Tag: Government Shutdown

Government Shutdown Threatens Food Assistance for Californians with Disabilities

As the federal government shutdown continues, millions of Californians are bracing for the devastating impacts of paused food assistance programs. Beginning November 1, critical benefits such as CalFresh (SNAP) are excepted to stop, cutting off a vital lifeline for more than 5 million Californians who rely on these programs to feed their families.

For people with disabilities, children, and seniors — who together make up nearly two-thirds of all food assistance recipients — this disruption is not just about losing benefits. It’s about losing access to the basic dignity of having food on the table.

Governor Gavin Newsom called the shutdown “cruel and unconscionable,” announcing that California will deploy the National Guard to help food banks and fast-track state funding to fill the gap.

“California will not sit back while the federal government abandons families who depend on food assistance to survive,” said Governor Newsom in a public statement. “We will step up to ensure no one goes hungry.”

The California Department of Social Services (CDSS) is providing updated information and resources for those affected. Visit the CalFresh Frequently Asked Questions page to learn more about what to expect and how to get help.

If you or someone you know may be impacted, you can also find nearby food banks and pantries through:

For those not directly affected, this is a moment to take action. Consider volunteering at a local food pantry, donating to a community organization, or helping a neighbor in need.

No one should be hungry. Together, we can make sure that every Californian — including those with disabilities — is supported through this crisis.

Learn more and access resources at cdss.ca.gov.

Everything You Need to Know About The Government Shutdown from DDS

Today is the sixth day of the U.S. federal government shut down. Pay has been suspended for roughly 2 million federal workers, with approximately 750,000 ordered not to work and others, such as troops and air traffic control workers, are required to work without compensation until a budget deal is reached.

The federal government provides significant funding to support individuals with developmental disabilities and families, through multiple programs. As of October 1, 2025, federal funding has lapsed. State funding for the California Department of Developmental Services (DDS) programs already has been approved through June 30, 2026. In an effort to keep you informed of potential impacts, shared what the lapse in federal funding could mean:

  • Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments will continue, although customer service at the Social Security Administration could be impacted. SSI is not impacted by the federal shutdown. SSI is a vital program for many people in California, including individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
  • Medicaid, called Medi-Cal in California, is funded by the State through June 30, 2026, and by the federal government through the end of December 2025. This year, 37 percent of the funding for developmental disabilities services comes through Medi-Cal. While we do not anticipate immediate disruptions, a prolonged shutdown lasting past December 2025 could affect the availability of federal funds.
  • Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, called CalFresh in California, October 2025 monthly benefits would be unaffected, according to guidance provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service. The California Department of Social Services continues to track developments at the federal level and assess potential next steps.
  • Federal agencies must have plans in place for operating without a federal budget. Based upon various laws, it is likely that many federal employees will not be working and will not be paid, so access to information, technical assistance, or other communications with the public may be limited during the shutdown.
  • “Essential” employees, as defined in each federal agency’s plans, will continue to work and be paid. Defense and law enforcement agencies often continue their work. Many Medicare employees are expected to continue working. Many Medicaid employees are expected to continue working too, at least through December 31. The Food and Drug Administration is expected to continue its oversight of drugs and devices. The public can expect less help and slower help from other federal agencies during a federal government shutdown.

We hope this information is helpful. We will share new information with you as it becomes available.

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