Federal Government Shutdown Information & Resources

During the federal government shutdown, Cabarrus County remains committed to keeping residents supported and informed.

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has ordered a pause on all November SNAP benefits until further notice due to the federal government shutdown. Unless the USDA lifts their suspension in the coming days, November SNAP benefits will not be issued. The NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is ready to act quickly if the USDA allows North Carolina to resume November SNAP benefits.

You can still use your EBT card and current benefits at retailers and grocers that accept SNAP/EBT in North Carolina. You can check your balance in the ebtEDGE app or by calling the number on the back of your EBT card.

Although USDA has suspended SNAP benefits for November, please continue to follow reporting requirements, including recertifying for benefits during your usual recertification schedule. DSS is still open for business and will continue to process new SNAP applications, recertifications and change reports.

We know how important these benefits are. NCDHHS will continue to share updates on this situation on their website at https://www.ncdhhs.gov/about/federal-government-shutdown.

Available food resources:

Resources & Frequently Asked Questions

What is a government shutdown?

A government shutdown happens when Congress fails to pass funding bills or a continuing resolution to authorize federal spending. Without that funding, many agencies must suspend nonessential operations.

What is happening to the federally funded County programs?

These programs may see delays. Contracts or grants already in place may continue to be serviced if funding is allowed, but new applications or oversight may slow or stop.

 

Will I still get my SNAP benefits?

  • NCDHHS has implemented the directive from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to suspend the issuance of November 2025 SNAP/FNS benefits
  • NCDHHS is taking immediate action to notify FNS participant households of the suspension through press releases, text messages, social media posts and other media outlets 
  • NCDHHS will provide public messaging to participants to inform them of community resources for finding food assistance
  • NCDHHS will maintain updates on the status of USDA’s suspension of November 2025 benefits on its Federal Government Shutdown page: Federal Government Shutdown | NCDHHS. All communications regarding the status of USDA’s FNS benefit suspension should reference this webpage to ensure consistency and avoid misinformation

 

What is the County doing?

We are:

  • Reviewing federally funded programs to identify impacts
  • Continuing to work as normal, while maintaining close contact with the state for updates and guidance
  • Monitoring developments closely with County leadership and our HHS Business Operations team
  • Striving to deliver clear, relevant information to the public

What food assistance is available?

Local pantries include:

Additional resources:

  • Food Access Maps
  • Dial 2-1-1 or visit NC211 to connect with local food pantries, meal programs, and other essential services. Available 24/7 and in multiple languages.

What about housing, homelessness and utility assistance?

  • Cooperative Christian Ministry, 704-786-4709 option #6: Online applications for crisis assistance as well as a transitional housing program
  • HelpwithHousing.net: Digital platform connecting you to the appropriate resource that best fits your needs
  • City of Concord Housing Authority, 704-920-6100: The Housing Department offers affordable rental housing and four (4) public housing sites. The Housing Department administers programs such as the Housing Choice Voucher Program, the Family Self-Sufficiency Program (FSS) and the ROSS Homeownership Program.
  • United Way Hope Line, 919-361-4835: Info for needs related to bills, mental health, housing, food, substance abuse and more
  • City of Kannapolis Housing Assistance, 704-920-4332: Limited programs for housing assistance
  • Habitat for Humanity, 704-786-4001: Nonprofit organization helping people build or improve their home

What are some other community resources?

  • El Puente Hispano, 980-389-0615: Programs designed to strengthen and support the Hispanic community through four key areas: education, community empowerment, teen programs and health.
  • Mental Health Resources – Hope4NC & 988: Mental health and substance use support: Call or text 1-855-587-3463 (Hope4NC). 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: call or text 988 for immediate counseling and support.
  • Cabarrus Health Alliance: Public behavioral health, dental services, clinical services, environmental health, family support and other services are provided by Cabarrus Health Alliance. Call 704-920-1000 or visit cabarrushealth.org.
  • Cabarrus County resource list (food, housing, bills, health care and more)

What about other federal programs?

  • TANF (cash assistance): May continue if the state chooses to fund benefits during the shutdown.
  • Housing assistance (HUD): Vouchers and rental assistance are funded through the end of 2025, but new contracts or voucher issuance may be delayed if the shutdown lasts longer.
  • FHA loans: New FHA loan processing may slow or pause.
  • Student loans: Federal Student Aid will operate for a short period, but a prolonged shutdown could delay FAFSA processing or loan assistance.
  • Small businesses and farmers: The SBA will not issue new loans. USDA offices will close, halting new farm loans or subsidy payments. Disaster loans may process more slowly.

Where can I get agriculture and farm support?

· Cabarrus County Cooperative Extension: 715 Cabarrus Ave. W, Concord, NC 28027 / 704-920-3310 / cabarrus.ces.ncsu.edu

 

If federal agencies stop operations, how will that affect things like federal courts, passports, inspections or oversight?

Many federal regulatory, permitting, inspection, or licensing functions might slow, pause or be suspended. Federal courts may only operate in limited capacity (those functions tied to life/safety or constitutionally mandated).

Will mail still be delivered?

Yes. The U.S. Postal Service is self-funded and will continue normal operations.

Could this affect schools?

No. Schools are funded by state and local governments. Some early care and federally funded child programs may be affected.

Will food and health inspections stop?

It’s possible. The FDA will continue to inspect imported food but will suspend many domestic inspections (like testing for salmonella or E. coli). Environmental and workplace safety inspections may also pause.

Can I still travel?

Yes, but expect longer wait times at airports. TSA agents, air traffic controllers, and Customs staff are essential and will still work, but staffing shortages may cause delays.

  • Passport services remain open, though processing may be slower if offices are in federally operated buildings
  • Global Entry appointments may be canceled

 

Will national parks, monuments and museums be open?

Most national parks and federally operated museums will close. Some outdoor sites, such as trails and open-air memorials, remain open. However, services like restrooms, visitor centers and maintenance areas will not be staffed.

What about federal courts?

Federal courts will stay open for at least two weeks into the shutdown. Some proceedings may be delayed if federal attorneys are furloughed.

Do I need to do anything differently?

Residents should proceed with regularly scheduled County business. If you rely on a federal program (grants, USDA support, passport or visa processing, etc.), anticipate delays. If you or someone in your household is a federal employee, we encourage you to stay informed via federal agency communications.

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