Hello neighbors,
More than 70,000 Snohomish County residents relying on SNAP food benefits did not receive their monthly allocations on time because of the federal government shutdown. But thanks to federal court orders requiring the Trump administration to continue paying SNAP benefits during the shutdown, our Department of Social Health Services (DSHS) began issuing full November food assistance benefits to Washingtonians last Thursday.
DSHS announced that folks who typically get their SNAP benefits between the first and seventh day of the month should now see funds on their EBT cards, and all other SNAP recipients will get their benefits on their usual issuance date. I appreciate DSHS’s hard work to get Washingtonians their SNAP benefits during this time of immense stress and increased food insecurity.
As we approach the winter months and holiday season, I know it can be difficult sometimes to make ends meet and put food on the table. If you or anyone you know needs access to food — regardless of the situation — please call 2-1-1 (Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.) or visit https://wa211.org/resources/food/. Washington 211 has a fantastic list of resources to help our fellow Washingtonians stay fed, including a map of the food pantries closest to you.
While the Trump administration continues to fight against the payment of November SNAP benefits during the shutdown, Washington state has stepped up to the plate to ensure people have access to food. In the 2025 legislative session, we invested $93 million to strengthen food security and assistance programs, and Gov. Bob Ferguson ordered the state to provide an additional $2.2 million per week for our local food banks while the shutdown is ongoing. These efforts should help ensure anyone who is struggling to afford groceries can get food and other essentials they need.
Contact my office for help with getting unemployment benefits
Whether you’re a furloughed federal employee or someone recently laid off through no fault of your own, my office can help if you’re experiencing delays in your unemployment benefits. Please send an email to Marko.Liias@leg.wa.gov with the following information so my incredible staff can escalate your case with the Employment Security Department:
- Full name
- Claim ID number
- Address
- If you’re experiencing any financial hardships, briefly describe
Other resources for these challenging economic times
In addition to helping you find food assistance, Washington 211 can help connect you to several other local resources in times of need, such as utility assistance, housing, health care, child care, elder care, crisis intervention, and more.
If you need help with housing, the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services has some excellent resources for finding safe, affordable housing, getting help with rent and utilities, and more. The Washington State Department of Commerce also has a helpful two-pager for renters facing eviction, and the Washington State Department of Financial Institutions has resources and guidance for homeowners facing foreclosure.
Snohomish County’s Human Services Divisions has a variety of programs and services for seniors and veterans, servicemembers, and their families.
As we navigate these uncertain and challenging times, please don’t hesitate to contact my office if you need help getting connected to resources.
Talk soon!
