Live Shutdown Data Dashboard
211 is tracking the needs of those contacting us during the federal government shutdown. This data is updated every evening for a live snapshot of what our communities are experiencing.
Federal Shutdown Update
As of 11/12/25, a federal spending bill has been signed into law. This means the federal government shutdown is over, but there could still be delays for programs reliant on federal dollars and for paychecks to go to federal workers.
Resources for those Impacted by SNAP Funding Freeze
Full November SNAP payments in Pennsylvania resumed on Friday, November 7. Recipients who missed an expected payment in the first 6 days of the month should have their benefits loaded on their EBT cards by Saturday morning. The rest of November SNAP payments will continue on schedule, unless the federal courts grant the Trump administration’s appeal to stop the flow of SNAP payments. SNAP recipients should also remember changes mandated by the federal government that will take effect November 1 and report their work, schooling, or volunteer participation to DHS.
SNAP Guidance from FeedingPA
FeedingPA has issued a statement on the SNAP Payment Halt. Here’s what you need to know if you receive SNAP benefits:
- After a court ruling on Thursday, November 6 that stated the Trump administration must release the full amount of November SNAP benefits to the states, PA DHS began preparing to issue full November SNAP payments.
- Full November SNAP payments in Pennsylvania resumed on Friday, November 7. Recipients who missed an expected payment in the first 6 days of the month should have their benefits loaded on their EBT cards by Saturday morning.
- The rest of November SNAP payments will continue on schedule, unless the federal courts grant the Trump administration’s appeal to stop the flow of SNAP payments.
- We do not know if benefits will be issued in December if the federal government is still shutdown by December 1.
- You are still responsible for completing renewals and reporting any changes to your income, contact information, or the people living in your home during the shutdown.
- SNAP recipients should also remember changes mandated by the federal government that will take effect November 1 and report their work, schooling, or volunteer participation to DHS. More information about these changes is available at www.dhs.pa.gov/work.
- DHS will continue to process applications for SNAP and other benefits during the shutdown.
How to Tell PA 211 About Your Resource
Community Based Organizations are mobilizing to respond to the crisis and ensure people have access to food during the interim. At PA 211, we want to thank all of our partners for their continuing dedication to serving their communities during this difficult time.
- If you are an existing 211 partner operating a food bank, food pantry, or meal service and need to report your capacity has changed, you can access our database to search for your agency and follow the instructions to submit a request to revise your listing.
- If you are a new 211 partner, you can visit our Agency Partners page to request your agency be added to the database.
- If you are setting up a short-term, “pop-up” program that is intended to help your community through the crisis, please complete this form to add your short-term program, which will be listed publicly on our Federal Shut Down Resources Page.
Urge Lawmakers to Protect SNAP and Reopen the Government
Pennsylvania’s charitable food network is facing an unprecedented challenge. Four months into the state budget impasse, food banks and pantries across the Commonwealth are operating without essential funding from the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) and the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS). These programs are critical to our charitable food network, providing fresh, locally grown produce, dairy, and protein to families in need while supporting Pennsylvania’s farmers. At the same time, the ongoing federal government shutdown has put the distribution of November SNAP payments in jeopardy, which will drive even more families to food banks already operating with fewer resources. Your voice can help let legislators know they need to take action to protect these critical programs for our communities.
Starting on September 1, 2025, the federal government’s rules on how long certain people can receive SNAP benefits are changing. Certain SNAP recipients will be subject to SNAP work requirements and time limits.
Under these new federal rules, to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits certain people will have to meet SNAP work requirements that include working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) AND report that you are meeting these work requirements.
These rules apply to you if you:
- Are considered physically and mentally able to work
- Are between 18-54 years old; and,
- Do not have a dependent child under 18;
In addition, starting on November 1, 2025, even more people will be subject to SNAP work requirements and time limits.
Under these new federal rules, to keep or become eligible for SNAP benefits certain people will have to meet SNAP work requirements that include working, volunteering, or participating in an education or training program for at least 20 hours a week (or 80 hours each month) AND report that they are meeting these work requirements.
The expanded work requirements will apply to you if you:
- Are between 18-64 years old;
- Do not have a dependent child under 14 years old; and
- Are considered physically and mentally able to work
In addition, being a veteran or a current or former foster youth age 18-24 will no longer be an exemption.
LIHEAP Impacted by Federal Shutdown
Due to the federal government shutdown, LIHEAP funding has not been released for the 2025-2026 season. Pennsylvania has delayed the opening of the LIHEAP season until December 3, 2025, contingent on funds being available. If the shutdown continues, the season open date could be delayed further. LIHEAP Cash and Crisis applications will not be available until the season opens. LIHEAP preseason cash payments and notices will also continue to be held, but LIHEAP preseason applications are still being accepted. A moratorium on shutoffs for LIHEAP eligible customers went into effect on November 1st.
Effective November 1, Pennie will be quoting insurance premiums without the Enhanced Premium Tax Credit which is set to expire at the end of the year. The premium increases will be major – and many ALICE households who purchase insurance on the state exchange will likely decide that they can no longer afford to carry insurance.
