On October 10, the USDA notified states that there are not enough funds to cover benefits for November and ordered them to not issue any benefits for November until the shutdown is resolved. Pennsylvania DHS (the entity responsible for administering SNAP in PA) alerted SNAP recipients about this on October 17th by
updating their website and posting signs at their offices, and additional notifications will go out by mail soon.
Here’s what we know right now:
- Monthly SNAP benefits have already been paid for October. The earliest impact to most SNAP recipients would be November 3. However, payments are now paused in PA, including for new applications (which includes “expedited SNAP” for emergency needs).
- People must still complete applications and eligibility paperwork. People can and should continue to apply for benefits while payments are paused so they can receive benefits when payments resume. Additionally, the federal shutdown does not change the requirements for SNAP recipients to respond to eligibility or renewal requests from the State. This includes the additional documentation that SNAP recipients are required to submit following recent federal changes.
if November benefits are delayed, families will still receive the benefits they are entitled to when funds are released, including that late-October SNAP applicants will receive pro-rated benefits (like they typically would) when the federal government shut down ends and payments become available.
If you have any questions, please contact the Turtle Creek Senior Center At 412-824-6880
