Social security, Medicare and Medicaid payments are continuing now that the federal government has shut down, but other programs might have to rely on state funds if a shutdown drags on, experts say.
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, which helps nearly 500,000 people feed their families every month in Philadelphia alone, could be affected. WIC benefits, which are for pregnant women and babies, could be disrupted as well.
The government shutdown began 12 a.m. Wednesday morning.
Based on what’s happened during other government shutdowns, experts say SNAP recipients will receive their payments for the first month.