Created in 2007 by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), The Pennsylvania Key implements the work and supports the policies developed and managed by OCDEL. Learn More. >
Created in 2007 by the Pennsylvania Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), The Pennsylvania Key implements the work and supports the policies developed and managed by OCDEL. Learn More. >The Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) is aware of the direct implications that both the state budget impasse and federal shutdown have on families and the early childhood community. Please see below for a message on SNAP benefits, HR1 implementation and other updates from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS).
Special Advisory:
Because Congress in Washington D.C., failed to pass a federal budget and caused the federal government shutdown, November 2025 SNAP benefits cannot be paid. Starting October 16, SNAP benefits will not be paid until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to PA. We will notify SNAP recipients when payments can resume, and we will let you know when to expect SNAP payments. The 2025-26 LIHEAP season is also delayed until federal funding is received.
Find FAQs about the shutdown, resources to share, and ways to help.
If you need immediate food assistance, visit www.pa211.org, www.feedingpa.org or pa-navigate.org.
Reminder: If you are receiving SNAP, please remember that you are still responsible for completing renewals and reporting any changes to your income, contact information, or the people living in your home during the shutdown. SNAP recipients should also remember changes mandated by the federal government that will take effect November 1 and report their work, schooling, or volunteer participation to DHS.
The Office of Income Maintenance (OIM) administers and determines eligibility for both Medicaid, also known as Medical Assistance (MA) in Pennsylvania, and the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). This includes processing new applications and annual renewals. Your local county assistance office (CAO) found here will determine your eligibility when you renew your Medicaid and/or CHIP coverage.
If you have Medicaid and/or CHIP, you will need to complete a renewal and may need to provide verification documents every year to keep your healthcare coverage. the Department of Human Services (DHS) will send communications about renewals via mail, email, and/or text messages. If you do not submit a renewal when it is due, you may lose coverage.
The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services is launching Human Services Helpers, a Substack that will cover updates on DHS programs, news from the agency, and how organizations and partners can help their communities. Specifically, as DHS implements changes required by the federal government under HR1, Human Services Helpers will share resources and tips to help Pennsylvanians affected by these changes understand what is happening and what they must do to keep their benefits. News on the federal government shutdown and its impact on programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) will also be shared through this platform.”