The Oklahoma Department of Human Services (OKDHS) announced last Tuesday that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be suspended beginning Nov. 1, following notification from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) that federal funding has been halted due to the ongoing government shutdown.

More than 684,600 Oklahomans currently rely on SNAP to help cover monthly grocery expenses. The suspension comes as a direct result of Congress’ failure to approve a budget for the 2026 fiscal year, which led to the federal government shutting down on Oct. 1. Until lawmakers reach an agreement, many federally funded programs— including SNAP— will remain on hold.

“SNAP households can continue using existing funds on their EBT cards through Oct. 31,” OKDHS said in a statement. “However, the ability to access or use benefits after that date remains uncertain.”

The agency urged recipients to plan ahead and carefully manage their remaining balances. Officials also reminded SNAP users to protect their accounts from fraud by locking their EBT cards when not in use, noting that electronically stolen benefits cannot be reimbursed.

OKDHS encouraged Oklahomans to support one an- other during this period of uncertainty and directed residents to community resources through its Be a Neighbor initiative, available at oklahoma.gov/okdhs/ beaneighbor.html.

The department pledged to provide clear and timely updates as more information becomes available from the USDA.

SNAP recipients with questions can visit oklahoma. gov/okdhs/shutdown or call the number, 405-522-5050, for assistance.