we're here to help
The government shutdown has ended and while SNAP benefits will be paid out this month, recovery will still take time. As agencies work through processing, but we will continue to help fill the gap for as long as your family needs.
what this means for you
With the government reopening, SNAP benefits will be paid out this month. We know it will take agencies some time to process payments, so there could be some delay in the benefits hitting your account. Please check back for more information or visit the DCF website.
Your SNAP benefits currently on your EBT card are available for use, and you can check your EBT card balance anytime by visiting ebtEDGE.com.
If you have already submitted an application or renewal, there is no need to reapply – doing so will slow down the processing of your benefits.
emergency response distributions
Our distributions below are set up to bring fresh groceries to the masses affected by government shutdown. Filter by your county to see the distribution nearest you or download our full emergency distribution schedule below.
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additional resources
Find additional assistance and food support below.
resource hotline
Call our dedicated helpline for assistance navigating food and resources.
(813) 710 – 9003
Monday – Friday | 9am – 5pm
find groceries
See all mobile grocery distributions and food pantries across our 10 county region.
find hot meals
Enjoy a free, chef-prepared meal at one of our Trinity Cafe restaurants.
FAQs
Why might SNAP benefits be affected by a federal government shutdown?
The SNAP program is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), a federal agency. If a federal government shutdown continues, the funding for SNAP benefits is affected, meaning benefits cannot be issued until federal funding is restored.
If a shutdown occurs, will I receive my October 2025 SNAP benefits?
Yes. October 2025 SNAP benefits are expected to be issued as scheduled for eligible Floridians, with no anticipated impacts to that month’s benefits.
If a shutdown continues into the following month, when will SNAP benefits be issued?
SNAP benefits for the affected month (e.g., November) will not be issued until federal funding is restored. The DCF monitors the situation and will notify recipients when they can resume issuing benefits.
Can I still use the existing balance of benefits already on my EBT card?
Yes. Your existing SNAP benefits that are currently on your Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) card are still available for use. You can check your balance anytime by visiting ebtEDGE.com.
If I received an approval notice for benefits during the shutdown, will I receive the deposit?
The DCF continues to process applications and renewals, so you may receive notices about your eligibility, but the actual benefits will not be deposited to your EBT card until federal funding is made available.
If I have a pending application or renewal, should I resubmit it?
No, do not resubmit an application or renewal. The Department will continue to process all pending applications and renewals normally. Resubmitting may actually slow down the processing of your benefits.
Will I have to reapply for SNAP when the government shutdown ends?
No. Since the Department continues to process applications and renewals during the shutdown, you will not have to reapply once the funding resumes.
Is there any change to my renewal requirements during a shutdown?
No. All SNAP renewal requirements are still in effect. You must complete your renewal by the due date even if a shutdown is in place.
Will other public assistance programs like Medicaid and Temporary Cash Assistance (TCA) also be impacted by the federal shutdown?
No. Florida’s Medicaid and Temporary Cash Assistance programs are generally not impacted by the federal government shutdown at this time.