Information Regarding the 2019 Federal Government Shutdown & Impact on Benefits Programs
Massachusetts Law Reform Institute (MLRI) has compiled information on the federal government shutdown and specifically what is happening to low income residents who receive or are applying for food assistance, health care, cash assistance benefits, unemployment insurance or housing.
This document briefly summarizes the state of several core assistance programs in Massachusetts as of January 24, 2019 (updated in part on 1/30/19) and includes resources and information for individuals affected.
MLRI's statement on the shutdown can be viewed here.
The four Massachusetts Food Banks, Project Bread and MLRI released a joint press statement urging Governor Baker to start preparing a "disaster plan" should the shutdown continue, as well as urge the President and Congress to end the shutdown.
Impact of shutdown on SNAP fliers in ENGLISH and SPANISH (Updated 2/15/19)
Tenants' Rights During the Government Shutdown.
Massachusetts Subsidized Properties in Danger Due to Shutdown.
Children's HealthWatch and MLRI are collecting stories from those affected by the shutdown for use in advocacy and media. If you, your family, or your organization has been impacted, please share your story with us by clicking here for the storybank form!
| Attachment | Size |
|---|---|
| MLRI 2019 Fed Shutdown Benefits Memo-Jan 30_0.pdf (619.79 KB) | 619.79 KB |
| JointPressStatement_GovernmentShutdown_1.16.19 final.pdf (673.89 KB) | 673.89 KB |
| PR-MLRI Government Shutdown 30 Day FINAL.pdf (67.29 KB) | 67.29 KB |
| NHLP_TenantsRightsDuringShutdownFlyer1.23.pdf (52.51 KB) | 52.51 KB |
| Mass.-Expiring-Contracts_Dec-Feb.pdf (420.16 KB) | 420.16 KB |
| MLRI, PB and MA food banks shutdown flier, Spanish. Updated 2-21-19.pdf (158.67 KB) | 158.67 KB |
| MLRI, PB and MA food banks shutdown flier, English. Updated 2-15-19.pdf (190.53 KB) | 190.53 KB |