Government Shutdown Impact
What Californians Need to Know
211 California is tracking impacts to benefits and community services. Use the guide below for current status, what’s changing next, and how to get help in your county.
Last updated: November 13, 2025 • Status subject to change; verify locally.
As of November 13, 2025, the federal government has officially reopened, and most public benefit programs are returning to normal operations. Some county and federal offices may experience short processing delays as services resume. Californians can continue using their benefits and should follow local agency updates for the latest information. If you need help connecting to food, housing, or health resources, call 2-1-1 or visit your local 2-1-1 website for assistance.
➡️ Scroll below for program-specific updates on CalFresh (SNAP), School Meals, WIC, Medi-Cal, Public Housing, Section 8, or to find your local 211.
SNAP (CalFresh)
Status: Full benefit restoration underway; Californians are beginning to receive full deposits on their EBT cards.
What to expect: Processing and issuance schedules should now return to normal, but some county offices may still experience high call volumes or slight delays due to catch-up.
What you can do:
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Check your EBT balance via your usual channel before shopping.
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If your benefit hasn’t appeared yet, contact your county 2-1-1 or CalFresh office for updates.
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Stay alert for official county texts/emails about timing or recertification extensions.
School Meals
Status: Schools are open and the meal service continues where school is in session. No major federal disruptions have been announced at this time.
Upcoming: Watch for local district communications in case of schedule changes or contingency distribution days due to non-instructional periods.
What you can do:
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Check your school district’s website or call your local 2-1-1 for updates.
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If your child’s school shifts to alternate meals or off-site distribution, stay connected to local food bank partnerships.
WIC
Status: Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children in California remains fully operational; federal legislation passed on November 12 2025 ensures funding through September 30, 2026.
What to expect: Use your WIC benefits and attend scheduled appointments as usual.
What you can do:
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Continue using your WIC Card and check the California WIC App for your food balance and benefits.
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Attend all scheduled WIC visits and follow guidance from your local WIC office.
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Contact your WIC clinic if you need help with appointments, benefits, or nutrition referrals.
Medi‑Cal
Status: Coverage remains active for eligible members; most renewals and redeterminations continue.
What to expect: Some county call-centers may have increased wait times—when possible use online portals.
What you can do:
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Log into your Medi-Cal account to confirm or update your contact information.
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Respond promptly to any renewal notices to avoid gaps in coverage.
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Contact your local county social services office if you have questions about coverage status.
Public Housing Authorities
Status: Most PHAs are operating and continuing supports; federal guidance indicates voucher payments will be extended through December 2025.
What to expect: Appointments and inspections may still be rescheduled due to backlog or staffing changes.
What you can do:
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Monitor communication from your local PHA for updates.
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Continue paying your tenant portion of rent as required; stay in contact if you anticipate any issues.
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Use 2-1-1 or your PHA’s resource line for emergency housing referrals if you face delays.
Section 8 (Housing Choice Vouchers)
Status: Existing vouchers and payments are generally unaffected; local PHAs continue to operate.
What you can do:
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Stay current with your PHA’s updates and any changes to workload or timelines.
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If you’re a voucher holder, continue fulfilling your lease and program obligations.
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For landlords, continue accepting voucher payments and stay aware of any federal notices or changes via your PHA.
Food Assistance
Your local 211 program maintains up to date listings of food pantry locations, hours, and eligibility, as well as local food distribution events. Visit your local 211 website (see links below) or dial 2-1-1 from a phone to receive live assistance to find food resources near you. You can also lookup your local food bank here: California Association of Food Banks
Other Services
211 can also help with: unemployment information, utility assistance, transportation, senior services, behavioral health, and disaster updates in your county. If you or someone you know needs help, call 2-1-1 or visit your your county's 211 website.
What You Can Do Right Now
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Check local updates on your county’s 211 page and agency portals before you travel.
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Keep your documents handy for any renewals (ID, income verification, notices).
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Use multiple channels: phone 211, web chat (if available), or text (where offered).
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If you run out of food, look for emergency distributions or call 211 for the nearest option.
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If your benefits change, contact your county office immediately; many issues can be fixed quickly.
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Federal Government Reopens – Programs Resuming Operations Nationwide
On November 13, 2025, the U.S. House of Representatives approved the federal funding bill previously passed by the Senate, officially ending the government shutdown. The President signed the measure shortly after, allowing all federal agencies and programs to resume normal operations.
As a result, essential programs that many Californians rely on — including CalFresh (SNAP), WIC, School Meals, Medi-Cal, and Housing Assistance Programs — are being fully restored. While funding and program continuity are secured, some agencies may still face short-term processing delays as they work through backlogs created during the shutdown period.
211 California and local 211s statewide will continue to monitor state and federal updates to ensure Californians have the latest verified information. If you experience delays or need help accessing food, housing, or health resources, call 2-1-1 or visit your local 2-1-1 website for assistance.