Federal Government Shutdown and SNAP Benefits

A federal government shutdown will not immediately impact SNAP benefits in New York State. SNAP
households will continue to receive SNAP benefits as normal through the end of October 2025.
Please read below for more information.

How will the federal government shutdown affect my SNAP benefits?
The federal government shutdown will have no impact on September or October 2025 SNAP
benefits. SNAP recipients will continue to receive their regular, ongoing benefits on a normal
schedule through the end of October 2025.

Can I still apply for SNAP during the shutdown if I don’t already receive SNAP
benefits?
Yes. New York State Local Departments of Social Services are open. You may still apply at your local
office, or online at mybenefits.ny.gov.

If you live in New York City (NYC), you can apply online at ACCESS HRA or in-person at an Human
Resources Administration (HRA) SNAP center.

Are there any restrictions on using SNAP benefits during the shutdown?
No. Your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card will continue to work normally, and you can use your
benefits at any participating retailer or farmers market. SNAP benefits are available on your EBT card
for 274 days from the date they are issued. You can check your SNAP benefit balance by visiting
ebtEDGE.com or by calling 1-888-328-6399.

Do I have to continue to meet all SNAP requirements during the shutdown?
Yes. You are still required to recertify, complete periodic reports, report changes and respond to
requests from your local department of social services or NYC HRA as usual.

What if I am due to recertify for SNAP and haven’t sent in my completed recertification
yet?
You must do so as soon as possible. SNAP recertification applications can be:
• submitted online at www.mybenefits.ny.gov or in NYC at ACCESS HRA,
• dropped off (in-person),
• mailed,
• or faxed to your local department of social services or SNAP center.

What will happen to November 2025 SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues past
October?
OTDA has not yet received information from the federal government about November SNAP benefits
but will provide updates at otda.ny.gov as more information becomes available.

Does the federal government shutdown affect Summer EBT benefits?
No. Families continue to have 122 days to use benefits from the date they are issued. For more
information visit: Summer EBT.

Source: otda.ny.gov

9/26/2025