Federal Shutdown: What to know in Massachusetts 

Food/Cash Benefits in Massachusetts

SNAP:

DTA is issuing October SNAP benefits on a normal schedule (between the 1st and 14th of the month). And, DTA is processing applications  as normal. As of now, nothing has changed. Visit Mass.gov/SNAP to learn how to apply. DTA has a shutdown FAQ posted here. 

WIC: 

There is no immediate impact to WIC families in Massachusetts. WIC is continuing as normal. To learn more, see updates, or to apply for WIC, visit Mass.gov/WIC (direct link to MA WIC's federal shutdown information here). 

School meals:

There is no impact on school meals. 

DTA cash benefits (TAFDC, EAEDC):

There is no impact on DTA cash benefits. Visit Mass.gov/DTA to apply for cash benefits.  

Emergency food resources in your community:

• Call Project Bread’s FoodSource Hotline: 1-800-645-8333
• Call Mass 2-1-1
• Contact the Food Bank in your area:
  • Greater Boston Food Bank: GBFB.org/need-food
  • Food Bank of Western MA: FoodbankWMA.org/get-help/
  • Worcester County Food Bank: Foodbank.org/find-food/
  • Merrimack Valley Food Bank: MVFB.org/member-agencies/

Healthcare

MassHealth:

There is no impact on MassHealth. 

Medicare:

There is no impact on Medicare. Authority for the Hospital at Home program expires September 30, 2025 as do certain telehealth options. It is possible federal employee furloughs may slow down administrative tasks (like issuing replacement Medicare cards).

Housing 

Section 8: 

There is no impact at this time on Section 8. Tenants should not receive a rent increase, voucher termination, or eviction notice because of the shutdown.

Public Housing: 

There is no impact at this time on public housing. Tenants should not receive a rent increase or eviction notice because of the shutdown.

Learn more information about the shutdown's impact on housing assistance.  

Immigration

• At this time both detained and non-detained cases are going forward at Boston and Chelmsford.  
• All individuals in Immigration Court proceedings should check their case status before hearings and attend all hearings on the court schedule.
• Applications before USCIS should continue to be reviewed and interviewed.

MLRI last updated this page on Oct. 1, 2025