Important Updates and Resources Under the Federal Government Shutdown
October 21, 2025
We realize concerns are mounting around when the government will reopen and how the continued closure will affect Washingtonians.
The Washington State Office of Financial Management is tracking impacts of the shutdown on state agencies and their programs at this link: Federal Shutdown Impacts.
Below is a list of some of the most pressing developments and available resources.
Basic Food (SNAP) Benefits for November at Risk
If the federal government shutdown continues beyond October 31, 2025 and funding is not restored, the WA Department of Health and Human Services (DSHS) will not be able to issue November Basic Food benefits.
Here are some tips to support enrolled Washingtonians navigate this incredibly difficult potential development:
- Find Support
- Food Banks
- Check local food pantries, churches, and community organizations that may be hosting food drives.
- Begin Planning
- Start meal planning now and take inventory of the foods you currently have.
- With remaining October food benefits, prioritize shelf-stable, bulk, and low-cost items.
- Please note that any unused benefits will roll over and only expire after 274 days of EBT card inactivity.
- Additional SNAP Programs
- If you have a remaining balance on your EBT card, you can participate in the following SNAP programs to receive additional benefits for fresh fruits & vegetables.
- If you have any unused benefits from these programs, you can still redeem them during the month of November.
UPDATE: WIC benefits may be available through mid-to-late November
OLYMPIA – The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) has received additional funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), allowing the state to continue providing food benefits and supporting its currently reduced 11-member administrative team for the state’s Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Nutrition Program through mid-to-late November. This estimate is based on current WIC redemption rates. If redemption rates increase, available funding may run out sooner.
DOH continues to closely monitor the situation and will provide updates as they become available on our Federal Government Shutdown webpage.
The DOH website is your source for a healthy dose of information. Get updates by following DOH on social media.
Resources for Women’s Health, Safety, & Well-Being
The Washington State Women’s Commission Resource Center is live. There, you will find hundreds of government-funded resources, including childcare, housing, legal aid, and job training. The Center is accessible and translates to any language you choose. Explore the Resource Center and find support.
Currently, we are preparing for Phase 2 of the Resource Center which will pull in community-based resources. Help us with this effort and Share a Community Resource.
Are you or members of your community being directly impacted by the shutdown? Reach out to us and share your story: Contact
ABOUT THE WASHINGTON STATE WOMEN’S COMMISSION:
The Washington State Women’s Commission (WSWC) is an executive branch cabinet agency in the Office of Governor Bob Ferguson serving as a voice in government for Washington women and girls. Signed into law in 2018, WSWC aims to improve the well-being of women by identifying and developing policies to remove systemic barriers and address critical issues that disproportionately impact women.