Dear Clients of Action Wellness,
Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, many Pennsylvanians who rely on essential support programs may face disruptions in food and heating assistance this fall and winter. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has notified the Commonwealth that it will be unable to fund November SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) payments. This means that, unless Congress takes immediate action to reopen the federal government, nearly two million Pennsylvanians will not receive their November SNAP benefits. The state cannot cover these federal costs. If you are a client with unspent SNAP benefits on your EBT card, you may continue to use them – benefits remain valid for up to one year. During this period, clients are urged to keep their EBT cards locked using the ConnectEBT app or website when not in use to prevent theft or misuse. One recommended strategy for maximizing unspent benefits is to try and purchase shelf stable foods when possible which last longer and avoids items expiring or spoiling before they can be used.
Additionally, the opening of the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) has been delayed until December 3, 2025, as Pennsylvania awaits its federal allocation. LIHEAP provides vital heating assistance to more than 300,000 households each year. While the state will continue to process pre-season applications, no payments can be made until the shutdown ends and funding is released.
In the meantime, Pennsylvanians in need of immediate food or utility assistance can:
- Call 211 or visit pa211.org for local food banks and community resources.
- Visit pa-navigate.org for additional resource listings.
- Contact local utility companies to explore alternative energy assistance programs.
- Click here for a list of food resources Action Wellness has assembled.
Action Wellness understands that these disruptions may cause significant hardship for our clients. We encourage anyone affected to reach out for help accessing local resources or managing these interruptions.
Please contact your case manager immediately if you are directly impacted and need assistance.
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UPDATE:
City Launches the One Philly (SNAP) Support Plan
In response to the ongoing federal government shutdown and its impact on food access programs like SNAP, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker has launched the One Philly SNAP Support Plan, a coordinated grant effort among City departments, nonprofits, and community partners to ensure no Philadelphian goes hungry.
Resources Available to all Philadelphians
Many City departments and local partners continue to provide essential services to residents affected by the shutdown:
- Philadelphia Water Department: Assistance programs for water bills and service continuity.
- Emergency hotline: (215) 685-6300
- General Inquiries: (215) 685-6300
- Department of Revenue: Payment plans and hardship assistance.
- For questions about taxes: (215) 686-6600
- For questions about water bills: (215) 685-6300
- Department of Human Services (DHS): Support for children, youth, and families in need.
- For information: (215) 683-4347
- Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities Services (DBHIDS): Behavioral health and recovery supports.
- Emergency suicide or mental health crisis line: 988 or 215-685-6440
- Intellectual disAbility Services (supports and services for all ages): 215-685-5900
- Mental health and addiction services, with or without insurance (CBH Member Services): 888-545-2600
- General DBHIDS information (nonemergency administrative services): 215-685-5400
- PECO and PGW: Utility assistance and payment arrangements.
- PECO Emergency: 1-800-841-4141
- PECO Customer Service: 1-800-494-4000
- PGW Emergency Hotline: (215) 235-1212
- PGW Customer Service: (215) 235-1000
- Office of Community Empowerment and Opportunity (CEO): Financial empowerment, benefits access, and housing stability programs.
- Contact: (215) 685-3600
- Neighborhood Energy and Community Assistance Centers (NCACs): In-person help connecting residents to resources and benefits.
Read the SNAP Benefits Change blog to stay up to date with the latest information.
Free Food Finder
Residents can find nearby food sites and meal programs through the City’s Free Food Finder. Flyers and postcards are available in more than 10 languages to help spread the word.
How You Can Help
Please take a moment to share this information with your family, friends, neighbors, and community networks. Spreading awareness of these programs helps ensure every Philadelphian knows where to find help during this challenging time.
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