HARRISBURG, Pa. - Officials announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program payments will be paused for Pennsylvania recipients because the federal government shutdown has prevented the release of funds to the state.

The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services stated that the pause in benefits began Oct. 16 and will continue until the federal government shutdown ends and Congress appropriates funding for the program. The decision means that November 2025 SNAP benefits cannot be paid at this time.

The department's notice emphasized that state funds cannot be used to cover the federal government’s share of the program, which provides over $366 million in monthly food assistance to approximately 2 million Pennsylvanians.

State officials asked for patience from the public as the

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