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2025 Federal Government Shutdown

Last Updated on 11/7/2025.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) continues monitoring developments with the federal government shutdown. We will add updates to this page as we receive guidance from federal partners or there are impacts to programs.

Kansans are also encouraged to follow DCF on social media and subscribe to DCF’s enewsletter, DCF Direct, for agency updates and information.

SNAP Benefits

Update from Nov. 7: Today, DCF issued full November benefits to Kansans receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Food Assistance. Beneficiaries should have access to their full benefits by the end of the day on Friday, Nov. 7. All current Kansas beneficiaries will receive benefits on Nov. 7 instead of the typical monthly issuances that are staggered over a 10-day period according to last name.

Kansas should call 1-800-997-6666, the number on the back of their EBT card, to check on those benefits, and the pending benefits information should be provided. EBT card users should download and use ebtEDGE app to track and protect their benefits. Find the ebtEDGE app in your app store and at the web portal: https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do. The FIS ebtEDGE app is completely free to use and provides protective features like blocking out-of-state purchases and card freezing.

The total November benefit distribution was more than $31.6 million to approximately 86,000 Kansas households.

Read the full press release here.

Update from morning of Nov. 6: Late on Wednesday, Nov. 5, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) sent states new instructions about Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) partial payments for November.

The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) is now recalculating each household’s SNAP benefits based on the Nov. 5 guidance, which is different from guidance provided on Nov. 4.

DCF does not yet know the exact benefit amounts or when the updated payments will be sent out. Please continue to monitor this page and the DCF social media for updates as they are available.

Update from Nov. 3: In a federal court filing on Monday, Nov. 3, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) said it plans to send out partial SNAP benefits in November using the SNAP contingency fund. The filing said the USDA will first send each state official notice showing how much each existing SNAP household should receive. Right now, the Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) has not received this information. Once it does, DCF will determine next steps to issue the partial payments and communicate when Kansas SNAP recipients can expect to receive them.

Update from Oct. 31: At this time, November SNAP benefits will not be sent out.

Due to the government shutdown, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) told states not to issue November SNAP benefits, even though they had emergency money that could be used to fund SNAP.

Governor Laura Kelly, and 25 states, filed a lawsuit against the USDA to force USDA to use the emergency money. On Friday, Oct. 31, a court told the USDA to come up with a plan by Monday, Nov. 3, to fund SNAP. Read Governor Kelly's response to the ruling.

DCF will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. DCF continues to accept applications for SNAP food assistance benefits although benefit issuance for eligible households will be delayed due to the federal government shutdown. Kansans should continue to apply for benefit.

Update from Oct. 28: Governor Laura Kelly joined a coalition of 22 attorneys general and two governors in filing a lawsuit against the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and Secretary Brooke Rollins for unlawfully suspending the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.

Read the full press release here.

On Oct. 24, the USDA informed states that all November 2025 SNAP benefits have been suspended until sufficient federal funding is provided, or until the USDA informs state agencies otherwise. Review the announcements DCF received on Oct. 24 from the USDA:

November SNAP benefits were expected to be distributed beginning Nov. 1 to approximately 188,000 Kansans - which includes more than 85,000 children - with an expected total monthly distribution of more than $34.4 million. On an average, in Kansas, a typical household receiving SNAP includes 2.1 adults and 2.4 youth who receive SNAP benefits. To date in SFY 26, the average monthly dollar amount per household totals $183 per person or $366 per case.

DCF continues to accept applications for SNAP (also known as food assistance) benefits, but due to the federal government shutdown the issuing of the benefits will be delayed. In Kansas, this will mean all benefits that are issued after Nov.1 will be suspended. Retroactive benefits will be issued once federal funding becomes available. Kansans may continue to apply for benefits. The shutdown does not impact DCF’s ability to accept applications.

Current SNAP (food assistance in Kansas) recipients who have signed up to receive DCF Direct communications will receive updates on the November SNAP benefits situations via email and SMS/text messages.

Read: DCF Shares Update on Status of SNAP, 10/21/25

TANF and Child Care Assistance:

TANF (Cash Assistance) and Child Care Assistance benefits are not impacted by the federal government shutdown. Both programs are funded through block grants and, at this time, DCF has funding available for both to distribute benefits. Child Care Assistance benefits will be issued at 6 a.m., Nov. 1. Families can call 1-800-997-6666, the number on the back of their EBT card, to check on those benefits, and the pending benefits information should be provided. To properly track and protect benefits, EBT card users (also called Kansas Benefits Card) should download and use the ebtEDGE Mobile app. It is the official app and can be found on the app store and at web portal: https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do. The ebtEDGE app is completely free to use and provides protective features like blocking out-of-state purchases and card freezing.

The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) and Soup Kitchens and Food Banks:

Each month DCF ships cases of food to TEFAP partners and Soup Kitchens and Food Banks around Kansas to supplement the diets of 5,100 Kansas families across the state. The required federal administrative funds to cover the shipping expenses have not been received due to the federal government shutdown. As a result, November deliveries of 10,464 cases of food to TEFAP partners and 1,454 cases of food to Soup Kitchens and Food Banks are in jeopardy. The cost to ship that food equals $39,329.40. DCF was unable to authorize the shipments for October as well.

Help for Kansans

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. Other non-state entities helping connect Kansans to resources in their community include: the United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org; 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks.com; Unite Kansas, uniteus.com/networks/kansas/get-help; and FindHelp, findhelp.org.

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.

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Can I still use my October SNAP benefits?

Yes, October benefits are not impacted by the federal government shutdown. At this time, you may continue to use your benefits as usual.

Will any unused October benefits be available for use after Oct . 31?

Yes, any benefits issued prior to Nov. 1 on EBT cards may continue to be used to purchase qualifying items. The federal government shutdown and delay of November benefits does not impact prior benefits.

Will I receive my November SNAP benefits?

There is uncertainty about November SNAP benefits. The USDA informed DCF on Oct. 24 that November benefits have been suspended until sufficient federal funding is provided, or until the USDA informs State agencies otherwise. Retroactive benefits will be sent once federal funding is in place for November SNAP benefits.

Can I still apply for SNAP?

Yes, Kansans are encouraged to continue to apply for benefits. DCF will continue to take applications for SNAP online and at service centers across the state, even during the federal government shutdown. Apply on-line at the DCF Self-Service Portal, available by clicking “Apply for Services” at the link above. Unfortunately, during the federal government shutdown, benefits will not be issued for applications received after Oct. 31.

Should I continue my recertification or report changes to my SNAP case?

Yes, please continue providing documents and continue meeting program requirements, including reporting required changes. Click on the "Login" link found above to complete any updates required.

Can I still use the SUN Bucks benefits my family received?

The government shutdown does not impact 2025 SUN Bucks benefits. Families continue to have 122 days from the date their benefits were issued to use their benefits. Benefits for 2026 will not start going out to beneficiaries until late spring 2026, at the earliest.

Will the shutdown affect me being able to use my TANF – Cash Assistance or Child Care Assistance benefits on my Kansas Benefits Card?

You can continue to use your Kansas Benefits Card (also called an EBT card) as usual for TANF or Child Care Assistance benefits. At this time Cash Assistance and Child Care Assistance is not being impacted by the federal government shutdown. Child Care Assistance benefits will be issued at 6 a.m., Nov. 1. Families can call 1-800-997-6666, the number on the back of their EBT card, to check on those benefits, and the pending benefits information should be provided. EBT card users should download and use ebtEDGE app to track and protect their benefits. Find the ebtEDGE app in your app store and at the web portal: https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do. The FIS ebtEDGE app is completely free to use and provides protective features like blocking out-of-state purchases and card freezing.

What is the expected amount of SNAP benefits to be distributed to Kansans for the month of November?

The expected total distribution of SNAP benefits for the month of November in Kansas would be $34.4 million. On average, in Kansas, a typical household receiving SNAP includes 2.1 adults and 2.4 youth who receive SNAP benefits. To date in SFY 26, the average monthly dollar amount per household totals $183 per person or $366 per case.

Are TANF and Child Care Assistance also impacted by the federal government shutdown?

No. These benefits are funded through block grants and, at this time, DCF has funding available to fund both TANF Cash Assistance and Child Care Assistance. Child Care Assistance benefits will be issued at 6 a.m., Nov. 1. Families can call 1-800-997-6666, the number on the back of their EBT card, to check on those benefits, and the pending benefits information should be provided. EBT card users should download and use the ebtEDGE Mobile app to track and protect their benefits. It is the official app of the Kansas Benefits Card (also called an EBT card). Find ebtEDGE app in your app store and at web portal: https://www.ebtedge.com/gov/portal/PortalHome.do. The ebtEDGE app is completely free to use and provides protective features like blocking out-of-state purchases and card freezing.

I received a text message from DCF Kansas. Is it legitimate?

Yes, DCF will provide updates to individuals who receive SNAP (food assistance) and have signed up for DCF Direct messages on email and SMS/text messages. Clicking on the link sent by DCF Kansas is safe.

If I don’t meet the work requirement but the November benefit is issued, does it count towards one of the three-months I qualify for?

If an Able-Bodied Adult without Dependents (ABAWD) doesn’t meet the work requirement and received a full month of benefits, it would be a countable month.

Am I eligible for TEFAP assistance?

TEFAP provides free USDA commodity foods to low-income households throughout Kansas and is shipped five to six times per year to participating providers for distribution. The providers determine when and how often food is distributed. Learn more about the program including income guidelines at USDA Commodity Programs. At this time November deliveries are in jeopardy due to the federal government shutdown.

Potential Impact on Other Federal Programs Administered by DCF

Disability Determination Services (DDS)
Social Security disability claims are initially processed through a network of local Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices and state agencies. In Kansas, the DDS office is hosted by DCF. At this time, DDS services for Kansans remain open. The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) sent a letter indicating DCF will be reimbursed when the shutdown is over. DCF plans to continue services for this program.

Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
The start date of the 2026 LIEAP season is contingent on approval of federal funding for the program. DCF is awaiting updates from the federal government regarding the required financial support. If the federal funding becomes available, DCF will continue planning the 2026 LIEAP season.

Prevention and Protection Services federal grants
DCF has received questions regarding any possible impact to grants and contracts with federal financial participation due to the government shutdown. We are monitoring information for programs that receive federal funding and, at this time, there is no impact on referrals and operations. Examples of these programs may include Family Preservation, Family First, adoption and kinship. If the grants or contracts are anticipated to be impacted, DCF program managers will contact the organization directly.