SNAP and the Federal Shutdown – DSS Program Update

Dear Community Partners,

We are writing to share important updated information from our federal SNAP partner regarding SNAP benefits during the ongoing federal government shutdown.

What We Now Know:

• If you have a balance from previous months, you will still be able to use it after November 1. Carryover benefits already on EBT cards remain accessible.
• No new benefits will be added to cards until the shutdown ends. This means that starting November 1, households will not receive their regular monthly SNAP allocation.
• DSS is still accepting and processing SNAP applications. If someone is approved for benefits for October, those benefits will appear on their card when the federal government reopens.

What This Means for Your Clients:

Many of the families you serve will be impacted by this disruption. Those who rely on monthly SNAP benefits to feed their families will face significant hardship beginning November 1. We anticipate increased demand at food pantries and meal programs across the state.

State Response:

• This $3 million in emergency funding will help Connecticut Foodshare expand its capacity to meet urgent needs.
• We are working closely with Connecticut Foodshare and partners across the state to ensure no one falls through the cracks.
• DSS will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate our response with food security partners statewide.

How to Check SNAP Balances:

Please share this information with your clients:

• Call 1-888-328-2666
• Use MyDSS online

We will send more information as we receive it.

Thank you for the critical work you do every day to serve our communities. Your partnership is more important than ever.

For the latest updates, visit www.ct.gov/dss or follow DSS on Facebook and Twitter.

Thank you,

Connecticut Department of Social Services