The Warren County Department of Social Services (DSS) wants residents to be aware of the potential impacts of the ongoing federal government shutdown, and to know about options for assistance if benefits are delayed.
Due to the federal government shutdown, November Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be delayed as of November 1, 2025. In addition, the opening of the 2025-26 Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) has been postponed from November 3, 2025 until November 17, 2025.
Warren County DSS staff are working closely with the New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA) to monitor the situation, and working with community partners to minimize disruptions.
Please see below for information about SNAP and HEAP. Updates will be shared as soon as new information becomes available.
SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
October SNAP benefits have been issued as usual. However, November SNAP benefits may be delayed as of Saturday, November 1, 2025 if the federal government shutdown continues. SNAP benefits cannot be issued for November unless the federal government shutdown ends or other federal or NY State action provides necessary funding.
What recipients need to know:
- NY OTDA will notify SNAP households by November 1, 2025, of the status of November SNAP benefits.
- DSS continues to accept and process SNAP applications and recertifications as normal.
- Cash assistance and supportive service payments are not affected.
- No action is required by SNAP recipients at this time. Any pause in benefit issuance will be handled at the state level.
How recipients will be notified:
- Visit otda.ny.gov/shutdown for up-to-date information and FAQs.
- OTDA will share updates on the OTDA website, myBenefits, ebtEDGE mobile app, and via text alerts to SNAP households.
- Important to note: Clients will not receive any written notice about the impact of the federal shutdown on November benefits.
For questions about SNAP benefits in Warren County, contact Warren County DSS at 518-761-6300 or log on to https://www.warrencountyny.gov/SocServ.
HEAP (Home Energy Assistance Program)
The tentative opening date for the 2025-2026 HEAP regular component has been postponed to November 17, 2025. If the federal government shutdown continues, the opening date may be postponed further. Applications can be processed, but payments will not be issued until the program officially opens and federal funds are released.
For questions about HEAP benefits in Warren County, contact Warren County DSS at 518-761-6338.
Support for households
There are multiple places where residents can get free food or prepared meals in Warren County, this link from Warren County DSS lists 14 around the county. You can also consult the Regional Food Bank’s interactive regional website here: regionalfoodbank.net/find-nearest-agency/. The Tri-County United Way has a comprehensive local online guide as well.
Warren County will continue to share updates through our website, social media, and community partners as soon as verified information is available from NY State and federal sources.
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