f the federal government shutdown extends into November, millions of Floridians could lose access to food assistance benefits that month, officials said Wednesday.
The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF), which oversees the state’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), said nearly 3 million residents rely on the federally funded program for help buying groceries.
“If the federal government shutdown continues into November, SNAP benefits for November will not be issued until the federal funding is restored,” the agency said in a statement. “The Department is monitoring the federal government shutdown closely and is committed to resuming benefits as quickly as possible once funding is restored.”
DCF said SNAP recipients may still receive notices about their eligibility amounts for November, but no payments will be issued until federal funding resumes.
Benefits for October are not affected, and the department said it will continue processing all applications and renewals already received. Officials also advised recipients not to reapply, noting that doing so could delay processing times.
Current benefits already loaded on Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards remain usable, and balances can be checked anytime at ebtEDGE.com.
SNAP, a key component of the nation’s social safety net, provides monthly assistance to about one in eight Americans. Participants receive benefits on prepaid cards that can be used to purchase groceries.
While programs such as Social Security and Medicaid are expected to continue during the shutdown, SNAP funding is more vulnerable because of its budget structure.
In the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 2024, SNAP cost more than $100 billion, covering half of the states’ administrative costs. The program provided an average of $187 per month to 41.7 million people nationwide.
