The partial shutdown of the federal budget has entered its fourth week.
SNAP benefits will no longer be available beginning on November 1. The New Jersey Department of Human Services (DHS) is advising that SNAP benefits loaded to Families First EBT card prior to October 31, 2025, will be available for use after November 1; however, it is recommended that individuals check their account at NJFamiliesFirst.com or by calling 800-997-3333. In addition, NJ DHS is cautioning that individuals may receive eligibility notices or their MyNJHelps case summary will show eligibility for November but if the federal shutdown continues, November 2024 SNAP benefits will not be posted to the Families First EBT card on time. Work First New Jersey (WFNJ) benefits should be available on time, and the Child Care Assistance Program will not be interrupted. DHS has created flyers in English and Spanish that can be downloaded and posted.
This week, the New Jersey Department of Banking and Insurance noted that open enrollment for Get Covered New Jersey begins on November 1. However, without enhanced federal subsidies, they note that premiums are likely to cost twice as much as the previous year.
Please see our previous reports for OMB guidance to agencies and Agency Contingency Plans.
Please reach out to Paul Penna at ppenna@njlm.org if you are having an issue with a federal agency due to the shutdown.
Contact: Paul Penna, Director of Government Affairs, ppenna@njlm.org, 609-695-3481, x110.