Federal Government Shutdown FAQs for Oklahoma Human Services
The following is based on information available as of November 13, 2025
Please check back often as this will be updated as additional information becomes available.
On Wednesday night, the President signed legislation to reopen the federal government through January 30, 2026. Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) is restoring programs based on the timelines, guidance, and funding provided by our federal partners.
This page shares what we know at this time and will be updated as we receive new federal information.
General
Yes, we continue to assist individuals and families. Some program updates depend on when federal agencies issue updated guidance and funding instructions.
We recognize the significance of this issue and the impact it has on the families we serve. Unfortunately, federal guidance is limited at this point. Please know that OKDHS is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as soon as new information becomes available. OKDHS will also post updates to this webpage. If you have questions about SNAP that are unrelated to the government shutdown, you can visit Program FAQs for additional information.
Yes. 75% of the agency is federally funded, which means many of the assistance programs provided by OKDHS are also affected by the shutdown. OKDHS is working to minimize the impact on all of these programs for as long as possible.
Please visit BeANeighbor.org to find resources in your community.
SNAP
As of Nov. 13, we have been given federal guidance to issue full November benefits for SNAP recipients. Our team has proactively been preparing our systems to be able to issue these benefits as quickly as possible. Most households will receive their benefits within the next 24 hours.
If you receive SNAP, you can complete the Referral for the State Emergency Fund to the Food Banks to request a referral.
Yes, as of now, OKDHS offices will remain open through the month of November.
You can find information about other food assistance programs by calling 211, visiting the 211 website, or visiting the OKDHS Be a Neighbor website. Links are provided below:
The loss of federal funding will cause a strain on food banks and pantries. If you would like to help, please contact your local food bank/pantry about their donation needs during this time.
OKDHS is monitoring the situation closely and will provide updates as they become available.
For verified agency updates related to November SNAP benefits, including the status of partial benefit issuance, please continue to check this webpage.
If you have questions about SNAP that are unrelated to the federal shutdown, you can visit Program FAQs for additional information.
Child Care Subsidy
The federal government shutdown has paused funding for many programs nationwide, including child care assistance. Because nearly 75% of Oklahoma Human Services (OKDHS) funding comes from federal sources, we must adjust the Child Care Subsidy program to preserve available resources for as long as possible.
Beginning November 1, 2025:
- The $5 per day COVID-era add-on incentive for school-age children (ages 6+) will be removed.
- With the exception of children in foster care, adoptions, children with disabilities who are approved for a special needs rate, and the unhoused population, OKDHS will pause new applications and renewals for school-age children until federal funding is restored.
These changes affect families with school-age children (6 and older) who receive child care subsidy assistance, and the providers who serve them. Subsidy for infants, toddlers, and pre-school age children will continue at current rates.
If your child is school-age and already approved for subsidy, your provider will continue receiving payments, but the removal of the COVID-era add-on incentive will reduce the payments by $5 per day. The change takes effect on November 1, 2025. Eligibility for children 6 years of age and older who do not fit within one of the exceptions will be closed or removed at the next renewal.
Not at this time. To preserve limited funds, OKDHS must pause new applications and renewals for school-age children (ages 6+). There is an exception to this pause for children in foster care, adoptions, children with disabilities who are approved for a special needs rate, and the unhoused population. Applications and renewals for children under age 6 remain open.
If your renewal was submitted before November 1, 2025, it will be processed as usual. Renewals submitted on or after November 1 for school-age children will be subject to the changes.
We will share updates as soon as new information becomes available. Please check this page regularly to stay informed.
