The Arkansas Department of Human Services says it will be forced to furlough more than 1,500 employees and close county offices statewide if the federal government shutdown continues through early November.
The agency said Thursday that without congressional action, those closures and furloughs would begin Monday, Nov. 10, when federal funding that supports many DHS operations runs out.
If no deal is reached before this weekend, November’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, benefits could be disrupted, 34 more DHS employees would be furloughed, and several federally funded programs would have to suspend services.
Grants administered through programs such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families, the Social Services Block Grant and the Community Services Block Grant would also be halted, affecting local agencies that provide services for older adults, low-income families and people with disabilities.
DHS Secretary Janet Mann said the shutdown “has put enormous strain on many services we offer,” adding that the agency is deeply concerned about the impact on Arkansans who rely on assistance programs.
Medicaid operations will continue, as that program’s funding is secure through the end of the year. However, SNAP applications and renewals would be paused after Nov. 7, creating a backlog once the shutdown ends.
DHS urged beneficiaries to monitor updates at humanservices.arkansas.gov and Access.Arkansas.gov. The agency says it will continue to provide updates as the shutdown’s effects spread across the state.
To read the full DHS statement from Friday, click here.
In related news, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders released $500,000 in state funds on Friday to assist Arkansas food banks. Click here to read more.
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