FEDERAL SHUTDOWN IMPACT: WHAT CALFRESH FAMILIES NEED TO KNOW
Because of the federal government shutdown, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has directed states to pause submission of November SNAP/CalFresh benefit files. That means counties may not be able to load new CalFresh funds onto EBT cards for November until federal funding is restored or the USDA issues new direction.
State officials in California say the State currently expects to be able to fund CalWORKs (cash aid) for November 2025, but CalFresh (SNAP) allotments are likely to be delayed if the shutdown continues. For the very latest official state guidance, see the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
United Way of San Joaquin County is here to help neighbors who are struggling. If you or someone you know needs immediate help, please contact these San Joaquin County Emergency Food Services or visit the California Association of Food Banks to locate nearby food assistance.
WHO MAY BE AFFECTED
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Households that normally receive monthly CalFresh (SNAP) benefits may see delays in receiving November allotments.
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CalWORKs recipients: the State currently expects to fund November benefits but continued shutdown could put future months at risk.
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Newly approved CalFresh applicants (or those with recent changes) may be particularly affected if issuance files are paused
WHAT YOU CAN DO
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You can still use existing CalFresh benefits that are already on your EBT card. Continue to use those benefits at authorized retailers.
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If you need food now, find a local food bank or emergency food program at California Association of Food Banks.
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Keep your paperwork current. Continue to submit any required verifications to the San Joaquin County Human Services Agency, such as SAR7 reports, or renewals on time so benefits can resume immediately when funding is restored.
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Check official sources for updates — California’s CDSS and BenefitsCal pages provide state guidance; federal announcements will come from USDA/FNS and HHS. Be cautious of partisan commentary; rely on official agency notices for benefit status.
FAQ
No. Cases are not being closed because of the shutdown; the issue is a delay in issuing new benefit allotments. Continue to meet reporting and renewal requirements.
State guidance currently indicates CalWORKs is expected to be funded for November 2025; Medi-Cal is prefunded through the end of the year in most notices. Continued shutdown could change that — check CDSS and BenefitsCal for updates.
Watch USDA Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) and US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) official announcements for federal status. (News reporting shows USDA guidance paused November benefit allotments; state agencies are posting local impacts and next steps.)
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS & UPDATES
This situation is changing quickly. We are monitoring federal and state announcements and posting verified updates on our site and social channels as they become available. For county-specific details about issuance timing and local programs, check San Joaquin County HSA (counties are posting localized guidance and emergency resources).