The problem I’m going to be talking about is EBT where SNAP benefits are being cut off for people  who have EBT. I’m talking about this because many people with EBT who rely on SNAP benefits will not be able to receive their money and won’t be able to buy food for their families. 

What is EBT?
EBT is Electronic Benefits Transfers, where the government provides money through the debit card that can help people get food, medicaid and cash assistance. This debit card helps people whose household is very large, people with disabilities, elderly people and people who are living in poverty typically will receive this card if they apply for it. Studies show how the percentage of people applying using SNAP to get this car is increasing every year. SNAP is a federal program that  helps low income families and this connects to EBT because the SNAP benefits are on EBT to use for  people.

What’s happening to the government?
As of October 1, 2025, when the Republican and the Democrats couldn’t agree upon passing a funding bill, the government shut down. The Republicans have most of the control in the government but they still needed the Democrats to sign off on the bill. The Democrats were asking for extension of tax credits which would help lower health insurance for people. This shutdown is affecting a lot of people because workers are not being paid and people are without health insurance. 

How is this affecting EBT?
Since the government is shut down, the government that is supposed to provide the money for people with EBT can do that. Even though for the remainder of October they still have money starting in November they are at risk of  not having money on the EBT anymore since the government can’t provide the funds. This is affecting people that live off SNAP benefits because they won’t be able to have food and in November Thanksgiving is coming up and people that live off EBT won’t be able to buy food for their families.