Federal Government Shutdown — Updates and Support Resources (as of 11/11/2025)
Despite the ongoing federal government shutdown, Governor Kathy Hochul has directed New York State agencies to issue full federal SNAP benefits for November. Benefits began arriving on EBT cards starting Sunday, November 9.
- All eligible households are expected to receive their full November benefits by the end of the week.
- No action is required by recipients; benefits will be automatically loaded onto EBT cards.
For the latest information we urge you to visit the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance.
Please reach out to your Care Manager for further assistance and any questions.
Statewide Food Assistance Resources
- The Food Pantries Food Connect Map: Find local food pantries, community meals, mobile food resources and more: The Food Pantries Food Connect Map
- Find Your Regional Food Bank: Use the NYS Department of Health’s map to locate the food bank serving your county: Find Your Regional Food Bank
- Feeding New York State: County-by-County Food Pantry Locator. Search by county to find food pantries, soup kitchens, and emergency food programs: Feeding NYS Food Finder
- Hunger Solutions NY: Zip Code & County Search- Offers SNAP application help, WIC info, and food pantry locators: Find Food Help
- Call 2-1-1 or Visit 211 New York: Connects people to local food, housing, and health resources across all 12 NYS regions: 211 New York or dial 2-1-1
- Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP): Provides USDA food through regional food banks to local pantries: TEFAP in NYS
While a federal government shutdown can disrupt some services, many essential programs will continue to operate.
What You Need to Know
✅ WHAT REMAINS OPERATIONAL
Public Safety & Health Services
- Emergency medical care
- Inpatient hospital services
- Border security
- Power grid maintenance
Mail Delivery
- USPS will continue normal operations.
Government Benefits
- Social Security
- WIC
- Veterans Affairs (VA) Benefits
Note: Some services, such as application processing, may experience delays.
⚠️PROGRAM-SPECIFIC IMPACTS
Medicare
- Replacement card requests will not be processed.
- Part C and Part D replacement cards are available through private insurers.
- Payments for services will continue.
Medicaid
- Coverage and payments remain active.
- Application processing may be delayed.
OPWDD (Office for People With Developmental Disabilities)
- Services and payments for New Yorkers with developmental disabilities are unaffected.
- New applications will continue to be processed.
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program):
- OTDA has reported that applications are not yet being accepted. Please continue to check their website otda.ny.gov for the latest information.
Social Security Administration (SSA)
- SSI and Social Security payments will continue.
- Field offices remain open.
- Initial applications and benefit changes will be processed, though some services may be reduced.
State Supplement Program (SSP)
- Payments will continue.
- Changes and new applications processed through SSA will be paused.
Veterans Administration (VA)
- Payments and Tricare coverage remain unaffected.
- VA offices may operate with limited services.