Update from Kansas Department for Children and Families in regards to Government shutdown and assistance programs
The Kansas Department for Children and Families (DCF) continues monitoring developments with the federal government shutdown. We will add updates to this page as we receive guidance from federal partners or there are impacts to programs.
Kansans are also encouraged to follow DCF on social media and subscribe to DCF’s enewsletter, DCF Direct, for agency updates and information.
SNAP Benefits
The United States Department of Agriculture has informed all states that because of the federal government shut down, November SNAP benefits are at risk.
If no federal action is taken by October 28, 2025, November SNAP benefits will not be disbursed until the federal government reaches a resolution.
DCF Shares Update on Status of SNAP, 10/21/25
Help for Kansans
For Kansans in need of additional support, Kansas Food Source, kansasfoodsource.org, and Harvesters.org provide locations of food banks and food pantries across the state. The United Way’s 211 hotline or website, 211.org, and 1-800-CHILDREN, 1800childrenks.com, also connects Kansans to resources in their communities.
Status of Other Federal Programs Administered by DCF
The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP)
Each month DCF ships cases of food to TEFAP partners and Soup Kitchens and Food Banks around Kansas. The required federal administrative funds to cover the shipping expenses were not received due to the federal government shutdown. As a result, DCF was unable to authorize the shipments for October. In November, DCF would be scheduled to ship 10,464 cases of food to TEFAP partners and 1,454 cases of food to Soup Kitchens and Food Banks. The cost to ship that food equals $39,329.40.
Disability Determination Services (DDS)
Social Security disability claims are initially processed through a network of local Social Security Administration (SSA) field offices and state agencies. In Kansas, the DDS office is hosted by DCF. At this time, DDS services for Kansans remain open. The Rehabilitation Services Administration (RSA) sent a letter indicating DCF will be reimbursed when the shutdown is over. DCF plans to continue services for this program.
Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP)
The start date of the 2026 LIEAP season is contingent on approval of federal funding for the program. DCF is awaiting updates from the federal government regarding the required financial support. If the federal funding becomes available, DCF will continue planning the 2026 LIEAP season.
Prevention and Protection Services federal grants
DCF has received questions regarding any possible impact to grants and contracts with federal financial participation due to the government shutdown. We are monitoring information for programs that receive federal funding and, at this time, there is no impact on referrals and operations. Examples of these programs may include Family Preservation, Family First, adoption and kinship. If the grants or contracts are anticipated to be impacted, DCF program managers will contact the organization directly.