10/23/2025
Need help with food? Visit https://needfood.oregon.gov (It links to both the Oregon Food Bank food finder and the 211 list of resources.)
The post below was followed up by a rumor alert:
Rumor alert! We’ve heard that there’s a rumor going around that EBT cards are being “shut off” due to the federal government shutdown. This is NOT true.
You can still use any SNAP benefits already on your EBT card. If the federal government shutdown continues into November, new SNAP benefits will be delayed. But any unused SNAP benefits on your EBT card from previous months will stay on your card until you use them or they expire (about one year from when they were issued).
If your EBT card isn’t working, check your balance online at https://ebtedge.com to make sure you still have funds available.
Important: ebtEDGE is the only website and mobile app approved by ODHS to check your SNAP balance. We don’t endorse any other websites or apps. Get tips to protect yourself from electronic benefits theft: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/benefits/Pages/protect.aspx
Learn more about how the federal government shutdown is impacting food benefits: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx
We’ve seen some confusion around the difference between the new federal rules that changed who can get SNAP and how the current federal government shutdown is impacting food benefits. Here is a breakdown of what’s happening and when:
First, the federal government passed a law in July 2025 that changed the rules for who can and cannot get SNAP. ODHS began sending letters on Oct. 15, 2025 to the first group of people who are losing their benefits or having them reduced due to these new rules. You can read about these rules here: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/ODHS/Posts/Post/odhs-begins-sending-notices-oct15-about-federal-snap-changes-under-hr1
Second, the federal government shutdown may impact November benefits. On Oct. 10, 2025, the Trump Administration told all states that we cannot give out November SNAP benefits until the federal government shutdown ends - even to people who still qualify under the new federal rules. You can read the notice from the USDA here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1FqO7Mwggde6HS58RyQXR_RiOszFpeEu4/view
If Congress and President Trump reach a deal before Nov. 1, 2025, people who still get SNAP benefits under the new federal rules will get their SNAP benefits as usual in November.
If Congress and President Trump do not reach a deal before Nov. 1, 2025, no one will receive November SNAP until the federal government reopens or we receive new direction from the federal government. You can read more about how the federal government shutdown will impact food benefits in November here: https://www.oregon.gov/odhs/news/Pages/snap-updates.aspx
The people who received the letters about new federal rules from ODHS mentioned earlier will still lose or see a reduction in SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, 2025 – even if the federal government reopens before then.
We know this is complicated and stressful. We want to help. ODHS is sharing updates as quickly as possible while making sure the information we share is accurate. For the most up-to-date information about federal changes, keep an eye on our social media and website.
If you're worried about having enough food, there are community resources that can help. Check out https://needfood.oregon.gov for support.
