With so much uncertainty during the partial government shutdown, we want to be able to provide helpful information to clear up some of the misinformation being shared.
- Q: Will EBT cards be unusable for food purchases after Jan. 31, 2019?
- A: No. Any food assistance benefits (also known as SNAP benefits or food stamps) applied to your card will be usable for up to one year.
- Q: Do any food dollars on your EBT card have to be used by the end of February if the government does not reopen?
- A: No. Any food assistance benefits applied to your card will be usable for up to one year. This is one of the reasons we recommend stretching your benefits during this partial government shutdown. Since no one knows how long the shutdown will last, we recommend that customers stretch their food dollars and have provided some helpful tips. Click here to review the tips.
- Q: I saw a sign in a store saying EBT cards are not being accepted, does that mean EBT cards are not being accepted anywhere?
- A: No. In some cases, the federal government was not able to renew some store licenses before the partial government shutdown so there are some stores who currently cannot accept EBT payments at this time. If you experience this, please try a different store.
- Q: Can I still apply for Medicaid during the shutdown?
- A: Yes. At this time, there is no impact from the shutdown on any program other than SNAP or food benefits.