Government Shutdown Food Resources   Government Shutdown All Resources
Government Shutdown Donation Information
 
On November 12, 2025, the United States Congress passed a bill that was signed into law that provides full funding for programs previously impacted by the government shutdown through September 30, 2026.
While the government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025 has now ended, we know that many of you continue to need help with accessing food, housing, and more. We’re here to help connect you with the resources you need.
We have updated the below FAQs. Please call 2-1-1 or visit our food assistance page if you need help with additional resources.

 

FAQ’s

How It Affects Me

What is a government shutdown? 

A government shutdown occurs when Congress fails to pass funding legislation for federal agencies. This results in a temporary halt of non-essential government operations. 

 

What is the status of my Social Security and SSI checks?

Recipients will continue to receive their Social Security and SSI checks. The Social Security Administration (SSA) has resumed normal operations.

 

What is the impact on housing?

With the government reopened, federal housing programs are back online and resuming normal operations.

 

What is the impact on food assistance?

CalFresh (aka SNAP, EBT, Food Stamps) Information:

  • What is the latest status of CalFresh/SNAP benefits?
    • On November 12, 2025, the United States Congress passed a bill that provides full funding for the SNAP program through September 30, 2026. EBT issuances for CalFresh have been successfully loaded onto your EBT cards.
  • New benefits were just added to my EBT card. Can I use them?
    • Yes – you can use these benefits like normal. These are your regular CalFresh benefits for November. 
  • I just applied for CalFresh. When will I get November benefits?
    • If you recently applied for CalFresh, your benefits may have been delayed. However, the federal shutdown is over. Therefore, if you are eligible to receive CalFresh, you should receive your benefits soon.
  • What if I am due to complete my SAR 7 or renew my CalFresh benefits in November and I haven’t sent in my completed forms yet?
    • Please continue to submit all required forms and your recertification as normal.
  • My application was submitted for processing. Do I need to re-apply?
    • No action is required from you at this time. 
  • Can I still apply for new CalFresh benefits?
    • Yes. You can apply for CalFresh benefits. You can call 2-1-1 to schedule an appointment for application assistance or you can apply online at www.benefitscal.com.
  • Where can I find additional food resources in my community?
    • Dial 2-1-1 to speak with a trained specialist, 24/7, who can connect you with local food pantries, meal programs, and other essential services. 2-1-1 is available in multiple languages.
  • How are CalFresh Benefits funded?
    • CalFresh benefits are 100 percent federally funded, and CalFresh administrative costs are split between the federal government and states.
  • Are county social services offices still open?
    • Yes. County social services office are still open.

 

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

  • On November 12, 2025, the United States Congress passed a bill that provides full funding for the WIC program through September 30, 2026.Families should continue to use their WIC benefits and attend their WIC appointments. WIC continues to serve families in California without any disruptions.

    For the latest information and guidance on WIC services, visit the MyFamily website​. 

 

FREE Student Breakfast and Lunch

  • What is the free school breakfast and lunch program?
    • Every public and charter school in California must offer one free breakfast and one free lunch to any student who asks for it. This is a rule from a California state law called the Universal Meals Program (also called “School Meals for All”). Meals must be consumed on campus and cannot be taken to go.
  • Who is eligible for free meals? 
    • ALL students—from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade—who attend a public school or charter school in California are eligible. Your income does not matter.
  • Do I need CalFresh benefits to get the free meals? 
    • NO. Free meals are available to every student in public schools, no matter the income your family earns, your CalFresh status, or what is happening with federal funding.
  • Can my child take their meal to go?
    • No. Meals must be consumed on campus and cannot be taken to go.
  • Does my child have to sign up or use a special code to eat for free? 
    • Your child just goes to the cafeteria or meal service line and asks for a meal. They do not need to show an ID, sign up, or pay for anything to eat.
      • Tip for Parents/Guardians/Caregivers: Even though no sign-up is needed, it helps the school prepare the correct number of meals if you let the school office or your child’s charter school know as soon as possible that your child will be eating free breakfast and/or lunch. 
  • Should I still fill out the meal application form?  
    • YES, absolutely! This is one of the most important actions you can take for your family and your school. 
    • Filling out the form helps because: 
      • It helps your family. If you qualify, your family will automatically get the SUN Bucks (Summer EBT) food card for summer break, and you may qualify for discounts on things like utility bills and Internet service.
      • It saves more funding for the school. The number of qualifying applications helps the district get the maximum money for classrooms, teachers, and other programs. 

 

How It Affects the Government

When did the shutdown occur?

On October 1, 2025, at 12:01 am, federal agencies no longer had the authority to execute many of their functions. On November 12, 2025, the United States Congress passed a bill that was signed into law that provides full funding for programs previously impacted by the government shutdown through September 30, 2026.

What entities will remain open?

  • All entities have reopened.

 

This FAQ was sourced through congressional representatives and the United Way Worldwide 10/1/2025 and through communication from the California Governor and California Department of Social Services (CDSS) received on November 13 and FAQs updated on November 14, 2025.