On November 12th, the President signed a funding bill passed by Congress, ending the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. Once the government reopened, federal agencies began releasing funds for critical programs.

What's the Status of Food & Energy Assistance?

• SNAP/Food Stamps: USDA directed states to release full November SNAP benefits. December benefits will be released on their regular schedule. For more information: FRAC State SNAP Benefit Tracker
• WIC Food Assistance: Bill fully funds WIC for FY 2026 (Special Supplemental Food Program for Women, Infants, and Children) including the fruit and vegetable benefits.
• Energy Assistance: Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) funds are expected to be released to states by the end of November. Generations United urges funds to be distributed as soon as possible as LIHEAP provides critical heating assistance.

What Happened with Health Care?

The agreement to end the shutdown only included a promise of a future vote on extending the enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare) premium tax credits. Over 24 million people rely on the ACA marketplace to gain health insurance coverage for their families, including many grandparents and other kin raising children. With open enrollment already underway, many families are making decisions now. Generations United urges Congress to act to extend the enhanced ACA premium tax credits to help Americans afford their health care.

What You Can Do:

Contact your Members of Congress & urge them to extend the Affordable Care Act (ACA/Obamacare) premium tax credits. Share how health insurance premium spikes are impacting families in their district.

• Find your Members & how to contact them

Tell us how increased health insurance costs are impacting you & families in your community.

• Email us at gu@gu.org.

Resources for More Information:

• Congress votes to end the longest federal government shutdown in history.
• The longest government shutdown in US history is over. Here's what you need to know
• Federal Government Shutdown: What it Means for States and Programs
• Shutdown Deal Fully Funds WIC, Protects Fruit and Vegetable Benefits for Families
• Bipartisan group of senators calls for release of funding for low-income heating "immediately"

Tracking the Impact of HR 1 (The One Big Bill)

As states and local governments are implementing federal cuts to Medicaid and food assistance following the passage of the HR 1, it's critical to document the impact on all generations.

Expanded Work Requirements for SNAP/Food Stamps Took Effect November 1. More people will now be subject to work requirements when applying or re-certifying SNAP benefits, adding more barriers for struggling families.

Full Guide to SNAP Work Requirements

What are SNAP work requirements now? All adults ages 18-64 must document 20 hours of work or volunteering every week, unless they meet an exemption. This includes former foster youth, parents and relative caregivers of children 14 & older, veterans, and people experiencing homelessness.

Who is exempt from SNAP work requirements? Older adults age 65+, relative caregivers and parents with children 13 & under, family caregivers of someone with a disability, pregnant people, people unable to work due to a physical or mental disability, and members of a federally recognized Indian tribe. For more information: USDA Implementation Memo

Want to know how your SNAP may be impacted? Contact your benefits specialist or SNAP office.

Health Care Cuts Leading to Rural Hospital and Health Center Closures. See this resource with articles compiled from across the US from Protect Our Care: Hospital Crisis Watch: "The Fallout of the Big Beautiful Bill Is Already Here" As Americans Brace for Impact

Child Welfare Policy Highlights

A Home for Every Child

Alex Adams, Assistant Secretary at the Administration for Children and Families (ACF), announced new ACF initiative "A Home for Every Child" with the goal to "prioritize matters that safely decrease the number of children entering foster care through effective prevention, while also increasing the number of foster homes through diligent recruitment, prioritizing kin, and improving retention of existing caregivers."

Fostering the Future for American Children and Families

On November 13th, First Lady Melania Trump brought national attention to young people transitioning out of foster care with the signing of the Fostering the Future for American Children and Families Executive Order. The Order highlights the importance of strengthening supports, technology, and partnerships that contribute to the well-being of all youth in foster care, including over 125,000 children placed with kin.  

Leaving the Sticky Notes Behind: Harnessing Innovation and New Technology to Help America's Foster Youth Succeed

The House Ways and Means Work and Welfare Subcommittee held a hearing "Leaving the Sticky Notes Behind: Harnessing Innovation and New Technology to Help America's Foster Youth Succeed" on November 18th, focused on innovations to support improved outcomes for foster youth.

Help Generations United Advocate for Your Communities 

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About Generations United: For over three decades, Generations United has been the catalyst for policies and practices stimulating cooperation and collaboration among generations, evoking the vibrancy, energy, and sheer productivity that result when people of all ages come together. We believe that we can only be successful in the face of our complex future if generational diversity is regarded as a national asset and fully leveraged. For more information, visit www.gu.org.

Questions? Please email gu@gu.org.