Shutdown Pauses SNAP, Freezes Heating Aid

The partial federal government shutdown that began Oct. 1 has frozen annual funding for critical assistance programs, delaying SNAP, WIC and LIHEAP disbursements and applications as colder weather and high energy prices arrive. Specific impacts include Maine suspending its Energy Crisis Intervention Program and being unable to distribute roughly $38 million that typically aids about 7,000 households with up to $500 each, Minnesota placing federal LIHEAP funding on hold (delaying heating payments for more than 75,000 applicants though applications are still processed), and San Diego County warning roughly 400,000 residents could see November SNAP benefits delayed. Florida officials say about 2.9 million state recipients are at risk of missed November payments, and Missouri confirmed SNAP will be paused for November—leaving about 650,000 Missourians without SNAP while WIC remains active—pushing demand toward food banks. State and national energy officials, several utilities and some members of Congress have urged or committed to suspend shutoffs and late fees for eligible customers, but many protections exclude delivered fuels like propane and fuel oil, leaving rural delivered‑fuel households especially vulnerable. The shutdown has also limited USDA Farm Service Agency services—disrupting loans, insurance and enrollments—and halted NIH grant review meetings affecting research funding; a coalition of 25 states has sued to reverse SNAP suspensions amid political blame over the failure to pass a short-term funding measure, and officials warn vulnerable households could be forced to choose between food, medicine and heat until funding is restored.