New York Braces for SNAP Benefit Delays as Federal Shutdown Looms

ALBANY, NY (October 30, 2025) — New York state officials warned Thursday that the ongoing federal government shutdown could delay November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for millions of residents, including people with developmental disabilities, their families and support staff.

“SNAP benefits cannot be issued by the state unless federal funding is authorized”, according to a letter from Willow Baer, commissioner of the state Office for People With Developmental Disabilities. If the shutdown continues beyond Nov. 1, recipients could face disruptions in accessing food.

“This could mean serious challenges in putting food on the table,” Baer wrote in the letter to colleagues and stakeholders.

Gov. Kathy Hochul and the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which oversees SNAP, are working with federal partners to advocate for the release of funds, the letter said. In the interim, the governor has committed more than $106 million to food banks and other emergency food providers to bolster relief efforts amid expected increases in assistance requests.

Hochul also launched a new website to help New Yorkers locate food assistance resources at Impact of Federal Cuts on New Yorkers: Take Action & Share Your Story | Governor Kathy Hochul.

For individuals in OPWDD or provider-operated certified housing, food access will remain uninterrupted as providers ensure meals continue, the letter noted. Independent community residents receiving OPWDD services who worry about food shortages are urged to contact their care manager immediately.

For ongoing updates about SNAP benefits, please visit otda.ny.gov/shutdown.

Baer encouraged recipients to share how SNAP benefits impact their lives by calling members of Congress to highlight the effects on individuals, families and communities.

“We know this uncertainty can be stressful, but please know that we are working tirelessly to minimize any disruption and to make sure New Yorkers continue to have access to food and other essential supports. We will get through this together,” Baer wrote.

This article was drafted with the aid of Grok, an AI tool by xAI, under the direction and editing of Robert Cox to ensure accuracy and adherence to journalistic standards.