Update to federal government shutdown impacts
Dear Community Partners,
We are sharing an important update to the message sent last month about the federal government impasse and the impacts to DSHS employees and clients if the shutdown continued beyond October 31, 2025.
Last week, we let DSHS employees know we had identified additional flexibilities and were continuing to explore options outside of full-time temporary layoffs to ensure all viable paths are considered. We are relieved to share that DSHS received November SNAP administrative funds from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service on November 5 and, as such, we will not have to implement temporary employee layoffs due to the federal government shutdown during the month of November.
Along with administrative funds, DSHS also received guidance from USDA on November 4 regarding partial November SNAP benefits for our customers. We are working to analyze and implement that guidance to ensure we can issue those benefits as soon as possible. Meantime, the first weekly transfer of Food Assistance Program benefits from DSHS to the state’s Department of Agriculture happened this week and is expected to continue as long as the federal shutdown continues.
We will share more details about SNAP and Food Assistance Program benefits when we have them, as well as any other impacts from the continuing federal government shutdown.
Thank you for your continued partnership to provide support, care and resources for the people of our state.
Sincerely,
Bea Rector
HCLA Assistant Secretary
Impacts to DSHS and the Washington Residents We Serve
Read for more information on the partial federal government shutdown
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