Beginning in November, several federal programs including SNAP will lose funding due to the government shutdown.
For the first time, a government shutdown will delay the release of SNAP benefits. Currently 1 in 6 Massachusetts residents with extremely low incomes use SNAP to buy groceries, nearly 70% of which are below the federal poverty level. If the program shuts down, DTA won’t be able to issue SNAP for applications that were approved and/or filed November 1 or after, nor will it be able to process new applications. Benefits and applications will be reinstated/ approved retroactively; however, delayed payment will not make up for the human and economic harm that will have occurred during the delay.
So far, other food assistance programs haven’t faced funding delays. The USDA used transfers to keep WIC running and confirmed that existing food bank orders for the year will be filled, though no new orders can be placed — potentially causing disruptions if the shutdown continues into 2026. Massachusetts HIP benefits will also continue, but only for residents with an existing EBT balance.
Other child nutrition programs, including school lunch and afterschool meal programs, received funding for October and may be able to stretch those funds into November. However, this is not guaranteed, and programs such as Head Start, HEAP, and public-school meal programs are likely to lose funding after November 1.
To reinstate SNAP benefits, Congress would need to resolve the shutdown, or the USDA would need to allocate its current funds to the program. USDA has what is called a SNAP “contingency fund” totaling approximately $5 to 6 billion. Monthly SNAP issuances nationwide are approximately $8 billion. While the contingency fund would not fully cover benefits for the month, it would allow a percentage of them to be given to residents. If the USDA fails to act, Governor Healey and the Massachusetts legislature could fill the gap with state funds from its own contingency accounts. Other states have committed to addressing the SNAP delay with state funds, including Virginia, Louisiana, and Hawaii. Vermont’s legislature is also moving quickly towards state SNAP.
Also starting November 1, the work requirements imposed by Bill H.R.1 (One Big Beautiful Bill) will go into effect across the country, including the upper age limit from 54 to 64. Adults between the ages of 55 and 64 who were previously exempt must now also meet the work requirements set by the bill. These requirements include that residents must work a minimum of 80 hours per month or be enrolled in an employment and training program including college courses, technical certifications or skills development programs that amount to 80 hours per month.
Mandatory programs like Social Security, Medicare, and VA medical care will continue, though related services may be disrupted.
The Council’s national partner, the National Council of Nonprofits, has issued an overview of potential harms on nonprofits, a guide for nonprofits on next steps and a press statement addressing the shutdown’s impact.
Nonprofits can take action in three ways:
- Use NCN’s storytelling tool to share real examples of how the government shutdown is harming nonprofits and their communities. Sharing these stories is one of the most effective ways to make your voice heard.
- Use NCN’s email template to send a message directly to your Senators and Representatives, urging them to work across the aisle to reopen the government.
The Providers’ Council will continue to update you as we receive more information. If you believe your organization will be impacted, please share with Caroline O’Neill at coneill@providers.org.
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