When federal funding stalls, local agencies don’t get a “pause” button—they face real risk. For human services teams delivering SNAP, Medicaid, TANF, and other critical programs and services, the ripple effect of a shutdown hits fast and can stretch far.
What’s Impacted Right Now
Even as essential services continue, many programs counties deliver are already feeling pressure. For example:
- Counties receive about $62 billion annually in federal intergovernmental revenue, and disruptions in that flow threaten local service delivery.
- The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has said up to 41% of its workforce may be furloughed, limiting federal support for local health and human services programs.
- Nutrition programs such as Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) could run out of federal funding within weeks, placing food assistance at risk.
These pressures shape what frontline agencies will need to watch and respond to—not just tomorrow, but for the full duration of the shutdown and beyond.
What’s At Risk for Agencies
Funding uncertainty creates three overlapping pressures:
- Financial Risk – Delays in federal reimbursements force agencies to cover costs temporarily. For local governments, that can mean levers like reserves or state contingency funds.
- Operational Risk – Fewer federal staff means slower approvals, less technical assistance, and greater strain on state and county agencies. This is particularly relevant for programs administered locally via federal pass-through.
- Communications Risk – Clients rely on benefits and services. When the process changes or slows, transparency and clear messaging are critical to maintain trust and minimize disruption.
What Counties Can Do Right Now
Even during uncertainty, there are concrete steps human services agencies can take:
- Track all shutdown-related costs and delays, and document service interruptions using clear logs.
- Stay in close communication with state agencies and federal partners, including monitoring updated guidance or contingency letters.
- Use contingency resources (county reserves, state funds, partner networks) to bridge gaps—while recognizing this may not be sustainable long-term.
- Be transparent with staff and clients: when benefits, processes, or service timelines shift, keep communications clear and frequent.
- Share local resources as available: See SNAP and additional resources below for a head start.
- Leverage local partnerships such as food banks or nonprofit networks to fill short-term service gaps and ease pressure on county teams.
Planning for the Long Term
Planning for a possible extended shutdown—or future disruptions—is essential. Consider:
- Scenario-planning for 30-, 60- and 90-day funding gaps, including what happens if reimbursements are delayed or not repaid.
- Evaluating operational dependence on federal funding and exploring what tasks or workflows could be modified to reduce risk.
- Strengthening partnerships with local organizations that can help maintain service continuity when federal flows falter.
- Improving documentation and data now, so that if your agency must cover costs locally, you can demonstrate justification and track impact.
The piece “Unlocking Budget Capacity Right Now” reminds agencies that crisis moments often reveal structural vulnerabilities—and the smartest agencies use them to build resiliency.
Final Thought
A government shutdown doesn’t just disrupt an agency—it disrupts people’s lives. But today’s uncertainty is also tomorrow’s opportunity. By preparing now, tracking impact, communicating clearly, and prioritizing core services, agencies can not just recover—but come out stronger.
Helpful Resources at a Glance
SNAP-Related:
- The Hill: SNAP Funding in Jeopardy 11/1
- Food Research & Action Center (FRAC): FAQs on SNAP Time Limits Policy: What States & Families Need to Know
- Torres Consulting: Losing SNAP Benefits under the Shutdown
- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities: Recommendations for Ensuring November SNAP Benefits
- USDA
SNAP Resources for Those In Need
- Feeding America: Find Your Local Foodbank
- Meals on Wheels
- Midwest Food Bank
- Food Bank for the Heartland
- No Kid Hungry
- United Way 211: Connecting people to local resources
- FoodFinder
- Propel (find the full list of all 50 Official State sources on November benefits below)
Other Shutdown Resources
- National Association of Counties (NACo) Shutdown Resource Hub: What Counties Need to Know When a Government Shutdown Happens.”
- Federal News Network: Agency Contingency Plans
- The Data Foundation: Tracker on Reductions in Force (RIFs) by Agency
- Congressional Budget Office (CBO) Potential Effects of a Federal Government Shutdown report.
- National Congress of American Indians: Webinar Recording on impact of Shutdown on Tribal Nations
- Kiplinger Article: Shutdown Impact on Medicare Program
- CNBC Article: Shutdown Impact on Medicaid, Medicare, and other Health Programs
- McDermott+ Check-Up: 10/24 Update on House & Senate Activities & Potential CR
Official State Resources for November Benefits
Looking for resources specific to your area? Check your state’s SNAP website for updated information about November.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Virginia
- Washington
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
