Federal Government Shutdown - Impacts to DSHS and the Washington Residents We Serve
The federal government hasn’t passed spending legislation to keep the government open. That means, as of Oct. 1, 2025, portions of the federal government have stopped operating. But essential workers stay on the job.
October 2025 food and cash benefits that DSHS issues will still go to recipients.
The Division of Disability Determination Services continues to process all disability claim types with support of state funding during a federal funding lapse. For any questions about Social Security Administration benefit payments, please visit www.ssa.gov for updated information during the federal government shutdown.
The Office of Financial Management is compiling impacts to Washington state agencies on its website.
We continue to analyze potential future impacts to benefits. Please return here to learn more in the coming days.