Due to Federal Shutdown, November SNAP payments will not be made to nearly two million Pennsylvanians

Earlier this month, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) notified Pennsylvania that it will be unable to fund November SNAP benefits because of the federal shutdown.

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That means that without the White House and/or the Republican-controlled Congress taking immediate action to reopen the federal government, November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments will not be made to Pennsylvanians. The Commonwealth cannot backfill these costs.

"Republicans' failure to pass a federal budget in Washington, D.C. is having a direct impact on our Commonwealth, and now, this federal shutdown is threatening critical food assistance for two million Pennsylvanians who rely on SNAP to feed themselves and their families," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "In July, Republicans in Congress voted to knock 310,000 Pennsylvanians off Medicaid and 144,000 off SNAP, all in order to give a tax cut for people who don't need it. Now, Republicans are once again threatening vital support for Pennsylvania families and children - it's time for them to pass a federal budget and end this shutdown."

"Inaction from Republicans in Congress threatens more than just access to health care for Pennsylvanians who rely on tax credits to purchase health insurance -- it now disrupts life-sustaining food assistance and other critical programs and further endangers health and well-being for Pennsylvanians who rely on these programs and services," said Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. "I urge Republicans in Congress to recognize the serious consequences impacting local economies, small businesses, and the health and safety of people in Pennsylvania and nationally. This shutdown is jeopardizing access to health insurance and disrupting these critical services. I urge our leadership in the U.S. House and Senate to come together for a solution that protects people most at risk."