Federal shutdown resources for Washington’s workforce system

Updated Oct. 31, 2025

Please note the following resources as the federal government shutdown continues. Local workforce development area staff and partners are encouraged to check this page for updates. Please contact Communications Manager Andrew Lenderman with questions.

Governor Ferguson moves $2.2 million per week to support food banks ahead of federal SNAP cutoff

• Federal food benefit funding to run out due to government shutdown
• Individuals looking for help, or to share resources, should reach out to their local food bank. More help locating food resources is available from the Washington Department of Agriculture online, or by phone at 360-725-5640. Washington 211 is a free, confidential service that helps connect people with resources.

WA Department of Health: Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Updates

• The department has secured additional funding to maintain WIC food benefits at current levels through mid to late November. This estimate is based on current usage.
• Due to the federal government shutdown, some WIC offices may temporarily close. For now, customers are encouraged to continue to use benefits as usual. If customers have an appointment or need help, they may call the WIC office or check their website to see if they are open. Use the “WIC Clinic Locator” to find local agencies, phone numbers, and other details. Learn more about WIC services and updates here.
• Additional federal shutdown updates on Department of Health programs are listed here.

WA Department of Social and Health Services benefits

• DSHS is working to interpret Friday’s court rulings and awaiting guidance from USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service to get food benefits issued as soon as possible.

• October food and cash benefits that DSHS issues are still going to recipients. If federal funding is not restored, DSHS will not be able to issue food benefits after Oct. 31. Click here for more information.
• The Division of Disability Determination Services continues to process all disability claim types with support of state funding during a federal funding lapse. For any questions about Social Security Administration benefit payments, please visit ssa.gov for updated information during the federal government shutdown.

WA State Department of Agriculture

• 211 Washington connects people with local hunger relief resources and other types of assistance, including housing, utility costs, and more. Visit wa211.org to learn more.
• This Washington 211 map also lists food pantries.
• The WSDA Food Assistance Program supports communities and lower-income families by improving access to safe, nutritious food. Visit agr.wa.gov/foodnearyou to find food banks, food pantries, and similar resources in your area.

Employment Security Department

• The Employment Security Department, as part of a 90-day pilot, is adjusting unemployment benefits call center hours to focus on processing the growing number of claims and get customers paid more quickly.
• Washington state federal workers and others who have been furloughed or laid off as a result of the federal government shutdown are invited to another free virtual webinar on Oct. 30 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Read more.
• Learn more about resources for impacted workers.

Department of Financial Institutions

• Financial resources for federal workers
• Guidance for consumers, financial institutions and federal workers

Office of Financial Management

• This web page from the state Office of Financial Management provides information from across the executive branch: Federal shutdown impacts on Washington state government – Office of Financial Management