Federal Government Shutdown: Information for Our Neighbors

Answers to Common Questions about Food Assistance and Other Benefits

The federal government has been shut down since October 1 and will remain so until Congress passes appropriations legislation for the next fiscal year, or temporarily extends current funding. A government shutdown impacts federal programs, federal employees and people who work for federal contractors in different ways and at varying times. Federal employees may be furloughed or asked to work without pay, federal contractors may miss paychecks, and benefits programs may see disruptions due to a lack of funding or staffing.

We have compiled some information and resources that may be helpful during this shutdown. As always, we encourage those in need of food to please visit the Maryland Food Bank’s Find Food search tool to locate a food pantry in your area.

Maryland Food Bank Assistance for Federal Employees and Contractors

• Federal employees and people who work for federal contractors may receive charitable assistance from nonprofits for needs that arise during the shutdown and beyond. Although there are rules that prohibit federal employees from accepting gifts from the public while completing official duties related to their federal employment, federal employees and people who work for federal contractors are allowed to receive charitable assistance from nonprofits and other organizations that aid community members.
• Federal employees will eventually receive back pay after a shutdown ends, but people who work for federal contractors may not.
• Our network of community partner organizations will be able to provide nutritious food at no cost to federal employees, people who work for federal contractors, and other individuals impacted by the shutdown.
• Some federal employees and people who work for federal contractors can receive SNAP benefits, if they meet all eligibility criteria. However, due to the government shutdown, SNAP benefits are not currently scheduled for distribution in November and may remain paused until the shutdown ends. We still encourage eligible federal employees and contractors in need to apply, as SNAP funding could be restored independently of the shutdown’s resolution. If you need assistance applying for benefits, contact the Maryland Food Bank SNAP Team at 1-888-808-7327 or snapteam@mdfoodbank.org.

State Assistance for Federal Employees and Contractors

• Furloughed federal employees may apply for Unemployment Insurance through the Maryland Department of Labor. The link to start that process is here. However, once the shutdown is over and when these employees receive retroactive pay, they will be required to pay back the UI funds.
• Furloughed employees of federal contractors—who are not working and are not being paid—may be eligible for state unemployment insurance benefits.
• Federal employees who are essential workers, meaning they are required to continue working but will not be paid, may be eligible for Maryland’s no-interest loan program, which will provide funds until the government reopens. The loans would need to be repaid 45 days after the shutdown ends. Loan program information and the application is now available at mdol.submittable.com/submit. For support, applicants can email MDshutdownloan@submittable.com or call (410) 849-6424 (9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Monday – Friday).
• Involuntarily furloughed federal government employees have protections under law against foreclosure, eviction, and utility shut offs. Get more information

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)

• The government shutdown did not impact October SNAP benefits. October SNAP benefits were available in full and on their normal monthly issuance schedule.
• SNAP benefits issued prior to November 1st can still be used to purchase food in November.
• The USDA, which administers federal SNAP benefits, has stated that partial benefits will be available for current recipients in November. In addition, Maryland governor Wes Moore announced the release of state funds to guarantee full SNAP benefits for Maryland residents in November, alongside federal funding.
• This combination of federal and state funds for SNAP recipients is unprecedented. Unfortunately, this situation leads to uncertainties at this time around the amount and timing of funds for neighbors. If the USDA is able to keep to its announced schedule, neighbors may receive benefits as early as November 10. We will provide further updates as soon as they are available.
• The Maryland Department of Human Services remains open and operating normally. Therefore, you can still apply for SNAP, complete a redetermination, or submit a change of information form. We do not expect changes to the application process through November.
• If you need assistance applying for benefits, contact the Maryland Food Bank SNAP Team at 1-888-808-7327 or snapteam@mdfoodbank.org. Our knowledgeable application assisters will review your eligibility and assist you in completing the application process.

Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)

• WIC benefits and services should be available in full and on time through November. WIC offices remain open and are still accepting applications.
• Contact your local WIC office for more information on how benefits will be impacted.

Additional Information

• The Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP), or senior food box program, should not see any disruption for existing distributions through November.
• Children will still be able to receive school meals. Child nutrition programs are expected to operate as normal through at least November. This includes school breakfast and lunch, and afterschool meals through the Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP).

Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) FAQs

With the ongoing federal government shutdown, many Marylanders may be wondering what this means for essential programs like the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and for food assistance across our state. While some services continue, others may be disrupted depending on the length of the shutdown. The Maryland Food Bank remains committed to supporting our neighbors during this uncertain time, and we know many individuals and families may have questions—some seeking food assistance for the very first time. To help, we’ve compiled answers to some of the most common questions we anticipate from our community.