What Can a Government Shutdown Mean for Your Benefits?

The federal government has officially shut down as of October 1st, 2025. If you’re currently receiving SNAP or WIC benefits, those may be in jeopardy in the coming days and weeks – depending on how long this shutdown goes on.

This isn’t the first time the federal government has shut down – and it likely won't be the last. There have been 20 shutdowns since 1976. This is the first shutdown since 2018, which lasted a record 35 days. While the majority of shutdowns are short-lived, there is no set timeline for how long this shutdown could last. 

If you’re currently receiving benefits from the government, you may experience delays moving forward. The WorkMoney team researched how this has impacted benefits in the past, and what you can expect going forward.

Impact on Key Programs

During a government shutdown, many federal agencies and services are forced to scale back or close. Non-essential services like some national parks, museums, and certain regulatory offices—shut down or operate with skeleton staff. 

Essential services tied to public safety, like the military, border protection, air traffic control, and law enforcement, continue to operate. Programs with mandatory funding, such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid, generally continue to operate, although administrative help may be delayed.

However, SNAP and WIC become significant priorities as politicians and lawmakers recognize the importance of these benefits to millions. Here’s what you need to know about the current status of SNAP and WIC.

• SNAP 

  The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is funded by the federal government but administered at the state level, providing monthly benefits to more than 40 million low-income Americans. During a government shutdown, the program does not immediately stop—funding is often sustained temporarily through contingency reserves. 

  The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees SNAP, usually provides states with short-term guidance to keep benefits flowing. The Department of Agriculture can send out benefits for 30 days after a shutdown begins – meaning that recipients have some runway.

  However, if the shutdown continues for an extended period, states may face difficulties issuing payments on time, and beneficiaries could experience disruptions or uncertainty. During the 2018 partial shutdown (the longest in US history), payments were made ahead to ensure recipients got the benefits they needed. It’s unclear at this point if this will happen again.

• WIC (Women, Infants, and Children Program)

  WIC delivers benefits to millions of Americans most in need. Unfortunately, the shutdown prevents the federal government from allocating funding to the USDA to distribute to recipients.

  Typically, during shutdowns, WIC stays funded. However, because this shutdown falls at the start of the fiscal year, the program may struggle to distribute funds. It will be up to each state to fund WIC programs during this shutdown.

  Ali Hard, director of public policy for the National WIC Association, told ABC News that recipients could be impacted within the first one to two weeks of the shutdown.

Tips for Families

If you’re receiving either SNAP or WIC benefits, there are several things you can do to ride out this shutdown:

• Check your benefits status early. Log in to your state’s online portal or call your local office to confirm when your next payment will arrive. 

• Stock up on essentials if you can. If your benefits have already been loaded, consider buying shelf-stable goods, formula, and other essentials while funds are available.

• Explore local resources. Food banks, food pantries, churches, and community organizations often step in during funding gaps to help families in need. Some states and local governments also provide emergency food assistance programs.

• Stay informed. Keep an eye on official program websites, your local office updates, and trusted news alerts. These will be the fastest way to learn about any changes or temporary extensions to your benefits.