2025 Federal Government Shutdown Impacts

SNAP provides food assistance for individuals and families with low income.

As of November 3, we have not yet received specific details on when SNAP benefits will be disbursed to individuals. However, we anticipate being able to provide at least partial SNAP food benefits during November. The exact timing of benefit distribution will depend on the release of funds from the federal government and further guidance from the State of Minnesota.

We will continue to process and approve SNAP applications based on state and USDA guidance.

Households may continue to use benefits that are on their card through the duration of the shutdown.

People who receive SNAP benefits are reminded to keep their contact information up to date with their county or Tribal Nation so they can receive messages about their case.

For more information about this shutdown, follow this link: Federal Shutdown Information | Minnesota Department of Children, Youth and Families 

For more information or to contact us about SNAP, follow this link: Apply for Cash & Food Assistance

The MN Family Investment Program (MFIP) provides cash and food benefits for people with dependent children who have low income and limited assets.

St Louis County will continue to process and approve MFIP applications in November, and MFIP Cash benefits will go out as normal.

As of November 3, we have not yet received specific details on when MFIP food benefits will be disbursed to individuals. However, we anticipate being able to provide at least partial MFIP food benefits during November. The exact timing of benefit distribution will depend on the release of funds from the federal government and further guidance from the State of Minnesota.

Households may continue to use benefits that are on their card through the duration of the shutdown.

People who receive MFIP benefits are reminded to keep their contact information up to date with their county or Tribal Nation so they can receive messages about their case.

For more information about MFIP and similar benefits, or to contact us with questions, follow this link: Apply for Cash & Food Assistance

The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is a nutrition and breastfeeding program that helps eligible pregnant women, new mothers, babies and young children. WIC provides nutrition education and counseling, nutritious foods, and referrals to health and other social services.

For now, WIC services are still operating in Minnesota. WIC recipients should keep their appointments and continue shopping with their eWIC card and using their benefits.

According to the state of Minnesota, they have received written confirmation of additional WIC funding for Minnesota. These funds will extend WIC benefits into early December.

For additional information or guidance, WIC participants can visit their local WIC clinic or State WIC program’s website or the WIC shopper app.

For more information on how to contact your local WIC office visit this link: Child & Adolescent Health

Medical Assistance (MA) is Minnesota’s Medicaid program for people with low income. There is no immediate impact to Medical Assistance as it is funded through the end of 2025.

Learn more: Minnesota Department of Human Services / Minnesota Department of Human Services