Dear Neighbor,

I want to make sure you are aware that, due to the lack of a federal budget and the resulting government shutdown, SNAP benefits for November 2025 cannot be paid. Beginning October 16, SNAP benefits will not be issued until the federal government shutdown ends and funds are released to Pennsylvania. The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) will notify SNAP recipients when payments can resume and will provide information on when to expect their benefits.

If you are receiving SNAP, please remember that you are still responsible for completing renewals and reporting any changes to your income, contact information, or the people living in your home during the shutdown. SNAP recipients should also remember changes mandated by the federal government that will take effect November 1 and report their work, schooling, or volunteer participation to DHS.

If you are in need of food assistance locally, please contact the Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank or visit Feeding Pennsylvania's website to find food resources everywhere in PA.

I also want to share that DHS is reporting that SNAP clients are receiving calls from the numbers listed below, claiming that their benefits are on hold until they verify their eligibility and asking them to provide their PIN. This is a SCAM.

1-888-239-7710

1-888-272-8720

1-888-737-6551

DHS will never ask for personal information in an unsolicited text message, email, or phone call.

Please report any texts or calls about DHS benefits that seem suspicious by calling the DHS fraud tip line at 1-844-DHS-TIPS (1-844-347-8477).

Due to the federal government shutdown, Pennsylvania must delay the opening of the 2025-26 Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) season by one month, until December 3, 2025, because the Department of Human Services (DHS) has not yet received its federal allocation for 2025-2026 LIHEAP funds.

Without action from the White House or the Republican-controlled Congress to reopen the federal government or release LIHEAP funding to the states, DHS will be unable to open the LIHEAP season as previously scheduled on November 3, 2025. LIHEAP is a federally funded program administered by DHS, which distributes benefits directly to a household’s utility company or home heating fuel provider on behalf of qualified Pennsylvanians who need assistance paying their home heating bills during the winter months.

On average, Pennsylvania receives more than $215 million every year for LIHEAP – in 2023, the Commonwealth received $216 million and in 2024, $229 million – meaning that Pennsylvania cannot backfill these costs.

For immediate needs during the shutdown, Pennsylvanians can use PA Navigate at pa-navigate.org to help find resources. Local help is also available by calling 211 or visiting pa211.org. If you need help heating your home this winter, here's a list of utility companies' assistance programs: https://www.puc.pa.gov/about-the-puc/consumer-education/utility-assistance-programs/

Election Day 2025 (November 4) is approaching fast, and I want to remind you of important dates to make sure your vote is counted:

• Tuesday, October 28 – Last day to apply for an absentee or mail-in ballot.
• Tuesday, November 4 – Election Day: Polls open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 8:00 p.m. Voters must be in line by 8:00 p.m. to cast their ballot.
• Tuesday, November 4, by 8:00 p.m. – Deadline for mail-in and absentee ballots to be received.

Luzerne County voters who wish to vote by mail can also drop off their own ballot in person at one of two secure drop box locations during the following times:

Hazleton Exchange Building         

100 West Broad Street, Hazleton, PA 18201          

Open Weekdays from 8AM-9PM     

This box will close at 4PM on Monday, 11/3/25

Penn Place (Main Lobby and Election Bureau) 

20 N Pennsylvania Ave., Wilkes-Barre, PA 18701  

Open Weekdays from 8AM - 4:30PM (front doors unlock at 8am)       

This box will close at 8PM on Election Day (Tuesday, 11/4/25)

To register to request a mail-in or absentee ballot or find your polling place visit: vote.pa.gov. For information about Luzerne County elections, please click here.

Your vote is your voice and your power to make elected officials understand your concerns.

Make sure your voice is heard loud and clear on November 4th – Vote – it’s your responsibility and your power!

What: National Prescription Drug Take Back & Child Car Seat Safety Check Event
When: Saturday, October 25 from 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Where: Luzerne County Courthouse

(rear parking lot)
200 North River Street

Wilkes-Barre, PA

This event helps keep our communities safe by responsibly disposing of unused, unwanted, or expired prescription medications. Simply drive up and drop them off! The Northeast Highway Safety Program’s Child Passenger Safety Technicians will be on hand to provide free child seat fittings.

Let us continue to work together to build a stronger and safer America by searching for the TRUTH and finding the FACTS to guide our words, and our actions. Please, STAY STRONG and SAFE! Our democracy needs us to come together for the good of all.

Sincerely,

Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski

121st Legislative District