LITTLE ROCK, Ark. – Officials with the Arkansas Department of Human Services said earlier plans to lay off 1,500 and delay SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown are on hold.

The planned layoffs would take place as DHS county offices shut down. Officials now say the offices will remain open at least through November 22 as the agency works to update SNAP benefits access.

The change in plans is due to updated guidance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers SNAP, officials said, who added that the guidance included additional funding, allowing the offices to remain open.

Because of the amount of “significant” work required to provide benefits under the new USDA guidance, officials said, an issuance date for benefits has not yet been set.

In light of the shutdown’s impact, DHS is asking Arkansans to check on friends, family, and neighbors, and for those who need assistance to reach out to food banks, churches and community organizations.

The agency has created the HelpArkansas.com website to inform those in need of food assistance about local food banks.