SNAP Benefits at Risk if Federal Shutdown Continues
360,000 residents who rely on federal SNAP benefits to help pay for groceries should plan for no new benefits beginning November 1 if the federal government shutdown continues.
According to the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) (as of 10/27/25):
- Any SNAP benefits already on EBT cards can still be used after November 1.
- No new benefits will be added until the federal government reopens, so households will not receive their regular November allocation.
- DSS is still accepting and processing SNAP applications; approved October benefits will be loaded once the shutdown ends.
For the latest information about SNAP benefits and changes, please see DSS social media and website.
For additional support and food assistance during this period, please consult the following resources:
- Statewide: 211 and Resources for Connecticut Residents Affected by the Government Shutdown
- Norwalk: Norwalk Food Guide
- Stamford and Greater Danbury: Stamford Food Guide and Danbury Food Guide
- Bridgeport: HIA Bridgeport Food Resource Guide
- Stratford: Stratford EATS!
This disruption comes on top of federal changes under H.R. 1, effective November 1, including expanded work requirements, reduced eligibility for certain non-citizens, removal of the “Heat & Eat” provision, and cuts to SNAP-Ed nutrition education. These changes threaten to worsen food insecurity and strain local economies, hitting hardest those already struggling to make ends meet.
UPCOMING EVENTS
CT Mirror Livestream: Q&A on the Government Shutdown with Rep. Jahana Hayes
October 29th, 7:00 pm
Tune in as U.S. Rep. Jahana Hayes sits down with CT Mirror’s Lisa Hagen to discuss the federal government shutdown — what’s driving it, how it’s affecting Connecticut residents, and what might come next as lawmakers work toward a resolution. 📝 Register here.
Have a question for Rep. Hayes about the shutdown? Send it in advance to events@ctmirror.org — she’ll be answering audience questions live during the event.
Data for Democracy Convening: Bridging Data Gaps & Building Community Connections
October 30th, 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, Norwalk Public Library, 1 Belden Ave.
Nonprofits face rising costs and unpredictable data sources—join Norwalk ACTS and CTData for an in-person event to explore solutions. Hear from national and local experts, share ideas in small-group discussions, and network with peers to strengthen your community’s use of reliable data. 📝 Register Today.
Danbury Collective Fall Community Convening
November 6th, 5:30-7:30 pm, 80 West Street, Danbury
All parents, youth, community members, and organizations are welcome! Hear from the CT Treasurer’s Office about the Baby Bonds Program, learn about our shared work, and connect with others committed to improving outcomes for Danbury’s children. Dinner, childcare, and translation provided. 📝 Register today by clicking this link!
The Constitution and Democracy Today
November 6th, 7:00 pm (doors at 6:30), The Klein Theater, 910 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport
Join Senator Richard Blumenthal, State Senator Sujata Gadkar-Wilcox, Dan Barrett (ACLU of CT), Paul Skaff (CT Democracy Center), and moderator Bobbi Brown (NAACP Greater Bridgeport) for a conversation on the Constitution and democracy today, hosted by the League of Women Voters of the Bridgeport Area. 📝 Register today to secure your seat.
RESOURCES
Read 📰
- Facing loss of SNAP, CT increases funding for Foodshare
- Food Assistance and Local Economies at Risk: Projected Federal SNAP Cuts by Connecticut Town and District → new report from DataHaven
- Early voting is now underway in Connecticut for the 2025 municipal elections. Polling places are open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with extended hours 8 a.m.–8 p.m. on Tuesday, October 28, and Thursday, October 30. Find your early voting location here.
- New Medicaid and SNAP rules may worsen CT social services agency call delays, advocates warn
- CT officials ask: Could tax cuts and credits counter federal aid loss?
Watch ▶️
- It's the last week for early voting in CT
- Federal Government Shutdown & H.R.1 SNAP Update with CT United Ways and DSS
Listen🎧
- Episode 2 of Rooted in Impact, a United Way Coastal and Western Connecticut Podcast.
Have questions? Visit www.unitedwaycwc.org/advocate or contact Tida Infahsaeng at tida.infahsaeng@unitedwaycwc.org.