Ashe County Department of Social Services staff briefed commissioners about the likely local impacts of an ongoing federal government shutdown and distributed handouts describing program-by-program effects.

Tracy, representing DSS, said the state has enough funds to continue SNAP benefits through October but that benefits for November may not be available unless federal funding is renewed. She said the county will continue to accept and process SNAP applications; applicants approved in October will receive prorated October benefits but may not automatically receive November payments if federal funding lapses.

Tracy said Medicaid coverage is continuing despite the shutdown, though some Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services staff may be furloughed so responses to questions could be delayed. She also explained that the Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIEAP) would see impacts if federal funds are not appropriated; the county had recently received approximately $88,000 in crisis intervention (SIP) funds from the state that have been used to support residents in immediate need.

DSS staff urged residents to use local food banks and community resources and said the county continues to process applications for program eligibility. Commissioners asked whether the county would be obligated to front funds for mandatory programs during a lapse; staff said the state Department of Health and Human Services has the obligation to provide funding and that local coordination with churches and nonprofits is ongoing to meet emergent needs.

No formal action was taken; the item served as a briefing and a request for awareness as federal budget negotiations continue.