Hello Friends,

This e-newsletter is a special edition focused on resources and information related to the federal government shutdown and the pause of SNAP benefits.

These are very difficult times. Let’s take care of one another, and check in on our friends and neighbors. As always, if my office can be of assistance, please don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us via email at [email protected].

Sincerely,

Ranjeev Puri
Democratic Leader
24th House District

 

 

In this Issue:

  • SNAP Benefits: What is happening?
  • What MI House Democrats are doing to fight for SNAP
  • Food Assistance Resources
  • SNAP: If You’re Looking for Ways to Help
  • Federal Shutdown: How Could it Impact Me?
  • Support for Federal Workers in Michigan

 

SNAP Benefits: What is happening?

As you have likely heard, an urgent development will affect nearly 1.4 million Michiganders who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

The USDA announced in late October that due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, SNAP benefits would be paused Nov. 1. On Oct. 31, federal judges ruled that the USDA must resume funding for SNAP during the government shutdown, using existing contingency funds. The rulings allowed the USDA to decide whether to fully or partially fund benefits for November.

This week, the federal government announced it will send partial payments this month to the roughly 42 million Americans who receive food stamps, offering only a temporary reprieve to low-income families as the government shutdown rapidly approaches its sixth week.

In Michigan, nearly 1.4 million people rely on SNAP, including 492,000 children, 38,500 veterans and hundreds of thousands of seniors and people with disabilities.

These partial payments come at a time when grocery prices are rising and families are already stretched thin. Most SNAP households are working adults, but their wages simply aren’t enough to cover basic needs without assistance. On average, SNAP provides $335 per month per household, totaling nearly $300 million each month flowing into Michigan’s grocery stores, farmers markets and local businesses. Without fully funding SNAP, families will likely face the impossible choice between food, medicine, rent or utilities.

What MI House Democrats are Doing to fight for SNAP

Michigan House Democrats are moving forward with legislation to fight to protect Michigan families, including the following proposals:

  • Securing fresh food access: A proposal to create a $600 million emergency fund for food assistance SNAP recipients.
  • Keeping food banks stocked: A proposed additional 12.5 million to support the Food Bank Council of Michigan.
  • Keeping Food on the Table: A proposed additional $12.5 million to local food pantries.
  • Calling for Federal Action: Resolutions urging the U.S. President, Congressional Republicans and the U.S. Department of Agriculture to end the shutdown and guarantee uninterrupted SNAP benefits.

The unfortunate reality is that SNAP is a large, federally funded program, and ultimately the federal government needs to fix this problem. Our fight here in Michigan will only go so far, as our state simply does not have the funds to backfill this important program. At the federal level, the USDA has the ability to use contingency funds to keep SNAP benefits going, as it did during the 2019 shutdown. Ultimately, benefits could be restored immediately if Washington ends the shutdown.

 

Food Assistance Resources

Michigan 2-1-1: IF you have immediate financial or human service needs, you can contact 2-1-1 to find information and referrals to any available public or private assistance for which you may be eligible. 211 is available and free for all Michiganders 24/7 any day of the year. Call 2-1-1. Text your zip code to 898-211. Visit mi211.org. If you are a SNAP beneficiary concerned about food access, visit mi211.org/food-assistance.

MI Bridges: Check your MI Bridges Account for the latest updates on SNAP benefits.

Federal Shutdown: How Could It Impact Me?

With a budget bill not passed by Congress to fund government operations before this new fiscal year, the federal government has entered a partial government shutdown starting just after midnight on Oct. 1, 2025, causing indefinite delays and interruptions to various public services and programs millions of Michiganders and Americans rely on.

Find out how you and your loved ones might be affected below. 

Social Security & Supplemental Security Income (SSI): These benefits will continue to be distributed during the shutdown. However, the Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop benefit verifications and processing of overpayments. Local Social Security offices may be closed to in-person service, so you should check local office closures on the Social Security website before visiting.

Medicare & Medicaid: These benefits will continue to be distributed during the shutdown. However, you will not be able to get a new or replacement Medicare card, and benefit verifications will stop.

Food Assistance: Last week, the Michigan Dept. of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) was instructed by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture (USDA) to temporarily pause issuance of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting in November due to the ongoing federal government funding lapse. To find additional food resources: Dial 2-1-1 or visit Find Help – Michigan 2-1-1 for free, confidential assistance and referrals to local food programs and support services or visit the Food Bank Council of Michigan website to locate nearby food banks and learn about additional hunger relief efforts. There is also additional information below.

Veterans Benefits: All Veterans Affairs (VA) medical facilities and clinics will remain fully operational. The VA will continue to process veterans’ benefits.

Mail Services & Post Offices: The United States Postal Service (U.S.P.S.) will continue to operate as normal.

Airports & Traveling: The State Dept. will continue to issue passports and visas and assist Americans abroad. However, a reduced workforce could impact operations. If you have flight arrangements, plan for delays and cancellations due to disruptions in staffing of airport employees, air traffic controllers, and TSA agents — all who are deemed essential and expected to work, but without pay.

 

Support for Federal Workers in Michigan

To support federal workers who may have recently lost their jobs, the Michigan Dept. of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO) has compiled several resources to offer support. A comprehensive webpage, Michigan.gov/FederalWorkerHelp, provides impacted federal workers with easy access to unemployment, job search and community resources.

Additional Resources:

Workers who recently lost their jobs through no fault of their own may be eligible to apply for temporary financial assistance through the Unemployment Insurance Agency (UIA).

UIA has resources in place to help any laid off federal worker, including:

  • UIA Claimant Roadmap: An easy-to-follow, six-step guide to applying for and understanding unemployment benefits.
  • Online Coaching Sessions: Web-based guidance from UIA staff who walk users through the steps needed to complete an application and qualify for payments.
  •  UIA Community Connect: This program partners with local groups to provide guidance for workers from underserved groups who have faced barriers when filing for jobless benefits.
  • Schedule an Appointment: Schedule either an in-person, phone or virtual appointment to speak with a UIA Customer Service Agent.
  • Looking for Work: Tips to understand your responsibilities when it comes to conducting and documenting your successful work searches.
  • Assistance with Setting Up an Account: Workers must create a MiLogin account before setting up a MiWAM account.

For additional assistance, workers can find FAQs, videos and other resources at Michigan.gov/UIA. To reach an agent or unlock a MiWAM or MiLogin account, they can call Customer Service at (866) 500-0017.

In partnership with LEO’s Office of Employment and Training, Michigan Works! agencies are also available to assist affected federal workers. Services offered through Michigan Works! include:

  • Basic Career Services, which are available to all workers seeking services.
  • Individualized Career Services, which are designed for workers who are unable to obtain employment through basic career services alone.
  • Training Services, which are necessary to equip workers with the skills needed to obtain and retain employment.

To connect with your local Michigan Works! service center, call (800) 285-WORKS (9675) or visit Michigan.gov/MichiganWorks.