OCTOBER 24, 2025: Governor Youngkin has announced that the Commonwealth will provide food benefits for those on assistance. The Governor's Executive Order indicates that "this relief shall be disbursed according to the same guidelines as SNAP benefits..."
Read the Governor's executive order: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/eo/EO-54---SNAP---FINAL.pdf
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URGENT PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING NOVEMBER 2025 SNAP BENEFITS
IMPORTANT ACTION REQUIRED
POTENTIAL DELAY OR NON-RECEIPT OF NOVEMBER SNAP BENEFITS
The Frederick County Department of Social Services issuing this urgent public notice to inform all Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients of the high probability of a delay or interruption in benefit issuance for November 2025, should the current federal government shutdown continue.
The Current Situation
Federal funding for SNAP is dependent on an appropriation bill from the U.S. Congress. Since the new fiscal year began on October 1, 2025, a federal government shutdown has been in effect.
- October SNAP benefits were funded prior to the shutdown and have been or will be issued on their normal schedule.
- November SNAP benefits require the federal government to approve and disburse funds to states, and for the USDA to instruct states to submit electronic files to our EBT vendor by a critical deadline in mid-October.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has advised states not to submit the necessary client files for November benefits at this time. This action is the necessary precursor to delay or stop the issuance of your benefits.
What Means for You
| Scenario |
Impact on November 2025 SNAP Benefits |
| If the government reopens and passes funding within the next week |
Benefits should be issued as quickly as possible, potentially on time or with a minor delay to your usual disbursement date. |
| If the government shutdown continues beyond the mid-October deadline |
Your November SNAP benefits will be delayed or may not be issued at all. Our agency has been instructed to prepare for a lack of federal funding and a potential lapse in state authorization to process payments. |
What You Should Do NOW
We understand the hardship this creates and urge you to take the following steps immediately to prepare your household:
- Conserve Your Current Benefits: Use your remaining October SNAP benefits and any household funds wisely. If possible, prioritize the purchase of non-perishable food items.
- Monitor Official Communications: Check our official channels daily for updates. This situation is extremely fluid and can change at any time.
- Dedicated SNAP Hotline: 1-800-552-3431
- Explore Community Resources: We are actively working with local food banks and community organizations. Contact your local Food Bank or 2-1-1 for information on emergency food resources in your area.
- Crucial Note: Until further notice from the federal government, we cannot guarantee the availability or issuance date of your November SNAP benefits. Please make preparations for a lapse in this essential assistance.
STILL APPLYING OR RECERTIFYING?
Our state and county SNAP offices remain open and will continue to process applications and recertifications for October benefits. However, the approval of any new or ongoing cases for November benefits is dependent on federal action.
We appreciate your patience during this unprecedented challenge and remain committed to restoring your benefits as soon as federal funding is secured.
CONTACT US FOR UPDATES:
Frederick County Department of Social Services
Dedicated SNAP Hotline: 1-800-552-3431
Website: Social Services | Frederick County
Regional Resources Guide.
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