A government shutdown can raise many questions, especially if you rely on benefits like SNAP, TANF, or WIC. While the government shutdown that began in Oct. 2025 and lasted through November led to delays to SNAP payments for millions of Americans, a shutdown in early 2026 will not affect SNAP and WIC payments.
Both SNAP and WIC are funded through the end of Sept. 2026—that means that a partial or even a total government shutdown won’t delay your benefits, and you should expect your SNAP and WIC payments on your normal deposit days.
However TANF is funded differently, and a shutdown could affect TANF payments, although not immediately.
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What is a government shutdown, and what does it mean?#what-is-a-government-shutdown-and-what-does-it-mean
A government shutdown happens when Congress doesn’t pass new funding legislation by a certain deadline.
This can result in a temporary pause in many government operations. Some programs stop completely, while other essential services—like issuing Social Security payments—continue with fewer workers.
Will I still get my February 2026 SNAP payment on time?#will-i-still-get-my-february-2026-snap-payment-on-time
Yes, there’s a possibility of a partial government shutdown once funding expires at the end of Jan. 2026, but even if a shutdown happens, it will not delay your February SNAP payment.
That’s because the USDA, the agency responsible for SNAP, is fully funded through the end of Sept. 2026. Even an extended shutdown starting in January wouldn’t delay SNAP payments, and you should expect your February deposit to arrive on your normal deposit day.
Can I use my EBT card like normal?#can-i-use-my-ebt-card-like-normal
Yes, you can keep using your EBT card as normal even during a government shutdown. EBT cards normally keep working for as long as there is still money on them—this was true even during the extended 2025 shutdown.
Will a government shutdown affect WIC?#will-a-government-shutdown-affect-wic
No—like SNAP, WIC is funded through the end of Sept. 2026. A government shutdown won’t affect your WIC benefits—you can expect them to arrive on their normal schedule and you can keep using your eWIC card as usual.
Will a government shutdown affect TANF?#will-a-government-shutdown-affect-tanf
TANF (sometimes called cash EBT) is funded differently from SNAP, even though the benefits may go to the same card.
Because TANF is funded through the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), which does not have the same funding timeline as the USDA, a shutdown could eventually delay or affect TANF benefits.
But if this happens, it won’t be right away. A government shutdown that begins Jan. 30 shouldn’t delay your February TANF payment, but it could potentially affect payments down the road if it lasts for an extended period of time. Visit your state’s TANF website for updates.
Will a government shutdown affect Medicaid and Medicare?#will-a-government-shutdown-affect-medicaid-and-medicare
No, Medicaid and Medicare don’t rely on the same funding process, and they wouldn’t be affected by a government shutdown. Your Medicaid or Medicare will work just like normal.
