JACKSON, Wyo. — Due to the federal government shutdown, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, in the state of Wyoming is set to expire on Oct. 31.
According to a Thursday news release from the Wyoming Department of Family Services (DFS), SNAP beneficiaries will not be issued their November food payments until federal funding is restored.
SNAP is distributed in Wyoming by DFS, and the agency stated that it is working with local food banks and other community partners to bridge the gap left by unpaid benefits. Funds were expected to go to recipients in the first week of November, and it is unknown whether the payments will be made at a later date.
“We understand the uncertainty about November’s SNAP funds may create a hardship for families and elderly who rely on this resource, and we want to give them time to prepare,” DFS Director Korin Schmidt said via press release. “We will continue to work with our clients to process applications and renewals so that benefits can be issued as soon as Congress reinstates funding.”
SNAP provides monthly benefits for low-income households to purchase food. Applicants must meet federal income guidelines and complete a multi-step application to qualify for benefits. Between July 2024 and June 2025, an average of 28,364 Wyomingites received SNAP payments. During that time period, 44% of the state’s SNAP recipients were children under the age of 18. The average monthly aid is $185 per person.
DFS encourages residents who would like to apply for benefits to do so, while understanding that payments are not currently available. Individuals who received SNAP benefits in October should monitor social media and the DFS website for more information.
On Wednesday, DFS sent a separate press release announcing a pause in the approval of new applications for Wyoming’s Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP). This program offers benefit payments for seniors and individuals to pay partial winter home heating costs. There are 1,168 households that were already approved for financial support with DFS’ limited funds, and that assistance will not be affected. Last year, LIEAP supported 8,236 households in Wyoming.
