Critical Benefits For 360K CT Residents Could Soon Be Halted Due To Government Shutdown

State officials say that because of the ongoing federal government shutdown, Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits will not be paid in November.

"The Department of Social Services has received notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Services that if the federal government shutdown continues into November, there will not be enough funds to pay November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance (SNAP) benefits," the Connecticut Department of Social Services has posted on its website.

Officials say they will continue to add information to the site as the federal guidance changes or program operations are affected., and are urging SNAP recipients to use up their balance before Oct. 31.

SNAP, formerly called food stamps, helps Connecticut residents buy groceries with an EBT Card. Those needing assistance with paying for food can apply. About 360,000 Connecticut residents receive SNAP benefits.

Those receiving SNAP benefits remain responsible for completing renewals and reporting any changes to income, contact information or people living in a recipient's home during the shutdown.

Additionally, SNAP recipients should be aware of changes mandated by the federal government that will soon take effect and report their work, schooling, or volunteer participation to Social Services.

The government shut down because Congress failed to pass funding legislation before the Sept. 30 deadline. This was due to a partisan stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over the budget, with Democrats refusing to vote for a temporary spending bill without additional provisions, such as extending subsidies for Affordable Care Act premiums. The shutdown has already resulted in the furlough of roughly 900,000 federal employees and left another 2 million working without pay.