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Support for Families Impacted by the SNAP (CalFresh) Benefit Pause and Government Shutdown

Nov 4, 2025

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Support for Families Impacted by the SNAP (CalFresh) Benefit Pause and Government Shutdown (Updated November 2025)

Current Status of SNAP (CalFresh) Benefits

Overview

The federal government shutdown, which began October 1, 2025, has created funding disruptions across multiple programs, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), known in California as CalFresh.

Here’s what families and staff need to know right now:

What’s Confirmed

  • October 2025 benefits have already been issued for all active participants.
  • EBT cards remain active and usable for any remaining balances.
  • Applications and renewals are still being processed by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), though payments may be delayed.

What’s Uncertain

  • The USDA (the federal agency funding SNAP) has indicated that November 2025 benefits may be delayed or partially funded if the shutdown continues.
  • Several states—including Michigan and Florida—were instructed to pause November issuances until further funding directives are provided.
  • Two federal court rulings have required the USDA to use contingency funds to continue payments; however, the USDA stated it cannot guarantee full funding for November, meaning partial or delayed payments are still possible.
  • Whether missed benefits will be retroactively paid is not yet confirmed but is expected once the shutdown ends.

Family Guidance

  • Use any remaining October EBT funds now while balances are available.
  • Do not reapply for benefits; keep your current application or renewal active.  Comply with all reporting requirements by DPSS to keep your application or renewal active.
  • Expect potential delays in November benefits and prepare alternative food sources now.
  • Check regularly with DPSS or CalFresh offices for updates:
  • Follow local updates through 211 LA County, which posts emergency benefit alerts.

Emergency food resources

Los Angeles Regional Food Bank

211 LA County Food Finder

World Harvest Food Bank

  • 3100 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90019
  • Mon–Sat 8 AM–6 PM
  • Suggested $50 donation/month (waived for hardship).
  • (213) 746-2227

St. Francis Center LA

  • Hot meals & grocery distributions Tue–Sat.
  • 1835 S. Hope St, Los Angeles CA 90015
  • (213) 747-5347

Hot Meals & Senior Support

City of Los Angeles Department of Aging

  • Free home-delivered or grab-and-go meals for older adults.
  • (213) 482-7252 |  aging.lacity.org

LAUSD Café LA

Financial Assistance & Benefits

DPSS General Relief (GR) & CalWORKs

Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

211 LA County Financial Aid

  • Connects to rental, utility, and emergency bill assistance.
  • Dial 211

Housing & Utility Relief

Los Angeles Housing Department (LAHD)

Southern California Edison & SoCalGas

Child Care, Education & Family Support

Child Care Alliance of Los Angeles

  • Child care referrals & subsidies for eligible families.
  •  (888) 922-4453 |  www.ccala.net

Wellness & Mental Health

LA County Department of Mental Health

  • 24/7 crisis counseling & referrals.
  •  (800) 854-7771

Black Emotional & Mental Health (BEAM)

Headspace (Free for LA County Residents)

Key Hotlines

Need Organization Contact
General Support 211 LA County Dial 211 / 211la.org
CalFresh / SNAP Info DPSS (866) 613-3777
Rent Assistance StayHoused LA stayhousedla.org
Mental Health Support LA County DMH (800) 854-7771
Child Care Assistance Child Care Alliance of LA (888) 922-4453

For more information and updates, please see the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) from Department of Social Services (DSS).

 

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