Pennsylvanians will not receive SNAP benefits in November, the Department of Human Services announced.

According to their release, starting on October 16, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the shutdown ends and funds are released to the state. Officials will notify the approximately 2 million people in Pennsylvania who receive SNAP benefits when payments can resume.

The release also includes the following notice regarding Medicaid and SNAP benefits:

In July 2025, Republicans in Congress passed a bill that will change programs run by the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS). President Trump signed that bill into law. 

The law makes changes to Medicaid (Medical Assistance) and the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Medicaid has not changed at this time. For some SNAP recipients, these changes will begin September 1, 2025 and November 1, 2025. Learn more about SNAP work requirements, how they affect SNAP benefits, and how to report that you are meeting these requirements. 

Your benefits have not changed at this time and will not change without notice from DHS. You will have the opportunity to update your case information.

Be on the lookout for more information from DHS. Keep your address and other contact information up-to-date with DHS and the US Postal Service. We will help you prepare for these changes as they come.

In September, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it gave Governor Josh Shapiro of Abington Township a “formal warning” to provide personal data, including names, addresses, and Social Security numbers, about those who receive food assistance through SNAP. In August, state officials announced that SNAP would see qualification changes beginning September 1.

Government Shutdown Guide

In related news, Representative Madeleine Dean of Glenside issued a “Government Shutdown Guide” earlier this month in response to Congress’ failure to pass a federal budget by September 30.

The guide includes Frequently Asked Questions. An excerpt:

Will Medicare and Medicaid benefits be affected?

Current Medicare, Medicaid, and disability insurance beneficiaries will continue to receive their benefits assuming a shutdown lasts less than three months.

The Medicare open enrollment period running from October 15 to December 7, 2025, will be unaffected, although communications from the agency may be stalled or outdated.

What is the impact on food assistance?

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) will quickly run out of funding and be unable to provide food for children and parents in need. 

In the case of a prolonged shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may also be affected.

What is the impact on housing?

The Federal Housing Administration (FHA) will stop insuring some new mortgages and the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) will stop processing some new loans. 

The Department of Agriculture (USDA) will stop new loan and loan guarantee activity. 

The VA will continue to guarantee home loans. Funding for federal housing assistance programs, such as Housing Choice Vouchers, may be jeopardized in a prolonged shutdown.

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