OKLAHOMA CITY — Due to the federal government shutdown, federal funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will be suspended beginning Nov. 1.
As of May 2025, 696,842 Oklahomans rely on SNAP benefits to supplement their family’s monthly food purchases, according to state leaders. The Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) receives funding from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to fund the program.
The federal government shutdown began on Oct. 1, after Congress failed to reach a budget agreement for the 2026 fiscal year, leading to the suspension of many government operations and federally funded programs. This suspension will continue until the federal government reaches a budget resolution.
OKDHS offered the following tips for Oklahoma’s SNAP households during this time of uncertainty:
• SNAP households can currently continue using existing funds on EBT cards until October 31, 2025.
• The ability to use existing funds after October 31, 2025, remains unclear. Oklahoma Human Services urges households to plan ahead and carefully budget.
• SNAP households are encouraged to protect their existing funds from fraud by locking their EBT cards when not in use. EBT benefits that are electronically stolen will not be refunded.
“OKDHS encourages all Oklahomans to support their neighbors, especially as we navigate this uncertain time. Please visit Be a Neighbor(oklahoma.gov/okdhs/beaneighbor.html) for local community resources. OKDHS remains committed to clear, consistent communication as additional guidance from USDA is made available. SNAP recipients with questions may visit oklahoma.gov/okdhs/shutdown or call (405) 522-5050,” reads a statement from OKDHS.
State lawmakers issued statements about the situation, but no plan for how to assist families in need during the federal shutdown.
Reps. Daniel Pae, R-Lawton, and Emily Gise, R-Oklahoma City, who lead the House Human Services Appropriations & Budget Subcommittee, urged Oklahomans to give charitably to fill the gap left by the government.
“While we continue to push for solutions at the state and federal level, we also know the strength of our communities lies in how we show up for one another,” said Gise. “If you’re in a position to give or volunteer, reach out to your local food banks and community organizations. This is a time that calls for compassion and unity, not politics.”
House Democratic Leader Cyndi Munson, D-Oklahoma City, noted that he majority of those who rely on SNAP benefits are the elderly, veterans and children.
“Now that burden will be placed on local community resources who are already overwhelmed,” said Munson. “This is a direct result of those in Congress not doing the job they were elected to do to serve their constituents and protect the services and jobs on which Oklahomans rely. I urge Oklahomans to take advantage of local community resources as they need.”
Based on the latest federal guidance, there is no indication that Medicaid or TANF benefit programs are currently affected. Those benefits should continue as normal until further notice.
Oklahoma WIC is operating as usual. WIC participants will be provided updates as necessary.
