OHIO — As the federal government shutdown enters its fourth day with no resolution in sight, Ohio residents who rely on federal assistance programs are closely watching how the disruption could affect them.
Programs like Social Security continue to operate normally, but others, including the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC), face uncertainty.
These programs depend on coordination between state and federal agencies, which can be limited during a shutdown.
For Ohioans who receive SNAP benefits, October’s payments are already secure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), which oversees the program through its Food and Nutrition Service, had allocated funds in advance, ensuring benefits are distributed as usual. SNAP benefits are provided via an Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) card, which can be used at authorized grocery stores and supermarkets.
USDA has contingency plans to maintain essential services temporarily if the shutdown continues. This includes tapping multiyear contingency funds to cover administrative costs and participant benefits.
However, these measures may only last about 30 days, and it remains uncertain how long the reserves can sustain the program if the shutdown extends into November.
