 million dollars in federal wages are being lost every day. When people lose their paychecks, more families might need to apply for SNAP to help feed their children.
What should you do now? First, do not panic. Your October benefits are coming. Second, keep an eye on the news about the shutdown. Third, contact your local office if you have any questions or if you need to renew your benefits soon.
The bottom line is this: Your food stamps are safe for October 2025. Use them like you normally would. But stay alert for news about November, especially if the shutdown does not end soon.
If you are worried or confused, call your local SNAP office. They are there to help you. They have the newest information about what is happening in your state.
Remember, SNAP is a program that helps millions of families. Even during a shutdown, people who work on these programs are trying to make sure families can still buy food. Your benefits matter, and people are working to protect them.
