Updates and Resources for Kansans During the Federal Government Shutdown

Federal Government Shutdown Impact on SNAP

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has informed all states that because of the federal government shut down, November SNAP benefits are at risk. 

Due to the federal government shutdown, there may be delays in the issuance of November SNAP benefits, as they are 100 percent federally funded. If no federal action is taken by October 28, 2025, November SNAP benefits will not be disbursed until the federal government reaches a resolution. 

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) continues monitoring developments with the federal government shutdown. 

In an effort to provide timely updates for all Kansans, we have created a web page where relevant information will be placed as we receive guidance from federal partners or there are impacts to programs.  

Anyone who would like to view the latest updates can do so conveniently by clicking the announcement at the top of the website at dcf.ks.gov. The most recent updates and news release impacting SNAP benefits can be found here. Kansans are also encouraged to follow DCF on social media. 

For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. The United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org, and 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks.com, also connects Kansans to resources in their communities.   

The loss of federal funding places additional stress on Kansas food banks, pantries, and meals programs, which are already strained to meet the needs of those who utilize them. Kansans wishing to help their local food resources can find those locations on the Kansas Food Source website, kansasfoodsource.org . 

Through our Pre-Employment Transition Services and Vocational Rehabilitation programs, our staff assists individuals in overcoming barriers and helps them achieve their employment goals. Read more about these life-changing programs in the spotlights below. 

When Jack first started working with Teray Leak, Pre-ETS and DCF specialist, he was shy and hesitant, but since then has faced his auditory disorder and anxiety through the Pre-ETS Paid Work-Based Learning (PWBLE) Program. 

Working with the program allowed Jack, the “dog whisperer,” to work at Dogtopia, taking care of, washing and walking dogs. After completing the PWBLE program, he was asked to be a part-time employee while continuing his education at Johnson County Community College. 

Mayra recently successfully transitioned out of the Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) program after four years!  

Mayra initially requested VR’s help with hearing aids to support her with her clerical job. After some discussion, Mayra shared that her true passion was becoming a nail tech, which is when she discovered more opportunities were available to her through the VR program. 

Mayra was able to attend the Hays Academy of Hair Design nail technician program with financial support from DCF to cover tuition, books, supplies, fees and mileage. She also had opportunities to grow her skills through additional workshops. 

We are proud of both Jack and Mayra for embracing the Pre-ETS and VR programs to help them achieve their goals!  

Are you interested in offering employment opportunities to individuals with disabilities?  

Kansas ABLE Savings Plans, Financial Literacy Education Helps Put Foster Youth on Path for Success 

Earlier this month, DCF Secretary Laura Howard joined the Kansas Council on Developmental Disabilities, the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office and Kansas Council for Economic Education to announce the recent launch of a new statewide campaign designed to expand access to ABLE savings accounts and financial literacy education to youth with disabilities in foster care. 

ABLE savings accounts help Kansans with disabilities save money for their futures while preserving the federal benefits they receive. 

This effort is a part of the executive order signed by Governor Laura Kelly in January 2025 to reform the allocation of federal benefits to children in foster care. 

Under this executive order, the state has stopped using foster youths’ federal benefits to reimburse itself for the cost of foster care. Instead, the federal benefits are being preserved in an ABLE or other accounts on behalf of the youth in care and providing access to financial literacy education. 

For youth who do not qualify for an ABLE account, their federal benefits are preserved in a personal needs account. 

“Having the education and tools needed to save and invest starting at an early age will be life changing for these young people and put them on a path for success when they leave foster care,” said DCF Secretary Laura Howard. 

Since January 2025, DCF, in cooperation with the Kansas State Treasurer’s Office, has set up more than 600 ABLE accounts for youth in foster care. 

Have you heard about Child Care in Kansas? Explore resources for families, child care providers, communities and employers all in one place! 

• Families can learn about the importance of choosing a quality child care provider, understand options, and find a provider that fits their needs.
• Providers can explore child care careers, the types of facilities available to work in, and the process of becoming a quality child care provider in Kansas.
• Employers can discover how to help their employees with child care, set up employer-sponsored child care, and learn about the child care tax credit. 
• Community members can learn about the challenges facing child care in Kansas, how they can take action, and explore current data. 

Recap: Kansas Governor's Conference on Aging

What an incredible day at the Kansas Governor’s Conference on Aging on Oct. 17! Attendees gathered to learn about important issues facing older adults in Kansas and to discuss how each of us has a role to play in supporting them. 

A PSA for EBT Card Users: Use the Official FIS ebtEDGE App

While other apps to track benefits are available and may have similar names, the only recommended app is the official ebtEDGE app provided by DCF’s EBT card contractor, FIS. 

Kansans who participate in DCF benefits programs including SNAP food assistance, SUN Bucks, TANF Cash Assistance and Child Care Assistance utilize Kansas Benefits Cards, commonly called EBT cards, to access essential support to meet their basic needs.  

With card skimming and financial theft always a threat, it's important to know to help protect your vital benefits.  

The ebtEDGE app and web portal are free to use and allow users to freeze and unfreeze their EBT cards when not using it, change their PIN, and block out-of-state or online purchases for further protection.  

The ebtEDGE app is available in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store. Look for the egg icon as shown in the image above. These features are also available online through the FIS ebtEDGE web portal.  

Third-party apps do not provide the same protection features and some may charge users for access.