Impacts of the shutdown on low-income Oregonians

Congress was unable to come to an agreement over a budget resolution and the Federal Government was forced to shut down on October 1.

So what does this mean for Oregonians who rely on nutrition and income assistance programs to make ends meet?

For now, Oregon has enough funds to maintain many of these assistance programs through the month of October. As time goes on, the pressure on state and local budgets will lead to reductions. This comes at a time when many of these programs are already struggling under the devastating cuts of the sequestration.

Unless action is taken soon, this shutdown will further impact low-income Oregonians and cause children and families to go hungry; agencies could be forced to make cuts, decrease or even shutdown programs along with the government.

We can avoid this.

Partners for a Hunger-Free Oregon urges the Federal Government to take action now, and pass a clean budget bill. Tell your delegation members that you want a quick resolution to protect Oregon's children and families.

Read on for information about how the shutdown affects specific programs, and visit our website in upcoming days as we continue to share updates.

Food assistance programs

Programs that remain protected through October:

SNAP (the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly food stamps); Child nutrition programs, including School Lunch, School Breakfast, Child and Adult Care Feeding programs, Summer Food Service Program and Special Milk; WIC, The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women Infants and Children; Meals on Wheels & Senior Nutrition Meal Sites.

TEFAP. Food Banks will continue to receive food products from The Emergency Food Assistance Program that have already been ordered, although no new food purchases will be made until funds are restored. The Oregon Food Bank is expected to continue normal operations in October.

Potential impacts of the shutdown:

CSFP & FDPIR. No additional funds are available for the Commodity Supplemental Food Program (CSFP) for seniors and families and the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR). Oregon may have a contingency plan, but we are awaiting further information. Check our website in the near future for updates.

More information from the USDA about federal nutrition programs.

Income Support programs

Programs that remain protected through October:

Representatives from the Oregon Department of Human Services have stated they do not expect to have any disruptions in service for the month of October. This includes funding for TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families),

ERDC (Employment Related Day Care), foster care and child support.

Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, CHIP, and the Child Health Insurance Program will all continue to operate as normal.

Affordable Care Act. A short shutdown will have minimal impact on the health reform law and state-based marketplaces. This includes marketplaces run by states as well as the Federal Government.

Housing Assistance. Families in public housing or receiving rental assistance will not see immediate issues. Homeless assistance grants, including supportive housing for veterans and housing for people with disabilities, will continue to be funded.

Potential impacts of the shutdown:

Unemployment Insurance. Federal funds for extended Unemployment Insurance will continue; however, administrative funds will be affected, which may lead to delays in getting benefits approved or longer wait times for phone service.

For more information about the shutdown or for programs not listed here, see the U.S. Agency Contingency Plans or go to www.usa.gov.