Amid the difficult scenario created by the federal government shutdown in the United States since October 1, 2025, Walmart is offering the Walmart+ Assist membership, through which people who qualify for Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) can access the same benefits offered by the Walmart+ program. It also includes in its eligibility terms those enrolled in the National School Lunch Program, Supplemental Security Income, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), and the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
To verify eligibility, SheerID will be used, and users will need to fill out a form to check their eligibility. Additionally, they will also have access to free memberships for streaming services such as Paramount+ and Peacock, as well as free pharmacy delivery, gas savings, and many other benefits. This offer comes following the announcement from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stating that SNAP benefits for November 2025 would not be issued. The government shutdown not only affects SNAP, but the WIC assistance program is also suspended, impacting several states starting this November.
Federal Government shutdown
Since October 1, 2025, the federal government shutdown in the United States has been in effect, following the inability of political parties to reach an agreement. This situation has triggered a crisis in the country, also affecting the payment of social benefits on which millions of Americans depend. This is the case for programs such as SNAP, for which the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) stated that “The well has dried up,” referring to the fact that the payments for the month of November would not be made.
Walmart Assist +
In this situation, in which millions of citizens are being deprived of access to food and where food banks are overwhelmed and unable to meet such demand, Walmart has also wanted to be part of the solution. It has offered the Walmart+ Assist membership, which provides the same benefits as Walmart+, but at a reduced price. It is only available to those who meet the eligibility requirements, which include qualifying for:
- Medicaid.
- The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
- The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC).
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI).
- Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
- Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
How to apply for this membership?
The cost of this Walmart membership is $6.47 per month or $49 per year. Benefits include free membership to the streaming services Paramount+ and Peacock, free pharmacy delivery, savings on gas and self-care, and free returns from home, where the items you wish to return can be picked up from your home – although restrictions apply. To access it, you first need to verify eligibility through SheerID, where shoppers will need to fill out a form. It’s as simple as following these steps:
- Go to Walmart’s website: walmart.com/plus/assist.
- Click “Start your free 30-day trial”.
- Enter your information to create an account
- .Complete the necessary verification with SheerID.
- Choose your plan at either the monthly or annual rate.
- Begin your free trial.
Keep in mind that you will be charged after your 30-day trial ends.
How long will the government shutdown last?
That is a question that all Americans have been asking themselves daily since October 1, 2025. Since then, there have been 12 votes to reopen it, all of which have failed. As long as this situation remains unresolved, the consequences will continue to affect citizens, especially in social and economic aspects, resulting from previous cuts carried out by the Trump Administration.