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*Office of the Assistant Secretary                  October 14, 2025*




HCLA Update Regarding Federal Shutdown

Dear Community Partners, 

I am writing with an update on the impacts of the current federal government shutdown on the Department of Social and Health Services and the people we serve.  

The federal government remains at an impasse. If the impasse continues beyond October 31, 2025, DSHS will begin to see direct impacts. Current estimates suggest that the SNAP program will be the first impacted because of the shutdown.  

Due to loss of federal funds, DSHS is required to make changes to the SNAP program, impacting clients and employees. Clients will not receive November food benefits if we still do not have federal funding as of November 1. We will begin notifying clients of this starting today, through messaging on social media, on websites and in call centers and office spaces.  

Further, hundreds of DSHS employees who support the SNAP program might be impacted through temporary layoffs. If temporary layoffs take place, employees will be notified directly and provided with resources and information about health benefits and other pertinent details related to their temporary layoff.  

These temporary layoffs also mean that starting Tuesday, November 4, DSHS Tribal outstations will not be staffed until the federal government reopens. Similarly, our agency’s mobile office teams will not operate from November 4 until the federal government shutdown is over.  

This situation remains fluid. We are watching developments closely and will keep you informed as we learn more.  

All these potential changes will impact customer experience, likely with longer wait times in our call centers and offices. Thank you for your continued partnership to provide support, care and resources for the people of our state. 

Thank you,
Bea Rector
Assistant Secretary
Dept. of Social and Health Services
Home & Community Living Administration




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