San Antonio, October 19, 2025
News Summary
As the federal government shutdown nears a record duration, SNAP beneficiaries in Texas face potential payment delays by October 27, impacting over 3.5 million residents. While Medicaid and other benefit programs remain unaffected, the economic ramifications include reduced growth and staff furloughs. Local food banks ramp up assistance efforts amid rising demand from those impacted by the shutdown. USAA has also issued loans to support service members and federal employees affected by these ongoing disruptions.
San Antonio — SNAP beneficiaries in Texas could see their payments delayed if the government shutdown does not end by October 27, affecting more than 3.5 million residents. The potential delay comes as the federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, approaches what could be the longest shutdown on record and is producing wide economic and social impacts.
Key developments
Payments and benefits: SNAP payments in Texas are at risk of delay if the shutdown continues through October 27, potentially affecting more than 3.5 million residents. Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and WIC programs are not currently affected by the shutdown.
Federal workforce and pay: Approximately 2.3 million civilian employees are employed by the federal government as of March 31. During the shutdown, about 750,000 federal employees are predicted to be furloughed daily and will not report to work until the shutdown concludes. Essential workers, categorized as “excepted,” continue to work but will face delayed pay. The government’s cost to pay furloughed workers amounts to roughly $400 million per day. Active-duty service members were temporarily spared from losing pay due to Pentagon funding redirection.
Assistance measures: As of Friday morning, USAA issued over $274 million in loans to 74,000 members to assist military service members and federal employees affected by the government shutdown. USAA’s no-interest loan program allows members to apply for loans up to $6,000, equivalent to one net paycheck. Food banks are increasing efforts to support furloughed federal employees, with the Capital Area Food Bank planning to hold additional food distributions. The San Antonio Food Bank is bracing for increased demand and currently assists over 105,000 people weekly, including many federal workers affected by the shutdown.
Economic and operational impacts
The shutdown has been estimated to reduce economic growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points per week. The travel economy is projected to lose $1 billion weekly due to shutdown-related disruptions. The Federal Aviation Administration is experiencing air traffic controller shortages that have led to widespread flight delays across major cities.
Federal workforce changes are also part of the broader picture: the administration aims to eliminate thousands of federal jobs in departments it views as misaligned with its priorities; an initial reduction of 4,100 workers has already been announced. A federal judge temporarily blocked the mass firings, citing politically motivated reasoning.
Who is most affected in Texas
Low-income households that rely on SNAP support are at the immediate risk of disruption. Food banks in the region are preparing to expand distributions and adjust services to meet increased demand from furloughed workers and other households facing income interruptions. Residents with alternative food sources, such as home gardens, are among those citing strategies to supplement food needs during the shutdown.
What officials and organizations are doing
Financial institutions and charities are offering stopgap assistance. USAA provided no-interest loans and loan advances targeted to service members and federal employees. Local food banks, including the San Antonio Food Bank and the Capital Area Food Bank, are planning additional distributions and outreach to reach those affected by delayed federal payments.
Background and context
The federal government shutdown began on October 1 and is nearing the longest shutdown on record, potentially extending beyond 35 days. The shutdown’s budget and staffing disputes are driving furloughs, delayed pay, and operational slowdowns across multiple federal agencies. Estimates of fiscal impact include daily costs to the government for furloughed workers and weekly losses to specific sectors, such as travel.
| Key Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| SNAP risk date | October 27 (payments could be delayed) |
| Texans potentially affected | More than 3.5 million residents |
| Federal civilian employees | Approximately 2.3 million (as of March 31) |
| Predicted daily furloughs | About 750,000 federal employees |
| USAA emergency lending | Over $274 million issued to 74,000 members; loans up to $6,000, no interest |
| San Antonio Food Bank weekly assistance | Over 105,000 people |
| Economic impact estimate | 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points GDP growth loss per week; $1 billion weekly loss to travel economy |
Timeline
| Date / Time | Event | Status / Source |
|---|---|---|
| October 1 | Federal government shutdown began | Ongoing |
| October 27 | SNAP beneficiaries in Texas could see their payments delayed if the government shutdown does not end by October 27 | Potential impact |
| March 31 | Approximately 2.3 million civilian employees employed by the federal government | Statistical reference |
| As of Friday morning | USAA issued over $274 million in loans to 74,000 members | Completed |
| Recent weeks | Initial reduction of 4,100 workers announced; federal judge temporarily blocked mass firings | Announced / Court action |
Visual statistics
Selected weekly and cumulative impacts shown as simple bar visuals.
FAQ
Who could see SNAP payments delayed?
SNAP beneficiaries in Texas could see their payments delayed if the government shutdown does not end by October 27, affecting more than 3.5 million residents.
How many Texans could be affected?
SNAP beneficiaries in Texas could see their payments delayed if the government shutdown does not end by October 27, affecting more than 3.5 million residents.
What emergency lending has been provided?
As of Friday morning, USAA issued over $274 million in loans to 74,000 members to assist military service members and federal employees affected by the government shutdown.
What are the terms of the USAA loan program?
USAA’s no-interest loan program allows members to apply for loans up to $6,000, equivalent to one net paycheck.
When did the shutdown begin and how long might it last?
The federal government shutdown, which began on October 1, is nearing the longest shutdown on record, potentially extending beyond 35 days.
Are other benefit programs affected?
Medicaid, CHIP, TANF, and WIC programs are not currently affected by the shutdown.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Potential Delay in SNAP Payments Due to Government Shutdown
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News
- Wikipedia: Government Shutdowns in the United States
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google Search: Government Shutdown San Antonio
- KENS 5 News
- Google Scholar: Federal Government Shutdown Texas
- San Antonio Express-News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: United States Federal Government Shutdowns
- News 4 San Antonio
- Google News: Federal Government Shutdown Texas
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
